Gardening on rooftop: Government is giving 75% grant, know how to apply

Objective and Benefits of the Scheme: The primary goal of the rooftop gardening scheme is to promote the cultivation of fruits, flowers, and vegetables on rooftops in urban areas. This initiative encourages urban residents to engage in natural farming, benefiting both the environment and the households by improving the quality of food produced at home. The scheme specifically encourages the cultivation of fruits, flowers, and vegetables in urban settings.

Eligibility for the Scheme:

This scheme is mainly for individuals who own a house or a flat in an apartment with at least 300 square feet of empty rooftop space.

• Own House Condition: The rooftop should have a free space of at least 300 square feet without any obstructions.
• Apartment: Residents of apartments need to obtain a no-objection certificate from the society.

Farming Bed and Pot Plan: The scheme offers two main options: the Farming Bed plan and the Pot plan.

Farming Bed Plan: Under this plan, the total cost for a 300-square-foot space is ₹48,574. The government provides a 75% subsidy, which amounts to ₹36,430.50, and the beneficiary must contribute ₹12,143.50.

Pot Plan: The cost per unit under the pot plan is ₹8,975, with a 75% subsidy of ₹6,731.25, leaving the beneficiary with ₹2,243.75 to contribute.

Maximum Unit Limit:

• Farming Bed Plan: Individuals with their own homes can apply for a maximum of 2 units, and residents in apartments or institutions can apply for up to 5 units.
• Pot Plan: A maximum of 5 units can be availed by any individual. This plan is not available for institutions.

Selection Process and Participation:

The selection process prioritizes various castes and women as per the district's targets:

• General Caste: 78.60%
• Scheduled Caste: 20%
• Scheduled Tribe: 1.40%

Total, 30% of the beneficiaries will be women.

Components of the Farming Bed Plan: The Farming Bed plan includes the following components.

• Portable Farming System: 40 sq. ft. growing area and 30 sq. ft. walk-around area (Size: 10ft x 10 inch).
• Organic Gardening Kit: For 9 months.
• Fruit Bags: 6 bags (24 inches x 24 inches).
• Spinach Bags: 5 bags (24 inches x 12 inches).
• Fruit Plants: 6 plants.
• Sapling Tray: 40 plants per tray each season.
• Hand Sprayer: 1 unit.
• Drip Installation: 1 set with motor and bucket.
• On-site Support Visit: Twice a month.

Components of the Pot Plan:

• Fruit Plants: Mango, Guava, Lemon, Sapodilla, Banana, Apple, and Ber.
• Indoor/Purification and Ornamental Plants: Areca Palm, Rubber Plant, Snake Plant, Daffodil, Croton, etc.
• Medicinal/Aromatic Plants: Mint, Basil, Aloe Vera, Ashwagandha, Stevia, Curry Leaves, Lemongrass, Vaska.
• Perennial Flowers: Rose, Chandramukhi, Hibiscus, Jasmine, etc.

Maintenance of the Garden: It is mandatory for beneficiaries to maintain the plants grown on their rooftops. Proper care and nutrition must be provided to ensure the success of the garden.

Online Application Process:

1. Visit the official website of the Bihar Government (https://horticulture.bihar.gov.in/).
2. Fill in the required information, such as personal details and land-related information.
3. Upload the necessary documents. After application, the beneficiaries will be sent bank account details and other information for depositing their share of the contribution for the Farming Bed or Pot plan.

• Farming Bed Plan: ₹12,143.50 per unit
• Pot Plan: ₹2,243.75 per unit

Conclusion: The rooftop gardening scheme is an excellent initiative to encourage urban residents to engage in natural farming. By utilizing their rooftops to grow fruits, flowers, and vegetables, individuals can improve their environment and enjoy fresher, more nutritious food. This scheme offers a valuable opportunity for people to contribute to sustainable living while enjoying the benefits of home-grown produce.