AI SummaryWire Fencing Around the Farm for Crop Protection is a state-level scheme by the Gujarat government that helps farmers safeguard their fields from wild and stray animals. The scheme provides financial support for installing protective wire fencing, and in 2026 the Gujarat cabinet has raised the subsidy rate and relaxed the eligibility rules so more small farmers can benefit.
The scheme is run by the Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Cooperation Department of Gujarat. Farmers apply online through the i-Khedut portal, and the support is given as a one-time amount for fencing work around the farm.
Wire Fencing Around the Farm for Crop Protection - Key Update 2026
On 27 May 2026, a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel approved a big change in this scheme. The financial support per running metre has been increased from ₹200 to ₹300, and the minimum land cluster needed to qualify has been cut from 2 hectares to 1 hectare. Agriculture Minister Jitu Vaghani said the hike was needed because the market price of fencing material and labour cost has gone up.
The state has set aside ₹240 crore for the scheme this year. Around 1 lakh applications have already come in through the i-Khedut portal, and these will be approved in phases before the monsoon so farmers can finish fencing work before the kharif sowing season. The application portal, which earlier opened only once a year, will be reopened if demand requires it.
Highlights
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Wire Fencing Around the Farm for Crop Protection |
| Launched By | Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Cooperation Department, Gujarat |
| Beneficiary State | Gujarat |
| Benefit Amount | ₹300 per running metre or 50% of actual cost, whichever is lower |
| Land Requirement | Minimum 1 hectare cluster (reduced from 2 hectares) |
| Budget 2026 | ₹240 crore |
| Application Mode | Online through i-Khedut portal |
| Official Website | ikhedut.gujarat.gov.in |
Benefits
This scheme gives a one-time financial support to farmers for installing wire fencing around their farmland. The support is calculated as ₹300 per running metre or 50% of the actual expense, whichever amount is lower. This helps reduce the money burden on farmers who want to protect their crops from stray cattle and wild animals.
| Component | Standard of Assistance | Eligibility Period |
|---|---|---|
| Wire Fencing | ₹300 per running metre or 50% of actual cost, whichever is lower | Once in a lifetime |
Eligibility
To apply for this scheme, a farmer needs to meet the following conditions:
- Applicant should be a landholding farmer or part of a recognised farmer group in Gujarat.
- Applicant should have a minimum of 1 hectare of land in a cluster. Earlier this limit was 2 hectares, and it has now been reduced so small and marginal farmers can also qualify.
Important note: If the land record (8-A) shows multiple holders, only one holder can claim the benefit with written consent from the others. A farmer can get support for only one land account, and the benefit is given once in a lifetime.
Exclusions
Farmers who have already received support under the Solar Fencing Scheme are not eligible to apply for this program. The subsidy is only for new fencing work, and pre-approval is needed before the work starts.
Application Process
Farmers can apply online through the i-Khedut portal following these steps:
STEP 1 - Visit the official i-Khedut portal and log in with the registered details.
STEP 2 - Go to the 'Schemes' section and select the agriculture schemes list, then choose Wire Fencing Around the Farm for Crop Protection.
STEP 3 - Click the 'Apply' button and choose the 'Apply New' option to start a fresh application.
STEP 4 - Fill in the land and personal details, upload the required documents, and submit the form.
STEP 5 - The local Gram Sevak or Taluka Agriculture Officer will verify the land records, and the farmer should wait for the pre-approval letter before starting the fencing work.
STEP 6 - After the work is done and inspected, the subsidy amount is credited directly to the Aadhaar-linked bank account.
Farmers can check their application status or print documents through the Applicant Corner. Those who need help can also apply through a local Public Service Center (CSC) or a nearby cyber cafe. For further help, farmers can contact the department officials here.
Documents
Keep the following documents ready before applying:
- 8-A land ownership record.
- Aadhaar Card.
- Bank account details for the fund transfer.
- A written consent letter from other co-owners of the land, where applicable.
- Van Adhikar Patra or Sanad if the land is in a forest area.
- Any other document asked for during the process.
References
FAQ's
What is the objective of this scheme?
The main aim is to protect crops from stray and wild animals by helping farmers install wire fencing, so they face less productivity loss and waste.
Who is eligible to apply for this scheme?
Any farmer or farmer group in Gujarat with at least 1 hectare of land in a cluster is eligible to apply. Earlier the limit was 2 hectares.
What type of financial support is provided?
Farmers get ₹300 per running metre or 50% of the actual cost, whichever amount is lower.
How many times can I get this benefit?
This is a one-time benefit given to a farmer for a single land account for the whole lifetime.
Can I apply if my land is in a forest area?
Yes, but you should provide your Van Adhikar Patra or Sanad as supporting proof.
Can multiple family members owning the same land apply?
No, only one person per 8-A account can apply, provided there is a signed consent letter from the other owners.
Can I apply if I already used the Solar Fencing Scheme?
No, farmers who have already claimed support under the Solar Fencing Scheme cannot apply for this scheme.
When was the subsidy increased?
The Gujarat cabinet raised the support from ₹200 to ₹300 per running metre on 27 May 2026.
Is 1 hectare of land mandatory?
Yes, you must have at least 1 hectare of land in a cluster to qualify for this support.
Where can I submit my application?
You should submit the application online through the official i-Khedut portal at ikhedut.gujarat.gov.in.