Assistance for Protected Cultivation

Assistance for Protected Cultivation is a Gujarat government scheme that gives financial support to farmers for building modern horticulture structures like polyhouses, shed net houses, plastic mulching, and plug nurseries. Farmers can get back up to 65% of the structure cost, which helps improve crop productivity and build a steady income.

Government of Gujarat runs this scheme through the Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Cooperation Department. Applications are accepted online on the I-Khedut portal, and the scheme is open for the 2026-27 financial year. Farmers registered on the portal can apply under the Agricultural Schemes section.

Assistance for Protected Cultivation - Introduction

Assistance for Protected Cultivation is a state-level scheme made for Gujarat farmers who want to adopt modern, climate-resilient horticulture. The scheme supports the building of key infrastructure such as polyhouses, shed net houses, mulching, plug nurseries, and self-employment oriented nursery setups.

By taking part in this scheme, farmers can use advanced farming methods that raise crop productivity and use resources well. The scheme also encourages self-employment by supporting standardised nursery setups and starter kits, so a farmer can start a small horticulture business with proper backing.

All applications move through the official I-Khedut portal, and there is no offline process. The subsidy is paid on approved structures, and the exact amount depends on the type of structure and the area covered.

Key Information

Benefits

Financial support under Assistance for Protected Cultivation depends on the type of infrastructure a farmer wants to set up. The main benefit amounts are given below.

For mulching, the subsidy covers 50% of the actual cost, limited to one hectare per farmer. Shed net houses and polyhouses between 500 sq.m and 4,000 sq.m are supported on the basis of empanelled company price rates for different structural models such as bamboo or cylindrical types.

Eligibility

To apply for Assistance for Protected Cultivation, a farmer needs to meet a few simple conditions. The main points are listed below.

• The applicant must be a permanent resident of Gujarat.
• The applicant must be a registered farmer who is engaged in horticultural cultivation.
• The applicant needs a valid Aadhaar card and a bank account linked to it for receiving the subsidy.

Application Process

Applications for this scheme are accepted only through the official I-Khedut Portal. A farmer must first register on the portal and then apply for the scheme. The steps are given below.

STEP 1 - Go to the official I-Khedut portal at ikhedut.gujarat.gov.in and click on Login from the top right corner, then choose Beneficiary Registration.

STEP 2 - Select the beneficiary type as Farmer, then choose the district, taluka, and village, and enter the account and land details as asked.

STEP 3 - Enter the mobile number and email address, click Send OTP, enter the received OTP, create a secure password, and submit the registration.

STEP 4 - Log in to the account, go to Schemes, click on Agricultural Schemes, and select Assistance for Protected Cultivation.

STEP 5 - Click on Apply, fill in all the required fields, upload the documents, and click Update/Confirm to submit the application.

STEP 6 - Download and keep a printout of the confirmed application for future reference.

For any help during the process, a farmer can check the Contact Us page on the portal.

Documents

Keep the following documents ready before starting the application so that the process goes smoothly.

• 7/12 land certificate
• Aadhaar card
• Bank passbook or a cancelled cheque

References

Scheme Guidelines (Page 63)

FAQ's

What is the main objective of Assistance for Protected Cultivation?

The main aim is to promote sustainable horticulture in Gujarat by giving financial support for modern structures like polyhouses and mulching, so that farmers can raise their income.

Who is eligible to apply for this scheme?

Any individual who is a permanent resident of Gujarat and a registered farmer engaged in horticulture can apply for the benefits.

What types of structures are covered?

The scheme supports plastic mulching, plug nurseries, shed net houses, polyhouses, and self-employment oriented horticulture nurseries with fixed financial limits.

How is the financial support for mulching calculated?

A farmer gets 50% of the actual cost, with a cap of ₹32,000 per hectare in general areas and ₹36,800 per hectare for hilly terrain.

What is the support for plug nursery development?

Public sector units get up to ₹30,00,000 per hectare, whereas the private sector gets 50% of the cost or up to ₹15,00,000 per hectare.

Are there benefits for nursery setup?

Yes, a farmer can receive ₹3,50,000 for nursery structure development and ₹50,000 for starter kits to help start the business.

Is there a size limit for polyhouses?

Yes, the scheme supports structures ranging from 500 sq.m to 4,000 sq.m depending on the approved rates.

Can I apply for this scheme offline?

No, applications are accepted only through the I-Khedut portal, and there is no offline process.

Which documents do I need to submit?

A farmer needs to submit the 7/12 land certificate, Aadhaar card, and valid bank account details through the portal.

Is there an application fee?

No, the application process on the I-Khedut portal is completely free.