The Makhana Beej Vitaran scheme, launched by the Department of Agriculture, Bihar, aims to enhance Makhana cultivation and increase farmers’ earnings. Under this scheme, improved seed varieties such as Swarn Vaidehi and Sabour Makhana-1, developed by Bihar Agricultural University, are distributed to farmers in 11 districts of Bihar. The scheme is implemented in 10 districts under Schedule 1, 2, and 3 of the approval order: Katihar, Purnia, Darbhanga, Madhubani, Kishanganj, Supaul, Araria, Madhepura, Saharsa, and Khagaria.
Benefits
• Subsidized Seeds:
– Seeds of recommended varieties will be available at the rate of 30 Kg/Ha.
• For Swarn Vaidehi variety: Subsidy of ₹4,950/- (75%).
• For Sabour Makhana-1 variety: Subsidy of ₹5,737.50/- (75%).
Eligibility
• The applicant should be a Farmer.
• The applicant should belong to one of the following districts: Katihar, Purnia, Madhubana, Kishanganj, Supaul, Araria, Madhepura, Saharsa, Darbhanga, Sitamarhi, and Khagaria.
• The applicant must have agricultural land between a minimum of 0.25 acres (0.1 ha) and a maximum of 10 acres (4 ha).
• The applicant must be registered on the DBT portal.
• Note: Beneficiary allocation for Women Participation is 30%. Benefits can be availed by ryot farmers on the basis of land documents and by non-ryot farmers on the basis of a contract form. Beneficiaries will be selected on a first come, first serve basis.
Application Process
Online DBT Registration Process
• Step 1: Visit the registration page of the DBT portal.
• Step 2: Select the Aadhaar verification type (OTP/BIO-AUTH/IRIS).
• Step 3: Enter your Aadhaar number and Name as per Aadhaar; click “Authentication”.
• Step 4: Enter the OTP and click “Validate OTP”.
• Step 5: Confirm the details about the Kisan Credit Card (KCC); click “Farmer Registration”.
• Step 6: Fill in all details – Farmer details, Land information, Bank account details – and click “Submit”.
• Step 7: Validate with OTP and click “Register” to generate the Registration Id.
– Note: After 48 hours of registration, farmers can apply for the scheme using the 13-digit registration number.
Online Application of the Scheme
• Step 1: Visit the official website.
• Step 2: Scroll to the bottom, confirm the checkbox, and click “Proceed to apply”.
• Step 3: Select the “Type of Applicant” and enter the DBT Registration Number of Kisan; click “Get details”.
• Step 4: Fill in the required details (Address, Land Details, etc.) and upload documents.
• Step 5: Confirm the checkbox and click “Submit”.
• Step 6: An Application Number will be generated; keep it for future reference.
• Step 7: Print a copy of the filled application using the Print option.
Documents Required
For DBT Registration Process:
• Aadhaar Details (should be linked with a mobile number)
• Passport-size Photo
• Farmer Details
• Land Information
• Bank Account Details
For the Online Application of the Scheme:
• Passport-size Photo
• Contract Form (for non-ryot farmers)
• Land-ownership/Revenue Receipt (if applicable)
– Note: If the applicant’s name is not clear on the land document, a genealogy document must be attached.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the purpose of the “Makhana Beej Vitaran” Scheme?
A: It is designed to promote Makhana cultivation by distributing improved seed varieties (such as Swarn Vaidehi and Sabour Makhana-1) to enhance crop production and boost farmers’ income.
Q: Which districts are eligible for the scheme?
A: The scheme is applicable in 11 districts of Bihar and is implemented in 10 districts under the approval order: Katihar, Purnia, Darbhanga, Madhubani, Kishanganj, Supaul, Araria, Madhepura, Saharsa, and Khagaria.
Q: Who can avail benefits from this scheme?
A: The scheme is available to farmers registered on the DBT portal who have agricultural land within the specified size limits and belong to the eligible districts.
Q: What types of seeds are distributed under the scheme?
A: The scheme distributes improved varieties of Makhana seeds, specifically Swarn Vaidehi and Sabour Makhana-1.
Q: What is the subsidy offered under this scheme?
A:
– For Swarn Vaidehi: A subsidy of ₹4,950/- per unit (75% subsidy).
– For Sabour Makhana-1: A subsidy of ₹5,737.50/- per unit (75% subsidy).
Q: What is the cost of Swarn Vaidehi seeds after subsidy?
A: The exact post-subsidy cost will depend on the overall seed pricing; the scheme specifies a 75% subsidy amount of ₹4,950/- for Swarn Vaidehi.
Q: What is the cost of Sabour Makhana-1 seeds after subsidy?
A: Similarly, for Sabour Makhana-1, a 75% subsidy amount of ₹5,737.50/- is provided, with the net cost determined accordingly.
Q: Can tenant farmers apply for the scheme?
A: The scheme is intended for farmers; eligibility for tenant farmers should be confirmed with the Department of Agriculture as per the scheme guidelines.
Q: What is the minimum and maximum land area eligible for assistance?
A: Applicants must have agricultural land between 0.25 acres (0.1 ha) and 10 acres (4 ha).
Q: Where are the seeds sourced from?
A: The seeds are improved varieties developed by Bihar Agricultural University.