AI SummaryArka Vertical Garden is a state-sponsored scheme made for residents of Kerala to promote urban and peri-urban vegetable cultivation. This scheme provides subsidized vertical gardening structures that allow families to grow their own pesticide-free produce in a small, one-square-meter footprint.
Scheme has been closed or it was a one time scheme which has been closed by the government.
Arka Vertical Garden - Introduction
Arka Vertical Garden helps residents of Kerala turn small urban spaces into productive green patches. The scheme was launched by State Horticulture Mission-Kerala under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), with easy-to-use vertical gardening units developed by ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru. Any resident of Kerala could apply for a single unit to start their own home garden.
The scheme ran under RKVY Scheme 2022-23, and the last date for submission of applications was 31 December 2024. The official page of State Horticulture Mission Kerala still lists the full scheme details, but no fresh application window has been announced for 2026.
Key Information
| Scheme Name | Arka Vertical Garden |
| Level | State |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary State | Kerala |
| Categories | Agriculture, Rural & Environment |
| Benefit Type | Subsidy |
| DBT Scheme | No |
| Nodal Department | Agriculture Development and Farmers Welfare Department |
Benefits
People selected under Arka Vertical Garden received a complete, ready-to-use gardening setup. The project was made to be affordable for the average family:
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Unit Cost | ₹22,100 |
| Subsidy Amount | ₹15,525 |
| Your Contribution | ₹6,575 |
Each unit includes a durable metal structure spanning one square meter with wheels for easy movement towards sunlight, 16 plant pots arranged across 4 tiers, 80 kilograms of enriched coir pith for plant growth, a 25-liter water reservoir, and a drip irrigation system. A selected package of seeds is also included, with spinach, chilli, palak, amaranthus, brinjal, and cluster beans, along with plant nutrition and protection nutrients to help the garden grow well.
Eligibility
To be eligible for this scheme, the applicant had to be a permanent resident of Kerala. Also, the applicant should not have received an Arka Vertical Garden structure in a previous year, so that as many families as possible can benefit from the scheme.
Application Process
Online Application Steps
The following steps were used to submit an application through the official ServicePlus portal:
STEP 1 - Visit the official service portal and click on the Register option. Provide name, email, mobile number, and set a secure password according to the portal criteria.
STEP 2 - Log in to the account after registration. Select Apply for Services and browse for the Arka Vertical Garden scheme. Fill out the digital form accurately and submit it. The beneficiary contribution of ₹6,575 had to be paid online at the time of application.
STEP 3 - State Horticulture Mission reviewed applications based on the order of submission. If selected, the applicant was notified regarding the installation. The applicant had to be present at the premises with the Aadhaar card when the team arrived to set up the structure. Cooperation with official inspections was needed to keep the subsidy valid.
Documents
The following documents were required for the installation process:
- Proof of residential address in Kerala.
- Aadhaar card (to be verified by the installation team).
References
View Official Scheme Guidelines and Updates
FAQ's
What is the primary objective of this scheme?
The scheme was made to help families produce their own pesticide-free vegetables using vertical space, supporting food and nutritional security at home.
What does the kit include?
The kit includes the vertical frame, 16 pots, 80 kg of coir pith, quality vegetable seeds, plant nutrients, a 25-liter water tank, and a drip irrigation system.
How much did the beneficiary need to pay?
The beneficiary had to contribute ₹6,575, while the government covered the remaining cost as a subsidy.
Can the structure be moved once installed?
Yes, the structure is fitted with wheels, so it can be moved around the premises to get the best sunlight for the plants.
Are there any restrictions on usage?
Yes, the structure should be used only for growing vegetables as outlined in the guidelines. Misuse may result in a request to refund the subsidy amount.
How was the beneficiary selected?
Selection followed a priority list based on the date and order of application submission.