AI SummaryChai Vikas Yojana is an agricultural scheme of the Bihar Agriculture Department that helps tea growers with cash subsidy for planting materials and modern horticultural machinery. The scheme is open for the 2026-27 season and covers new tea area expansion in Kishanganj, Araria, Supaul, Purnia and Katihar districts.
Under the scheme, farmers buy the tea planting material on their own and the government pays the subsidy in two parts on a 75:25 basis. The first 75% comes in the first year and the remaining 25% is paid in the next year, but only if at least 90% of the planted saplings survive.
Chai Vikas Yojana - Introduction
Chai Vikas Yojana works as a dedicated support system launched by the Agriculture Department of Bihar. Its main aim is to boost the local tea industry by expanding plantations in Kishanganj, Araria, Supaul, Purnia and Katihar.
Farmers can purchase planting materials on their own for their farm. The scheme provides support through a 75:25 cost-sharing model for many horticultural tools. Whether a farmer needs pruning machines, mechanical harvesters, plucking shears, leaf carriage vehicles or collection sheds, the scheme makes the investment more affordable.
For the 2026-27 season, the new tea area expansion will be carried out in the five listed districts. A farmer who takes benefit for new tea area expansion under this scheme cannot claim extra support for mechanized equipment at the same time.
Key Information
| Key | Value |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Chai Vikas Yojana |
| Level | State |
| Beneficiary Type | Individual |
| State | Bihar |
| Category | Agriculture, Rural & Environment |
| Benefit Type | Cash Subsidy |
| DBT Based | No |
| Nodal Department | Agriculture Department |
Benefits
Eligible farmers can get financial support to reduce their operating costs. The scheme sets aside 30% of the benefits for women beneficiaries and works on a first-come, first-served basis.
| Item | Maximum Subsidy Amount | Required Land Area |
|---|---|---|
| Pruning Machine | 50% or ₹60,000 | 2 Acres |
| Mechanical Harvester | 50% or ₹50,000 | 2 Acres |
| Plucking Shears (Max 20) | 50% or ₹1,100 | 2 Acres |
| Leaf Carriage Vehicle | 50% or ₹7,50,000 | 10 Acres |
| Leaf Collection Shed | 50% or ₹37,500 | 5 Acres |
For planting materials, farmers receive 75% subsidy in the first year and 25% in the second year, provided the plant survival rate stays at 90% or higher. The second installment for plants set in 2026-27 is paid during the financial year 2027-28.
Eligibility
To qualify for support under Chai Vikas Yojana, a farmer should meet these requirements:
- The applicant must be a farmer.
- The applicant should reside or operate in Kishanganj, Araria, Supaul, Purnia or Katihar districts.
- The applicant must own a minimum of 2 acres of land for tea cultivation.
- The applicant should be registered on the official DBT portal.
Exclusions
Please note that if a beneficiary receives help for new tea area expansion under this scheme, they cannot claim additional benefits for mechanized equipment at the same time.
Application Process
Step-by-Step Online Application
Before applying, farmers must complete their DBT registration on the DBT portal. The Aadhaar should be linked with an active mobile number for OTP verification. Once registered, the farmer waits 48 hours to receive a 13-digit registration ID.
After registration, the farmer can follow these steps to apply for the scheme:
STEP 1 - Visit the official Directorate of Horticulture, Bihar website and open the scheme dashboard to reach the Chai Vikas Yojana application page.
STEP 2 - Review and agree to the terms by clicking the checkbox, then select Proceed to apply.
STEP 3 - Choose the applicant type and enter the 13-digit DBT registration number.
STEP 4 - Input the address and land details accurately, then upload the required documents.
STEP 5 - Confirm the information and click Submit to generate the application number. Keep this safe for tracking the application status.
Documents
Farmers should keep the digital copies of the following documents ready for the application:
- Aadhaar Card linked to an active mobile number.
- Recent passport-sized photograph.
- Valid land-ownership or revenue receipts.
- Genealogy documents, only if the name is not clearly visible on the land deeds.
- Bank account details.
References
For further details, farmers may refer to the official resources below:
FAQ's
What is the primary goal of Chai Vikas Yojana?
The main objective is to modernize tea farming and improve agricultural productivity for farmers in the specified districts of Bihar.
Which districts are eligible to participate?
Farmers from Kishanganj, Araria, Supaul, Purnia and Katihar are eligible to receive these benefits.
How does the plant survival rate impact the subsidy?
The farmer gets the first 75% of the subsidy in year one. The remaining 25% is received in the second year only if at least 90% of the plants survive.
Are there specific land requirements for equipment?
Yes. For instance, a farmer with 2 acres can get a pruning machine, but would need at least 10 acres to qualify for a leaf carriage vehicle subsidy.
What is the subsidy limit for plucking shears?
The farmer can get 50% of the cost covered, up to ₹1,100, for a maximum of 20 shears.