The “Kisan Vriksha Mitra Yojana” is an initiative by the Department of Forest, Environment, and Climate Change, Government of Chhattisgarh. The scheme aims to promote commercial tree plantation on private lands of farmers and other stakeholders to boost income, reduce government financial burden, and generate employment opportunities. It targets a diverse group including farmers, private educational institutions, private trusts, panchayats, and leased landholders. Implementation is done in collaboration with private companies and supportive organizations.
Benefits
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Financial Assistance:
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For Farmers:
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100% financial assistance for plantation on up to 5 acres (up to a maximum of 5,000 plants).
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50% financial assistance for plantation on more than 5 acres (maximum of 1,000 plants per acre).
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For Other Stakeholders (Private Institutions, Trusts, Panchayats, Leased Landholders):
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50% financial assistance is provided.
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Buyback Assurance:
The government guarantees buyback of economically beneficial produce (e.g., eucalyptus, bamboo) at a predetermined support price, with private companies collaborating in the process. -
Employment Generation:
Plantation activities under this scheme create local employment opportunities. -
Disbursement Mode:
Financial assistance is released directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts after verification. -
Disbursement Frequency:
Assistance is provided over three years with annual disbursements based on the survival rate of the planted trees.
Eligibility
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Eligible Applicants:
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Farmers with private land.
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Private educational institutions.
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Private trusts.
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Panchayats.
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Leased landholders.
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Priority:
Preference is given to those willing to plant commercially viable tree species such as eucalyptus, bamboo, etc. -
Exclusions:
Lands designated under compensatory afforestation as per the Forest Conservation Act are not eligible.
Application Process
Offline Application
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Contact Regional Office:
Interested parties should contact regional offices of the Forest and Climate Change Department. Regional staff will engage with potential applicants to confirm their willingness to participate. -
Submit Application Form:
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Obtain the prescribed application form from the nearest forest office.
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Complete all mandatory fields, attach required documents, and submit the form.
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Verification:
The forest department verifies the land and documents submitted. -
Approval:
Upon successful verification, the application is approved and the beneficiary is notified. -
Plantation Implementation:
The beneficiary then carries out the plantation as per the provided guidelines. -
Monitoring & Disbursement:
Plantation is monitored for three years. Financial assistance is disbursed either fully or partially based on the survival rate of the plants.
Documents Required
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Land Ownership Documents.
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Bank Account Details.
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Aadhaar Card.
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Proof of Identity (for Private Institutions and Trusts).
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Lease Agreement (for Leased Landholders).
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the maximum financial assistance for a farmer with 10 acres of land?
For areas over 5 acres, farmers receive 50% subsidy at a maximum of 1,000 plants per acre; financial assistance is calculated accordingly based on the number of plants. -
How is the support price for the produce determined?
The government sets a predetermined support price for economically beneficial trees like eucalyptus and bamboo, with private companies involved in the buyback process. -
What is the financial assistance for private trusts in the third year?
Private trusts receive 50% subsidy, and disbursements in subsequent years depend on the survival rate of the planted trees. -
What is the role of the forest department in this scheme?
The department oversees application processing, verification, plantation monitoring, and disbursement of financial assistance. -
How is the financial assistance for leased landholders disbursed?
Leased landholders must submit a valid lease agreement and, once verified, receive 50% financial assistance on the same terms as other non-farmer entities. -
What is the financial assistance for panchayats in the second year?
Panchayats, like other non-farmer entities, receive 50% subsidy, with disbursements linked to plant survival in each monitoring year. -
Can farmers plant trees other than eucalyptus and bamboo?
Yes, though priority is given to commercially viable species like eucalyptus and bamboo; other species may be considered if they meet the project guidelines. -
What is the maximum number of plants supported for up to 5 acres?
Up to 5,000 plants per beneficiary are supported for plantations on up to 5 acres at 100% subsidy. -
How is the survival rate of plants calculated for disbursement?
The survival rate is monitored annually, and financial disbursements in subsequent years are adjusted based on the percentage of plants that remain alive. -
What is the financial assistance for private institutions in the first year?
Private educational institutions receive 50% financial assistance on their plantation costs, disbursed in the first year as per the scheme guidelines. -
Is there a committee to determine the support price for the produce?
Yes, the government collaborates with private companies and supportive organizations to finalize the support price for the buyback of produce. -
What is the role of private companies in this scheme?
Private companies participate in financial collaboration and provide buyback assurance for economically beneficial produce, thereby supporting the scheme’s sustainability. -
How long does the monitoring and evaluation of the plantation last?
The plantation is monitored for a period of three years, with annual disbursements based on the survival rate. -
Is there any priority given to specific beneficiaries under this scheme?
Yes, priority is given to farmers and stakeholders who are willing to plant commercially viable tree species, particularly eucalyptus, bamboo, etc.