Bihar Offers Up to ₹4 Lakh Subsidy for Dragon Fruit Farming: Eligibility, Benefits & Application Process Explained

Farmers in Bihar are increasingly shifting from traditional crops to high-value horticulture, and dragon fruit cultivation is emerging as one of the most profitable options. To support this transition, the Government of Bihar has launched a financial assistance program that provides substantial subsidies to eligible farmers who want to grow dragon fruit commercially.

The initiative is part of the state’s horticulture promotion drive aimed at improving farm incomes, encouraging crop diversification, and modernizing agriculture through innovative practices.

What Is the Dragon Fruit Development Scheme?

The Dragon Fruit Development Scheme operates under the Mukhyamantri Bagwani Mission, a state-run program designed to expand horticulture farming. The scheme focuses on boosting the commercial cultivation of high-value fruits, especially dragon fruit, across selected districts.

Authorities have identified 21 districts where the program is being actively implemented. These include Bhojpur, Gopalganj, Jehanabad, Saran, Siwan, Supaul, Aurangabad, Begusarai, Bhagalpur, Gaya, Katihar, Kishanganj, Munger, Muzaffarpur, Nalanda, West Champaran, Patna, East Champaran, Purnia, Samastipur, and Vaishali.

The goal is to increase cultivation area, provide financial backing, and help farmers adopt advanced farming techniques for better yield and income.

Subsidy Amount and Payment Structure

Under this scheme, farmers can receive financial assistance of up to ₹4 lakh per hectare over three years. The subsidy is distributed in phases:

• First year: ₹1,80,000 per hectare

• Second year: ₹60,000 per hectare

• Third year: ₹60,000 per hectare

This phased support helps farmers manage initial setup costs, plant maintenance, and crop development expenses, which are typically high during the early stages of dragon fruit cultivation.

Who Is Eligible?

To qualify for the scheme, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Must be a resident of Bihar

• Must be a landholding farmer (raiyat)

• Must live in one of the designated districts

• Must own agricultural land between 0.25 acres (0.1 hectare) and 10 acres (4 hectares)

• Must be registered on the Direct Benefit Transfer portal

These conditions ensure that the financial aid reaches genuine farmers engaged in cultivation.

Why the Government Is Promoting Dragon Fruit

Dragon fruit is considered a high-profit crop because it requires relatively low water, has good market demand, and can generate strong returns compared to many conventional crops. The state government sees it as a strategic crop that can:

• Increase farmers’ income

• Promote climate-resilient farming

• Encourage diversification

• Create new agri-business opportunities

Officials say such initiatives can transform agriculture from subsistence farming into a sustainable business model.

Step-by-Step Registration Process

Farmers must first complete registration on the DBT portal before applying:

1. Visit the DBT registration page.

2. Select Aadhaar verification mode (OTP, biometric, or iris).

3. Enter Aadhaar number and name as per records.

4. Verify OTP and validate details.

5. Confirm Kisan Credit Card information.

6. Fill personal, land, and bank details.

7. Submit the form and complete verification.

After successful registration, a 13-digit registration ID is generated. Applicants can use this ID to apply for the scheme after 48 hours.

How to Apply for the Scheme

Once registered:

1. Visit the official scheme portal.

2. Accept terms and click “Proceed to apply.”

3. Select applicant type and enter DBT registration number.

4. Fill address and land details.

5. Upload required documents.

6. Submit the form.

7. Save the generated application number for future reference.

Applicants are advised to keep copies of documents and a printout of the application for records.

Final Takeaway

The subsidy program is part of Bihar’s broader strategy to modernize agriculture and make farming more profitable. With strong financial support, technical guidance, and growing market demand, dragon fruit cultivation is quickly becoming an attractive option for farmers seeking higher returns and long-term sustainability.