Government offering a subsidy of ₹4.5 lakh for setting up onion storage facilities; here is the complete application process..

Amid concerns regarding rising onion prices and supply issues this year, the government has initiated several measures. Much like the central government, state governments also implement various welfare schemes for farmers. In this context, the Bihar government provides a subsidy of up to ₹4.50 lakh for the construction of onion storage structures, aimed at preserving onion harvests and ensuring better prices for farmers. The prescribed cost for constructing an onion storage facility with a capacity of 50 metric tonnes is ₹6 lakh, with government assistance covering up to 75% of this amount. Consequently, the farmer is only required to contribute ₹1.50 lakh. This scheme is being operated under the 'Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana'.

Which farmers are eligible for the scheme?
The benefits of this scheme are available to eligible farmers in Bihar. According to government guidelines, a single farming household can receive assistance for the construction of one onion storage structure. To qualify, farmers must possess valid land-related documentation. This includes land ownership certificates, updated revenue receipts for the specified period, online-updated receipts, or land ownership certificates validated through a genealogy (family lineage) document. For non-landowning (tenant/non-raiyat) farmers, a prescribed agreement (ekrarnama) is also an acceptable document.

If the applicant's name is not clearly stated in the land documents, it is mandatory to provide a genealogy document alongside the land records. Before applying, farmers should also verify that their bank account details are correctly registered on the DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) portal.

Farmers in these 28 districts are eligible for the benefits.
As per the Bihar government's planning information for the 2026-27 period, these 28 districts have been included for the construction of onion storage structures. These districts include Aurangabad, Banka, Begusarai, Bhagalpur, Bhojpur, Buxar, Gaya, Gopalganj, Jehanabad, Kaimur, Katihar, Khagaria, Lakhisarai, Madhepura, Madhubani, Munger, Nalanda, Nawada, Patna, Purnia, Rohtas, Samastipur, Saran, Sheikhpura, Sitamarhi, Siwan, Vaishali, and West Champaran. According to official information, there is a proposal to prioritize women farmers, allocating 30% of the benefits across all categories to them.

How much subsidy will be provided?
The prescribed unit cost for constructing an onion storage facility is ₹6 lakh. A maximum subsidy of 75%—amounting to ₹4.50 lakh—is provided for this. Additionally, the Bihar government will provide a subsidy for onion cultivation. Farmers growing onions during the Rabi season can receive a subsidy of up to ₹20,000 per hectare. The scheme covers areas ranging from a minimum of 0.10 hectares to a maximum of 2 hectares for Rabi onion cultivation.

Beyond onions, subsidies will also be available to farmers cultivating hybrid vegetables. For the cultivation of tomatoes, chilies, and cabbage, a subsidy of up to ₹24,000 per hectare can be availed. This benefit also applies to cultivation areas ranging from 0.10 to 2 hectares.

How to apply for the construction of an onion storage facility?
Visit the website of the Directorate of Horticulture, Government of Bihar: https://horticulture.bihar.gov.in/
Look for options related to the "Vegetable and Spice Scheme in Clusters" or "Onion Storage Infrastructure" under the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana.

Verify the scheme's guidelines, district eligibility, and the availability of the application form.
Enter the required personal information and details related to your farmer registration.

Keep documents such as land ownership certificates, revenue receipts, or other land-related documents (as accepted under the rules) ready. Complete the application process by verifying the bank account details registered on the DBT portal.

After submitting the application, keep the receipt or registration number safe and proceed with further steps as per the department's instructions.
Farmers selected under the scheme must construct the onion storage structure in accordance with the designs and estimates approved by the department. Subsequently, the relevant departmental officials will conduct a survey and verification.

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