Bhausaheb Fundkar Falbag Lagvad Scheme: Helping Farmers

The Bhausaheb Fundkar Falbag Lagvad Scheme was launched by the Agriculture Department of Maharashtra starting from the Kharif season of 2018-19. It aims to support farmers in establishing fruit plantations by providing financial assistance directly through DBT. The scheme covers 16 perennial fruit crops including Mango, Cashew, Guava, Sapota, Custard Apple, Pomegranate, Paper Lemon, Coconut, Tamarind, Fig, Amla, Kokum, Jackfruit, Jamun, Orange, and Mosambi.

• Area Eligibility:

  • Farmers from the Konkan division can avail benefits on land ranging from 0.10 hectare to 10.00 hectares.

  • For the rest of Maharashtra, the applicable area is 0.20 hectare to 6.00 hectares.

Benefits

Pattern of Assistance:

• Subsidy:
  The subsidy is provided through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) and is directly credited to the beneficiary’s Aadhaar-linked bank account on an annual basis.

• Conditions:
  The beneficiary must maintain a minimum survival rate of fruit plants: 80% for the first year and 90% for the second year.

Covered Activities:

1. Pit digging.

2. Planting of grafts/seedlings.

3. Application of chemical and organic fertilizers.

4. Crop protection.

5. Gap filling (spacing or supplemental planting).

Eligibility

• The beneficiary must be a permanent resident of Maharashtra.

• The applicant must be a bona fide farmer engaged in agriculture.

• The farmer should possess either owned or leased land meeting the following area criteria:

  • Konkan Division: 0.10 to 10.00 hectares.

  • Rest of Maharashtra: 0.20 to 6.00 hectares.

• The farmer must hold a valid Aadhaar card, along with a 7/12 certificate and an 8-A certificate.

Exclusions

• Institutional beneficiaries are not eligible for the scheme.

Application Process

Mode: Online

Steps:

1. Visit the Aaple Sarkar DBT Portal at https://mahadbt.maharashtra.gov.in/.

2. Go to the “Farmer Scheme” section.

3. Click on “New Applicant Registration” and complete the registration by entering your basic personal information (name, Aadhaar number, mobile number, email).

4. Create a username and password.

5. Log in to your account and complete your profile by filling in personal, address, and land details (ensure your profile is 100% complete).

6. Apply for the scheme by providing details of the implements, specifications, and pay any applicable fees.

7. Submit the application following the on-screen instructions.

Documents Required

• Aadhaar Card.

• 7/12 Certificate.

• 8-A Certificate.

• Caste Certificate (for SC/ST beneficiaries, if applicable).

• Self-declaration form.

• Pre-sanction Letter.

• Invoice of the Implement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Which fruit crops are included in this scheme?
  The scheme covers 16 perennial fruit crops such as Mango, Cashew, Guava, Sapota, Custard Apple, Pomegranate, Paper Lemon, Coconut, Tamarind, Fig, Amla, Kokum, Jackfruit, Jamun, Orange, and Mosambi.

• Can a single farmer apply for more than two fruit crops?
  (Refer to specific guidelines on crop-wise eligibility; typically, the scheme might limit the number of crops per farmer.)

• What are the planting distances required to get the benefits?
  (Planting distances are defined in the scheme guidelines provided by the Agriculture Department.)

• Can women apply for this scheme?
  Yes, the scheme is open to all eligible farmers, including women.

• What is the benefit amount for various fruit crops?
  The subsidy amount is provided on a DBT basis directly to the Aadhaar-linked bank account, subject to the survival conditions.

• What is the eligibility criteria to apply for the scheme?
  Permanent residency in Maharashtra, possession of required land area (depending on the region), and valid Aadhaar, 7/12, and 8-A certificates.

• Is this a state-sponsored scheme?
  Yes, it is sponsored by the Agriculture Department of Maharashtra.

• Can farmers with common farm holdings apply?
  Yes, if they meet the land holding and documentation requirements.

• What is the area requirement to get the benefit?
  Konkan Division: 0.10 – 10.00 hectares; Rest of Maharashtra: 0.20 – 6.00 hectares.

• Can physically handicapped (PH) persons apply for the scheme?
  The scheme does not explicitly exclude PH persons; refer to the official guidelines for any specific provisions.

• Where can farmers apply for the scheme?
  Applications are submitted online via the Aaple Sarkar DBT Portal.

• Is bank detail required for the farmer?
  Yes, the subsidy is transferred directly to the Aadhaar-linked bank account.

• What is the basic requirement for applying?
  Valid Aadhaar, 7/12, and 8-A certificates along with proof of land ownership/lease.

• What is the application fee?
  (Application fee details, if any, are specified on the portal.)

Sources and References

• Bhausaheb Fundkar Falbag Lagvad Scheme GR