The “Arka Vertical Garden” scheme, launched by the State Horticulture Mission-Kerala, aims to popularize user-friendly vertical garden structures developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) – Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY). This initiative helps achieve self-sufficiency in safe-to-eat vegetable production, thereby ensuring food and nutritional security for families in Kerala. The scheme is open to Kerala residents who can apply for a single unit of the Arka Vertical Garden structure.
Benefits
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Cost and Subsidy:
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Total cost per unit: ₹22,100
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Subsidy provided per unit: ₹15,525
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Beneficiary contribution: ₹6,575 per unit
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Structure and Components:
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One unit of vertical garden structure covering one square meter
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The structure features 4 tiers with 16 pots and includes 80 kg of enriched planting medium (coir pith)
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Provided seeds of various crops such as spinach, chilli, palak, amaranthus, brinjal, cluster beans, etc.
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Plant nutrition and protection materials are included
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A water storage facility with a 25-litre capacity is supplied
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A drip irrigation system is provided
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The structure is mobile with attached wheels for optimal sunlight exposure
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Eligibility
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The applicant must be a resident of Kerala.
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The applicant should not have received an Arka Vertical Garden structure in the previous year.
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Only one unit of the vertical garden structure per beneficiary is allowed.
Application Process
Registration Process
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Visit ServicePlus Official Website:
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Click on “Register” at the top right corner.
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Fill in Registration Form:
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Provide mandatory details such as Full Name, Email ID, Mobile Number, Password, State, and Captcha Code.
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Verify your Email ID and Mobile Number via OTP if required.
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Ensure your password meets security criteria (at least 9 characters including one special character, one numeric, one uppercase, one lowercase letter; no more than two consecutive identical characters, and not in alphabetical order).
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Submit Registration:
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Agree to the Terms of Use and click “Submit”.
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Online Application Process
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Login to ServicePlus:
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Use your registered credentials to log in.
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Access Scheme Application:
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Expand the left pane, click on “Apply for Services” then “View all available services.”
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Filter by State/UT or Scheme Name to locate “Arka Vertical Garden.”
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Complete the Application Form:
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Fill in all mandatory fields in the online application form.
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Upload required documents.
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Remit the beneficiary contribution of ₹6,575 per unit through the online payment mode.
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Submit Application:
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Click “Submit” to complete your application.
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Note the application number for future reference, and you may print a copy for your records.
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Post-Application Process
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Beneficiaries are selected on a first-come, first-served basis based on the order of application submission.
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Selected beneficiaries will be notified and must be present at the installation site when the structure is delivered.
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At the time of installation, submit the filled application form along with your Aadhaar number.
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The installed structure must be used solely for the purposes outlined in the project guidelines, and periodic inspections will be conducted by the State Horticulture Mission.
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Misuse of the scheme may result in the refund of the subsidy amount.
Documents Required
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Proof of residence in Kerala.
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Aadhaar Number (to be submitted at the time of installation).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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What is the purpose of the vertical garden structure?
It is designed to help households achieve self-sufficiency in vegetable production and ensure food and nutritional security. -
What are the main components of the vertical garden structure?
The structure includes 4 tiers with 16 pots, 80 kg of enriched planting medium, seeds of various vegetables, plant nutrition and protection materials, a 25-litre water storage facility, and a drip irrigation system. -
What area does the structure cover?
One square meter. -
Which vegetables can be grown using this structure?
Vegetables such as spinach, chilli, palak, amaranthus, brinjal, cluster beans, etc. -
What is the total cost of one unit?
₹22,100. -
How much subsidy is provided per unit?
₹15,525. -
What is the beneficiary contribution?
₹6,575 per unit. -
When should the beneficiary contribution be paid?
It must be remitted in advance during the online application process. -
Which organization implements this scheme?
The State Horticulture Mission-Kerala. -
What is the capacity of the water storage container?
25 litres. -
Is the structure mobile?
Yes, it comes with wheels for movement to optimize sunlight exposure. -
How are beneficiaries selected?
Based on the order of application submission. -
Can the structure be used for purposes other than growing vegetables?
No, it must be used solely for the purposes outlined in the project guidelines. -
Is there any inspection after receiving the structure?
Yes, periodic inspections will be conducted by the State Horticulture Mission. -
How many units can one beneficiary receive?
Only one unit per beneficiary. -
How many pots are included in the structure?
16 pots. -
What seeds are provided?
Seeds for various crops including spinach, chilli, palak, amaranthus, brinjal, and cluster beans.