AI SummaryAssistance in Packing Materials under Post Harvest Management of Horticultural Produce is a Gujarat state scheme that helps farmers buy good packing material such as corrugated and wooden boxes to cut post-harvest losses. Farmers get 75% support on packing cost, up to ₹7,500 per hectare for one hectare per application, and the benefit can be claimed once every year.
The scheme is run by the Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Cooperation Department of Gujarat and applications are accepted online through the i-Khedut portal, which has now moved to the i-Khedut 2.0 version. This keeps the produce fresh during transit and storage, so farmers earn better returns from their horticultural yield.
Assistance in Packing Materials under Post Harvest Management of Horticultural Produce - Introduction
Horticultural produce such as fruits and vegetables needs careful handling after harvest. If the crop is not packed in proper boxes, it can get damaged while being moved from the farm to the market. This scheme takes care of that cost by covering part of the expense of packing material.
The department fixes a unit cost of ₹10,000 per hectare for packing material and pays 75% of it, or ₹7,500 per hectare, whichever amount is lower. The support is limited to one hectare per farmer account and can be taken once in a year through the i-Khedut portal.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Assistance in Packing Materials under Post Harvest Management of Horticultural Produce |
| Level | State |
| Target Beneficiary | Individual Farmers |
| State | Gujarat |
| Category | Agriculture, Rural and Environment |
| Benefit Type | Financial Support |
| Nodal Department | Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Cooperation Department |
| Official Portal | i-Khedut Portal |
Benefits
This scheme gives direct money help to manage post-harvest work without heavy out-of-pocket spending. The support amount is worked out on a clear unit cost basis, which makes it easy to understand how much a farmer will get.
| Parameter | Value |
| Defined Unit Cost | ₹10,000 per hectare |
| Maximum Support | 75% of cost or ₹7,500 per hectare (whichever is lower) |
| Area Limit | 1 hectare per account |
The benefit is given once every year through the i-Khedut portal and covers approved packing material such as corrugated and wooden boxes. The approved amount is sent straight to the farmer's bank account through direct fund transfer.
Eligibility
The scheme is open to farmers of Gujarat who grow horticultural crops. There is no income limit set for applying, so farmers from all backgrounds can ask for the benefit. The main points to keep in mind are:
- The applicant must be a farmer and a resident of Gujarat.
- The applicant must be engaged in horticultural cultivation.
- The farmer should hold a valid land record for the area on which support is claimed.
Application Process
Applying for this scheme is done fully online, so a farmer does not need to visit any office. The steps below explain how to complete the application on the i-Khedut portal.
STEP 1 - Visit the official i-Khedut Portal and open the 'Schemes' section on the home page.
STEP 2 - Click on 'Agricultural Schemes' and pick this scheme from the list.
STEP 3 - Press the 'Apply' button to open the application page, then select 'Apply New' to start a fresh application.
STEP 4 - If changes are needed in an existing form, use the 'Update Application' button instead.
STEP 5 - Review all details carefully, confirm the application and download a printed copy for future use.
STEP 6 - Track the application status, view or print documents from the Applicant Corner page.
Documents
A farmer should keep the required documents ready before starting the application so that the form can be completed without any hold-up. The following papers are generally asked for:
- 7/12 land record certificate as proof of land holding.
- Aadhaar card for identity and verification.
- Bank passbook or a clear cancelled cheque for direct fund transfer.
References
For further details on this scheme, farmers can check the official resources given here. These pages carry the scheme list, rules and the user guide for registration.
FAQ's
What is the objective of Assistance in Packing Materials under Post Harvest Management of Horticultural Produce?
This scheme supports farmers by giving money help to buy packing material, which keeps the produce fresh and reduces loss after harvest and during transport.
Who can apply for this scheme?
Any farmer who lives in Gujarat and is growing horticultural crops can apply for the benefit.
How much money help will a farmer get?
A farmer can get 75% of the unit cost or a maximum of ₹7,500 per hectare, whichever amount is lower.
Is there a limit on the land area covered?
Yes, support is given for a maximum of one hectare per farmer account each year.
What unit cost is used for the calculation?
The scheme uses a unit cost of ₹10,000 per hectare to work out the subsidy amount.
Which packing materials are covered?
The scheme covers corrugated boxes and wooden boxes that help keep the quality of horticultural produce.
Can a farmer apply every year?
Yes, this is an annual scheme and a farmer can apply once every year through the i-Khedut portal.
Is there an income limit for applicants?
No, there is no fixed family or personal income limit to apply for this scheme.
How is the money sent to the farmer?
Once the application is approved, the amount is transferred directly to the farmer's registered bank account.
Where should a farmer apply?
The application is made online through the official i-Khedut portal.
What documents are required?
A farmer needs an Aadhaar card, a 7/12 land certificate and bank details in the form of a passbook or a cancelled cheque.
Who can a farmer contact for help?
Farmers can contact their nearest agriculture office or visit the i-Khedut contact page for guidance.