AI SummaryBhesaj Krishi Vikas Yojana (Herbal Cultivation Programme) helps local farmers and unemployed youth in Uttarakhand by providing resources and support for growing medicinal plants. It offers a long-term way to earn through professional herbal farming and improves the economic condition of hill families.
The scheme is being implemented by the Bhesaj Vikas Ikai under the Horticulture Department of the Government of Uttarakhand. It promotes cultivation of medicinal and herbal plants, commonly known as Jadi-Buti, and is a good option for people who want to work without leaving their village.
Bhesaj Krishi Vikas Yojana - Herbal Cultivation Programme - Introduction
Bhesaj Krishi Vikas Yojana brings the old herbal knowledge of Uttarakhand into modern farming. Farmers who join the scheme get quality saplings, training and marketing support for crops such as Kuth, Kutki, Big Cardamom, Sarpagandha and Tejpata.
Once the plantation is registered with the Herbal Research and Development Institute, Gopeshwar, the district Bhesaj coordinator gives a free challan for selling the crop to markets or pharmacies. Related support is also available under other herbal schemes of the state like the Distribution of Materials to Promote Herbal Cultivation scheme.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Bhesaj Krishi Vikas Yojana (Herbal Cultivation Programme) |
| Level | State |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary State | Uttarakhand |
| Category | Agriculture, Rural & Environment |
| Target Beneficiaries | Individual |
| Benefit Type | Cash |
| DBT Scheme | No |
| Main Department | Horticulture Department |
| Department Running the Scheme | Bhesaj Vikas Ikai, Uttarakhand |
| Tags | Bhesaj, Herbal Cultivation, Unemployed, Employment, Pharmaceutical |
Benefits
Growing medicinal plants is a good way to improve livelihood. Below is the estimated yearly profit per nali of land for different species:
| Species | Estimated Profit (per nali/year) |
|---|---|
| Kuth | ₹1,000 |
| Kutki | ₹660 |
| Big Cardamom | ₹1,120 (after 4 years) |
| Sarpagandha | ₹1,200 |
| Tejpata | ₹1,200 (after 10 years) |
This scheme also helps farmers build long-term skills in the herbal industry. For example, if a farmer grows Kuth on five nali of land, earning can reach about ₹5,000 per year. Farmers who want related help can also check the Registration of Herb Cultivators post.
Eligibility
Check whether you meet the following conditions before applying:
- You must be a permanent resident of Uttarakhand.
- You should currently be unemployed.
- You must own or have access to at least five nali of land.
- You need to hold a valid Aadhaar card.
- You must show a genuine interest in building a career through herbal cultivation.
Application Process
The application process is managed offline through local district coordination. Follow these steps:
STEP 1 - Contact your local District Bhesaj Coordinator under the Bhesaj Vikas Ikai to express interest in herbal farming.
STEP 2 - The coordinator selects eligible participants from villages of chosen development blocks. You will work in a cluster, usually 10 farmers from 2 to 3 neighboring villages.
STEP 3 - Attend the required training camp where you learn about crops suitable for your local climate and altitude.
STEP 4 - Once your cluster is registered, the department supplies quality saplings during the rainy season (July to August) based on the five-nali cultivation model.
STEP 5 - The coordinator registers your plantation with the Herbal Research and Development Institute, Gopeshwar. Three months before harvest, a free challan is given to help you sell the crop to any market or pharmacy.
Documents
Keep these documents ready when you approach the coordinator:
- Valid Aadhaar Card
- Land ownership or usage documents for the required five nali
- Any other identity or residency proof asked by the local district coordinator
References
Scheme details are given in the official guidelines of the Uttarakhand government (department library PDF, page 228). For the latest updates, contact the Horticulture Department Uttarakhand at Horticulture Department Uttarakhand.
FAQ's
Who can participate in this scheme?
Any unemployed resident of Uttarakhand who has at least five nali of land, possesses an Aadhaar card, and is keen on herbal farming can join.
Which plants are included under this scheme?
The program supports cultivation of Kuth, Kutki, Big Cardamom, Sarpagandha, and Tejpata.
What is the expected profit from these herbal plants?
Profits vary by species, ranging from ₹660 to ₹1,200 per nali annually, depending on the plant type and the time taken for maturity.
Who selects the beneficiaries?
The District Bhesaj Coordinator selects participants within chosen development blocks.
What is the criteria for selection?
You must be willing to join a cluster of 10 farmers and attend a required training camp to learn proper cultivation techniques.
How are the participants organized?
Participants are grouped into clusters of 10 members from 2 to 3 nearby villages so that coordinated training and supply chain support work well.
How are saplings provided to the farmers?
The department arranges saplings from certified nurseries during the rainy season (July-August).
What is the minimum land requirement to participate?
You must have at least five nali of land available for cultivation.