Mukhyamantri Bagwani Mission: Strawberry Vikas Yojana

Mukhyamantri Bagwani Mission: Strawberry Vikas Yojana is a state-level scheme of Bihar that helps farmers grow strawberries on a commercial scale. Directorate of Horticulture under Agriculture Department offers financial help and subsidy on packaging material under the Mukhyamantri Bagwani Mission umbrella. Online applications under the scheme are accepted regularly, and for financial year 2025-26 eligible farmers got a 40% subsidy, including financial help of ₹3,02,400 per hectare.

The scheme covers 20 districts of Bihar and provides quality strawberry seedlings along with support for packaging material. Soft fruits like strawberry get damaged quickly during transport, so the government gives subsidy on koot (cardboard) boxes and small plastic packaging boxes. This helps farmers keep the produce fresh and get better prices in the market. As per the official dashboard, strawberry area under the mission has crossed 230 acres in 2025-26.

Mukhyamantri Bagwani Mission: Strawberry Vikas Yojana - Introduction

Strawberry is a short-duration, high-value crop that gives income in a short time. The main aim of this scheme is to encourage more farmers to take up strawberry cultivation and follow scientific methods. By cutting the cost of seedlings, packaging boxes and planting material, the scheme makes strawberry farming profitable for small and medium farmers.

Money under the scheme is sent directly to the registered bank account of the farmer through the DBT system. This keeps the process clear and removes the chance of any middleman taking a cut. Farmers can apply online from home and do not need to visit any office for the basic application.

Benefits

Farmers get support at different stages of strawberry farming, from planting to packaging. The main benefits are given below.

• Financial support: Farmers can get up to ₹3,02,400 per hectare, which is 40% of the total unit cost of strawberry cultivation. The amount is transferred directly to the bank account through DBT.
• Packaging subsidy: A 40% subsidy is available on koot (cardboard) boxes and small plastic packaging boxes, so that fruit reaches the market without damage.
• Quality seedlings: The scheme gives access to quality strawberry seedlings, which improves the yield and quality of the crop.
• Higher income: With lower input cost and a short crop cycle, farmers can earn more from the same piece of land.

Subsidy rates on packaging material are as follows:

Eligibility

Farmers who meet the basic conditions given below can apply for the scheme. Land records and farmer registration details are checked during the application process.

• Applicant must be a permanent resident of Bihar.
• Applicant should be doing strawberry farming or willing to start it.
• Land holding should be between 0.25 acre (0.1 hectare) and 5 acres (2 hectares).
• Farmer must have a valid farmer registration and an Aadhaar-linked bank account.
• Farmer should be registered on the official DBT portal.

The scheme covers these notified districts of Bihar: Gopalganj, Jehanabad, Lakhisarai, Saran, Supaul, Aurangabad, Begusarai, Bhagalpur, Gaya, Katihar, Kishanganj, Munger, Muzaffarpur, Nalanda, West Champaran, Patna, East Champaran, Purnia, Samastipur and Vaishali.

Allocation Rules for Farmers

Selection for the scheme is done on a first-come, first-served basis. The allocation of beneficiary slots is fixed in the following manner.

Application Process

Application is online and can be completed from home. Farmers need to register on the DBT portal first and then apply through the horticulture website. Follow the steps given below.

STEP 1 - Visit the official DBT farmer registration page. Authenticate details using Aadhaar OTP, bio-auth or iris scan, then enter land and bank account information and complete the registration to get a 13-digit registration ID.

STEP 2 - Wait for 48 hours after registration so that the details get validated in the system.

STEP 3 - Go to the official horticulture scheme dashboard where online applications for horticulture schemes are accepted. Choose the fruit-related scheme option and select Strawberry Vikas Yojana (state scheme).

STEP 4 - Fill in the application form with the DBT registration number so that the details are fetched automatically. Upload land documents and other required papers.

STEP 5 - Submit the application and save the generated application number. Use this number to track the status of the application. Farmers can also apply through the Bihar Krishi App, and the process guides are available on the official website: Bihar Krishi App user registration guide and Bihar Krishi App scheme application guide.

Documents

Documents listed below should be kept ready before starting the application. Upload clear copies so that verification is not delayed.

• Aadhaar card linked with an active mobile number.
• Passport-sized photograph.
• Bank account details or bank passbook copy.
• Land ownership documents or revenue receipt; a genealogy document is needed if the name is not clear on the receipt.
• Contract form (Ekrarnama) for non-ryot or tenant farmers, available at the official Ekrarnama form.
• Farmer registration certificate and residence certificate.

References

Official documents and portals for this scheme are listed below.

Official guidelines (SOP) | Online application portal | DBT farmer registration

For more details, farmers can contact the District Horticulture Officer or the Directorate of Horticulture, Agriculture Bhawan, Meethapur, Patna 800001, phone 0612-2547772, email dir-bhds-bih@nic.in.

FAQ's

What is Mukhyamantri Bagwani Mission: Strawberry Vikas Yojana?

It is a state scheme of Bihar that supports strawberry farmers with financial help, quality seedlings and subsidy on packaging material.

Who is eligible?

Any permanent resident farmer of the 20 notified districts of Bihar who owns between 0.25 and 5 acres of land can apply. Tenant farmers can apply with a valid contract form.

How much financial help is given?

Farmers get up to ₹3,02,400 per hectare, which is 40% of the unit cost, along with a 40% subsidy on packaging material.

Are women farmers given special reservation?

Yes, 30% of the beneficiary slots are reserved for women farmers.

How is the subsidy paid?

The subsidy is transferred directly to the registered bank account of the farmer through the DBT system.

Can a tenant farmer apply?

Yes, a tenant or non-ryot farmer can apply by submitting a valid contract form, known as Ekrarnama.

What should be prepared before applying?

Land records should be updated and the Aadhaar and bank account should be mapped on the DBT portal before applying.

Where can farmers get more help?

Farmers can contact their District Horticulture Officer or the Directorate of Horticulture office in Patna.