Bihar's Rooftop Gardening Scheme 2024-25: Rs 7500 Subsidy for Growing Fruits, Flowers, and Vegetables

Key Highlights

• Subsidy Amount: Rs 7,500 for rooftop gardening.
• Eligibility: Available for urban residents with rooftops or balconies.
• Types of Plants: Supports fruits, flowers, and medicinal plants.
• Application Process: Apply online or at local Krishi Kendras.
• Max Units: Up to 5 units per applicant.

The Bihar government has brought exciting news for urban gardeners with its new initiative, the "Rooftop Gardening Scheme" for 2024-25. This scheme offers a subsidy of Rs 7500 for people who want to grow fruits, flowers, and vegetables on their rooftops or in pots. This is part of the government’s broader effort to encourage horticulture and promote healthier, greener urban spaces.

If you live in Bihar and have a passion for gardening, this is the perfect opportunity to get support from the government to grow fresh produce at home.

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What is the Rooftop Gardening Scheme?

The "Rooftop Gardening Scheme" is a special initiative launched by the Government of Bihar, aimed at encouraging people living in urban areas to cultivate fruits, flowers, and vegetables in their homes. Whether you live in a house or an apartment, you can now transform your rooftop, balcony, or any available space into a garden.

This scheme is part of the government's effort to promote horticultural crops, which include fruits, flowers, and medicinal plants. The initiative is available in select urban areas, including Patna Sadar, Danapur, Phulwari, Khagaul, and the cities of Bhagalpur, Gaya, and Muzaffarpur. 

The scheme has two categories to cater to different gardening setups:

1. Pot Scheme
2. Farming Bed Scheme

Who Can Apply for the Scheme?

The scheme is designed for residents who have at least 300 square feet of rooftop space. If you own a house, you can easily apply for the Farming Bed Scheme, provided the rooftop area is free from any obstructions. For those living in apartments, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the apartment’s registered society is required to apply.

In the case of institutions such as schools or other educational establishments, they can avail up to 5 units under the Farming Bed Scheme, but they will not be eligible for the Pot Scheme.

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How Much is the Subsidy?

The Bihar government provides substantial financial support to help urban residents pursue their gardening hobby. 

Here’s a breakdown of the subsidy under each category:

1. Pot Scheme
   • The total unit cost for rooftop gardening in pots is Rs 10,000.
   • The government will provide a subsidy of 75%, which equals Rs 7500.
   • The applicant needs to pay the remaining Rs 2500.
   • Each applicant can apply for a maximum of 5 units.
2. Farming Bed Scheme
   • This scheme applies to those who have 300 square feet of open rooftop space.
   • The unit cost for a farming bed is Rs 50,000, out of which the government provides a 75% subsidy or Rs 37,500.
   • The remaining Rs 12,500 is to be borne by the applicant.
   • Under this scheme, up to 2 units are allowed for houses and a maximum of 5 units for apartments and educational institutions.

What Can You Grow Under the Scheme?

The scheme covers a wide variety of plants, making it ideal for those who want to grow fresh produce or decorate their homes with beautiful flowers. The subsidy applies to the following plants:

1. Fruit Plants: Guava, Mango, Lemon, Sapota (Chikoo), Banana, Apple, Plum
2. Indoor/Decorative Plants: Areca Palm, Rubber Plant, Snake Plant, Croton, Ficus Panda, Syngonium, Aglaonema, Money Plant
3. Medicinal Plants: Mint (Pudina), Tulsi, Aloe Vera, Ashwagandha, Stevia, Lemon Grass, Kari Patta
4. Flowering Plants: Rose, Hibiscus, Jasmine, Bougainvillea, Adenium, Chandni, Tagar, Aparajita

With this wide selection of plants, you can beautify your home and enjoy the benefits of having fresh fruits, herbs, and flowers at your disposal.

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How to Apply for the Rooftop Gardening Scheme

The application process for the Rooftop Gardening Scheme is simple and can be done online.

Here’s how you can apply:

1. Visit the official website of the Directorate of Horticulture, Bihar: https://horticulture.bihar.gov.in/.
2. Fill in the online application form for the year 2024-25.
3. You can also visit your nearest Krishi Kendra for assistance in filling out the form.
4. Once your application is submitted, you will receive a receipt with details of your share of the cost.
5. Deposit your share (Rs 2500 for the Pot Scheme or Rs 12,500 for the Farming Bed Scheme) into the bank account specified in the receipt.

After submitting your share of the cost, the government will proceed with the subsidy process, and you can start your rooftop gardening project.

Important Points to Remember

• The scheme prioritizes the participation of women (30% of total participants) and ensures representation from different social categories, with 78.6% for the general category, 20% for Scheduled Castes, and 1.4% for Scheduled Tribes.
• You are responsible for maintaining your rooftop garden after receiving the subsidy.
• The subsidy will be provided for up to 5 units under the Pot Scheme, while the Farming Bed Scheme allows for a maximum of 2 units for individual homes and up to 5 units for institutions.

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CMV360 Says

The Rooftop Gardening Scheme by the Bihar government is an excellent opportunity for urban residents to embrace gardening while receiving financial assistance. Whether you want to grow fruits, flowers, or medicinal plants, this scheme offers a great way to enjoy homegrown produce and beautify your living space. Take advantage of this scheme and turn your rooftop into a green heaven!