To reduce agricultural costs and boost farmers’ income, the Bihar government has launched a subsidy scheme for pesticide spraying on selected fruit crops including banana, papaya, mango, and litchi.
Under this measure, farmers can get pesticide sprays worth Rs 4,300 at just Rs 2,150, thanks to a 50 per cent subsidy provided by the state’s Agriculture Department.
The scheme, starting in financial year 2026, has been introduced under the Pest Management Plan for Orchards and Crops by the Plant Protection Unit of the department. The goal is to ensure effective pest control at reduced costs and improve crop yield and quality.
Cost, subsidy details
Under the scheme, farmers will receive financial assistance on pesticide spraying. Here are crop-wise cost and subsidy details of the scheme:
For Banana and Papaya
- First Spray: Cost – Rs 4,300/acre, subsidy: 50 per cent (Rs 2,150 to be paid by the farmer)
- Second Spray: Cost – Rs 4,000/acre, subsidy: 50 per cent (Rs 2,000 subsidy)
For Mango
First Spray: Cost – Rs 76/tree, subsidy: 75 per cent (Rs 57 subsidy)
Second Spray: Cost – Rs 96/tree, subsidy: 75 per cent (Rs 72 subsidy)
For Litchi
Spray Cost: Rs 216/tree, subsidy: 75 per cent (Rs 162 subsidy)
| Crop | Spray | Cost | Subsidy | Farmer Pays/Gets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Banana & Papaya | 1st spray | Rs 4,300/acre | 50% | Rs 2,150 to be paid |
| 2nd Spray | Rs 4,000/acre | 50% | Rs 2,000 subsidy | |
| Mango | 1st spray | Rs 76/tree | 75% | Rs 57 subsidy |
| 2nd Spray | Rs 96/tree | 75% | Rs 72 subsidy | |
| Litchi | Spray | Rs 216/tree | 75% | Rs 162 subsidy |
The department has set a target to cover 25 acres of papaya crops for the first round of spraying.
How can farmers claim subsidy
To avail the benefits of the subsidy, farmers must apply online within the prescribed time frame. Applications can be submitted on the Bihar Horticulture Department’s official portal: https://horticulture.bihar.gov.in
Once submitted, applications will be verified and forwarded to registered service providers, who will visit the fields and carry out pesticide spraying on the selected crops.
