Warehouse Subsidy Scheme: Government Offers 40 to 50 Percent Subsidy for Warehouse Construction

Key Highlights

• Bihar government offers 40-50% subsidy for warehouse construction.
• The scheme targets general and SC/ST farmers.
• Application period: 1st August to 31st August 2024.
• Beneficiary selection via online lottery on 6th September 2024.

The Bihar government is offering a substantial subsidy to farmers for constructing warehouses to store agricultural products. This initiative aims to enhance the income of farmers by ensuring the safe storage of their crops.

Scheme Overview

Addressing Storage Challenges

Many farmers lack the necessary storage facilities, leading to significant post-harvest losses. To combat this, the Bihar government has introduced a warehouse construction scheme under the "National Agricultural Development Scheme" for the financial year 2024-25.

Subsidy Details

Under this scheme, farmers can receive a 40 to 50 percent subsidy for constructing warehouses to store their agricultural produce. The subsidy aims to support both general-category farmers and those belonging to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

Subsidy Rates for Warehouse Construction

General Category Farmers

• 100 Metric Tonne Warehouse: A subsidy of 40 percent or Rs 5.5 lakh (whichever is less) on the construction cost of Rs 14.2 lakh.
• 200 Metric Tonne Warehouse: A subsidy of 40 percent or Rs 8 lakh (whichever is less) on the construction cost of Rs 20.25 lakh.

Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes

• 100 Metric Tonne Warehouse: A subsidy of 50 percent or Rs 7 lakh (whichever is less).
• 200 Metric Tonne Warehouse: A subsidy of 50 percent or Rs 10 lakh (whichever is less).

Subsidy Distribution

The subsidy is provided through the Bihar Agriculture Department, Horticulture Directorate, ensuring that the financial support reaches the farmers effectively.

Online Application Process

Warehouse Construction Targets

In this financial year, the government aims to construct 108 warehouses of 100 metric tonne capacity and 46 warehouses of 200 metric tonne capacity.

Steps to Apply

1. Registration: Farmers must register on the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) portal link (https://dbtagriculture.bihar.gov.in/).
2. Application: Click on the link "Application for construction of a warehouse, the year 2024-25" on the DBT portal.
3. Information and Documents: Provide necessary information and required documents.
4. Eligibility: Ensure the beneficiary's name is on the Jamabandi.
5. Selection: Beneficiaries will be selected through a lottery, and a waiting list will be prepared.

Key Dates

• Application Period: 1st August 2024 to 31st August 2024
• Online Lottery: 6th September 2024
• Verification: 7th September to 14th September 2024
• Final Selection and Work Order: 18th September 2024

Discussion on Cold Storage Development

State Agriculture Minister Mangal Pandey and Department Secretary Sanjay Agarwal discussed the development and increase of cold storage facilities in Bihar. This initiative aims to provide farmers with adequate storage for their crops.

Diesel Subsidy

In response to the drought situation, a portal for diesel subsidy has been opened. Farmers can receive a subsidy of Rs 75 per liter for diesel, with an estimated requirement of 10 liters per acre, resulting in a subsidy of Rs 750 per acre.

Also Read: Farmer’s Relief: Second Installment of Loan Waiver Scheme Released

CMV360 Says

The Warehouse Subsidy Scheme is a significant step towards supporting farmers in Bihar by providing them with essential storage facilities. This initiative, along with the diesel subsidy and efforts to develop cold storage, aims to enhance the agricultural productivity and farmer income in the state.