Assistance Program for Expansion of Fruit Crop Cultivation offers financial support to farmers in Gujarat for intensive and ultra-intensive farming of fruit crops such as mango, guava, pomegranate, lemon, banana (tissue culture), and papaya. Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Cooperation Department, Gujarat, runs this scheme to push up fruit production and farm income. Farmers can apply online for 2026-27 through the official iKhedut portal.
Under the scheme, a farmer can get support of ₹30,000 to ₹40,000 per hectare for mango, guava, pomegranate, and lemon plantations, up to 40% of cost or ₹50,000 per hectare for tissue culture banana, and up to 50% of cost or ₹30,000 per hectare for papaya. Area limit is 4 hectares for each beneficiary. There is no income limit, so farmers from all income groups can apply.
Assistance Program for Expansion of Fruit Crop Cultivation - Introduction
Assistance Program for Expansion of Fruit Crop Cultivation, run by Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Cooperation Department, Gujarat, helps farmers adopt advanced agricultural practices. The scheme encourages farmers to increase cultivation of high-value fruits such as mango, guava, pomegranate, lemon, banana (tissue culture), and papaya through modern intensive and ultra-intensive methods. It is also known as Assistance for Area Expansion in Fruit Crops in the state scheme list.
The idea is simple. Old planting patterns give fewer trees per hectare. High-density and ultra-high-density planting allow more trees on the same plot, better use of land and water, and higher fruit output. The financial support covers part of the initial planting cost, which helps farmers manage the higher input cost of improved planting material and modern orchard setup.
Applications for the 2026-27 period are accepted online through the iKhedut portal. There is no need to visit any government office for submission. Farmers who want to plant mango, guava, pomegranate, lemon, banana (tissue culture), or papaya on their land can apply once they meet the basic eligibility conditions.
Key Information
| Key | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Assistance Program for Expansion of Fruit Crop Cultivation |
| Level | State |
| State | Gujarat |
| Beneficiary Target | Individual farmers |
| Category | Agriculture, Rural & Environment |
| Benefit Type | Financial Support |
| DBT | No |
| Application Mode | Online through iKhedut portal |
| Department | Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Cooperation Department |
Benefits
This scheme offers significant financial support to boost farm income through modern fruit cultivation. Support is given per hectare based on the crop and the planting method used. Rates that apply under the scheme are given below.
| Crop Type/Category | Financial Support |
|---|---|
| Mango, Guava, Pomegranate, Lemon | ₹30,000 to ₹40,000 per hectare |
| Banana (Tissue Culture) | 40% of cost or max ₹50,000 per hectare |
| Papaya | 50% of cost or max ₹30,000 per hectare |
You can receive this support for a maximum of 4 hectares per beneficiary. Note that for papaya crops, the amount is paid in two installments. For example, a farmer in Gujarat who plants mangoes using high-density methods on 2 hectares may get financial support between ₹60,000 and ₹80,000 depending on project approval.
Eligibility
Eligibility rules are simple and do not include any income limit. Any farmer who meets the following conditions can apply for this scheme:
- You should be an active farmer.
- You should hold a valid residency status in Gujarat.
- You should be currently engaged in horticultural or fruit crop cultivation activities.
Application Process
Applications are submitted online through the official iKhedut portal. New users have to register first, and existing users can log in directly and apply. Follow these steps:
STEP 1 - Open the iKhedut Portal and click on 'Login' in the top right corner of the homepage.
STEP 2 - For new users, click on 'Beneficiary Registration', select the beneficiary type as 'Farmer', and complete the OTP based registration to create your login.
STEP 3 - Log in to the dashboard, go to the 'Schemes' section and select 'Agricultural Schemes'.
STEP 4 - Select this scheme and click the 'Apply' button to open the application page. Click 'Apply New' to submit a fresh application.
STEP 5 - Fill in your details, upload the required documents, and confirm your submission. If you need to make changes, use the 'Update Application' button.
STEP 6 - Generate a printout for your records. You can track your application status or view, print, and upload details anytime through the Applicant Corner.
Documents
Keep these documents ready before starting the online application:
- 7/12 Land Record Certificate: this confirms ownership or cultivation rights of the land.
- Valid Aadhaar Card: needed for identity and verification of the applicant.
- Bank Passbook or a clear copy of a cancelled cheque: shows the bank account details for receiving the support amount.
References
For further clarity on guidelines and technical support, official references are available on the links below:
- Official Guidelines on Mariyojana Portal
- iKhedut User Manual PDF
- Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Cooperation Department, Gujarat
FAQ's
What is the objective of Assistance Program for Expansion of Fruit Crop Cultivation?
The scheme will encourage and support you to adopt intensive farming practices and increase the cultivation of fruits such as mango, guava, pomegranate, lemon, banana, and papaya.
Who is eligible to apply for this scheme?
Any farmer who is a resident of Gujarat and possesses valid agricultural land is eligible to apply.
Which crops are supported under this scheme?
The scheme provides financial support for the cultivation of mango, guava, pomegranate, lemon, banana (tissue culture), and papaya.
What is the maximum land area for which I can receive assistance?
You can receive support for up to 4 hectares of land.
What is the amount of assistance provided for banana tissue culture plantations?
The scheme offers 40% of the incurred cost or a maximum of ₹50,000 per hectare.
Is the assistance for papaya cultivation provided in a single installment?
No, the support for new papaya plantations is paid in two installments.
Is there an income limit for farmers to apply?
No, there is no specific family income limit to be eligible for this scheme.
How can I apply for this scheme?
You should apply through the iKhedut portal.
What documents are required?
You should submit your Aadhaar card, 7/12 land record, and your bank passbook or cancelled cheque.
Who should I contact for help?
You should contact your nearest agriculture office or visit the iKhedut portal for support.