The Makhana Vikas Yojana was launched by the Department of Agriculture, Bihar to promote the cultivation of makhana (fox nuts), a high-value cash crop with significant nutritional and economic benefits. The scheme is designed to boost production and enhance the quality of makhana by providing financial assistance, quality seed materials, and technical training, thereby increasing the income of farmers and supporting the state’s agri-business development.
Benefits
• Financial Assistance: 50% subsidy on the unit cost for makhana cultivation per hectare.
• Quality Inputs: Provision of certified seeds, fertilizers, and other agri-inputs to ensure improved crop yield and quality.
• Capacity Building: Training and technical support for adopting modern cultivation practices and post-harvest management to boost profitability.
Eligibility
• The applicant must be a resident of Bihar.
• The applicant must be a registered farmer engaged in agriculture.
• The applicant must possess own or leased agricultural land with a minimum area of 0.25 acres (0.1 ha) and a maximum of 10 acres (4 ha).
• The applicant should be registered on the DBT portal of the Agriculture Department.
Application Process
Offline & Online
DBT Registration Process:
• Step 1: Visit the registration page of the DBT portal.
• Step 2: Select Aadhaar verification type (OTP/BIO-AUTH/IRIS).
• Step 3: Enter your Aadhaar number and name as per Aadhaar; click on “Authentication”.
• Step 4: Enter the OTP and click “Validate OTP”.
• Step 5: Confirm details regarding your Kisan Credit Card (KCC) and click “Farmer Registration”.
• Step 6: Fill in all mandatory details (farmer information, land details, bank account details) and click “Submit”.
• Step 7: Validate with OTP and click “Register” to generate your 13-digit Registration ID.
– Wait 48 hours after registration before proceeding.
Online Application of the Scheme:
• Step 1: Visit the official website of the Agriculture Department.
• Step 2: Scroll down, confirm the checkbox, and click on “Proceed to apply”.
• Step 3: Select your Type of Applicant and enter your DBT Registration Number; click “Get details”.
• Step 4: Complete the required fields (address, land details, etc.) and upload the necessary documents.
• Step 5: Confirm the checkbox and click “Submit”.
• Step 6: An Application Number will be generated; keep this for future reference.
• Step 7: Optionally, print the completed application.
Documents Required
For DBT Registration:
• Aadhaar Details (linked with mobile number)
• Passport-size Photograph
• Farmer Details
• Land Information
• Bank Account Details
For the Online Application:
• Passport-size Photograph
• Land Ownership/Lease Documents (or Revenue Receipt)
• Any additional documents as specified by the Agriculture Department
– Note: If the applicant’s name is unclear on the land documents, attach a genealogy document for clarification.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the primary objective of the Makhana Vikas Yojana?
A: To promote the cultivation of makhana by providing financial support, quality inputs, and technical training, thereby increasing production and farmers’ income.
Q: Who is eligible to apply for this scheme?
A: Farmers who are permanent residents of Bihar, engaged in agriculture, and possess own or leased land between 0.25 acres and 10 acres are eligible. Registration on the DBT portal is mandatory.
Q: What is the subsidy amount provided under the scheme?
A: The scheme offers a 50% subsidy on the unit cost for makhana cultivation per hectare.
Q: What types of inputs are provided through the scheme?
A: The scheme supplies certified seeds, fertilizers, and other necessary inputs to enhance crop yield and quality.
Q: How can farmers apply for the scheme?
A: Farmers can register on the DBT portal and then complete the online application process as outlined, or follow designated offline procedures if applicable.
Q: What documents are required for the application?
A: Applicants must submit identity proof, land documents (or revenue receipt), bank account details, and any additional documents specified by the Agriculture Department. A genealogy document is required if the applicant’s name is unclear on the land documents.