The Plastic Tunnel (Lo-Tunnel) scheme is implemented by the Agriculture Department, Government of Rajasthan to provide subsidies for installing low plastic tunnels. A low tunnel is a protective structure made by covering each crop bed with plastic sheeting at a low height after planting. This technique safeguards crops from low temperatures, enabling off-season vegetable cultivation in North India during winter when night temperatures often fall below 8°C for 40 to 60 days. Vegetable seedlings are prepared using the plastic tray technique in December and January.
Important Points:
• Construction of the low tunnel is permitted only after administrative approval from the Horticulture Department.
• A constituted committee verifies the installation.
• The grant amount is directly transferred to the farmer’s bank account via DBT.
Benefits
• General Farmers: Receive a 50% subsidy for up to 1000 square meters.
• Small/Marginal Farmers (including SC/ST/women): Receive a 75% subsidy for up to 4000 square meters.
Eligibility
• Applicant must be a native of Rajasthan.
• Applicant must be a farmer.
• Applicant must have agricultural land ownership and an established irrigation source.
Application Process
Online Registration & Application
• Step 1: Visit the official portal and click on “Register”.
– You will be redirected to the SSO registration page.
– Choose either Jan Aadhaar (enter your Jan Aadhaar number, send OTP, verify OTP) or Google (enter Gmail ID and password, then create an SSO ID).
• Step 2: Complete the registration by providing your mobile number.
• Step 3: Log in to your dashboard and click on “RAJ-KISAN”.
• Step 4: Under “Farmer,” click on “Application Entry Request”.
• Step 5: Enter your Bhamashah ID or Jan Aadhaar ID and search.
• Step 6: Select your name and the scheme name, complete the Aadhaar authentication, and provide the required details (e.g., Pensioner, Bank, Disability, and Verification details).
• Step 7: Upload the necessary documents and submit your application.
Documents Required
• Aadhaar Card/Jan Aadhaar Card
• Copy of Jamabandi (not older than six months)
• Quotation from an approved firm
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the objective of the scheme?
A: To provide subsidies for installing low plastic tunnels, which protect crops from low temperatures and enable off-season vegetable cultivation.
Q: Who is eligible to benefit from the scheme?
A: Native farmers of Rajasthan who own agricultural land and have access to irrigation.
Q: May persons from other states apply?
A: No, the scheme is exclusively for farmers native to Rajasthan.
Q: What is the purpose of installing plastic tunnels?
A: Plastic tunnels protect crops from low temperatures, allowing for off-season cultivation, particularly when night temperatures fall below 8°C.
Q: What are the benefits of using plastic tunnels in agriculture?
A: They enable off-season cultivation, improve crop protection, and contribute to increased productivity and higher farmer incomes.
Q: How does an applicant know if a field in the application form is mandatory?
A: Mandatory fields are clearly indicated on the online application form on the official portal.
Q: What is DBT?
A: DBT stands for Direct Benefit Transfer, a system for directly crediting subsidy funds to the farmer’s bank account.
Q: Can the application form be filled in a language other than English?
A: Applicants should refer to the official portal for language options; the default is typically English.
Q: How can an applicant apply online?
A: By following the registration and application steps provided on the official portal as detailed above.
Q: What documents are required?
A: Required documents include the Aadhaar/Jan Aadhaar Card, a Jamabandi copy (not older than six months), and a quotation from an approved firm.