Decentralized People's Nursery is a Gujarat state scheme that helps rural families and institutions earn income by raising tree seedlings. Under this scheme, an applicant can raise up to 20,000 seedlings and get ₹2.20 per seedling from the Forest Department, paid in three installments. Participants keep full ownership of the plants and can sell or use them freely without any government permission.
Managed by the Social Forestry wing of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest and Head of the Forest Force (HoFF), government of Gujarat, this scheme supports afforestation while creating a steady income source for farmers. The application is submitted offline to the PCCF and HOFF office in Gandhinagar. It is open to all individuals and institutions interested in raising seedlings.
Decentralized People's Nursery - Introduction
Decentralized People's Nursery aims to boost rural incomes and increase tree cover by encouraging people and institutions to cultivate tree seedlings. This scheme turns nursery work into a commercial activity while helping to expand local greenery.
Typically, the target is 20,000 seedlings per applicant. Financial support is paid in three installments so that the nursery can be run smoothly. Since ownership stays with the beneficiary, the plants can be sold or used as the grower chooses. This makes it a reliable income-generating activity for those in agriculture.
By spreading nurseries across villages, the scheme also makes sure that quality plants are available within a reasonable distance for rural and urban plantation drives. A separate Special Component Program (SCP) variant gives targeted support to beneficiaries and groups from the Scheduled Caste community.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Decentralized People's Nursery |
| Level | State |
| Beneficiary | Individual |
| States | Gujarat |
| Categories | Agriculture, Rural and Environment |
| Benefit Type | Cash |
| DBT | No |
| Department | Forests and Environment Department |
Benefits
Financial Support: A beneficiary receives ₹2.20 per seedling, paid in three installments to cover the cost of raising the plants.
Full Ownership: The grower keeps complete ownership of all seedlings. The plants can be sold or used freely without seeking any official permission.
Income Generation: This scheme acts as a steady income-generating activity, useful for those looking for sustainable earnings in agriculture.
Local Availability: By decentralizing nursery operations, the scheme makes sure quality plants are always available within the local area for plantation projects.
Special Support: Through the Special Component Program (SCP), targeted help is given to beneficiaries and groups from the Scheduled Caste community.
Eligibility
Any individual or institution with a genuine interest in raising seedlings can take part. The standard target is 20,000 seedlings per applicant.
Preference is given to applicants who can reserve land for nursery work for at least 12 months and plan to run the nursery as a full-time commercial venture rather than a seasonal hobby.
Additional category criteria are given below:
- General Nursery: Open to individuals interested in large-scale seedling production.
- School/Kisan Nursery: Available to small and marginal farmers, landless laborers, families holding below poverty line (BPL) cards, and schools. Applications are invited through local media advertisements.
- SCP Variant: Meant for beneficiaries belonging to the Scheduled Caste community.
Application Process
STEP 1 - Download and print the official application form from the Gujarat Forest Department website or the online Kissan Nursery application page.
STEP 2 - Fill in all the required details accurately and attach the necessary documents. Self-attest the copies where required.
STEP 3 - Submit the completed application to PCCF and HOFF, Gujarat State, Block A, 1st Floor, Aranya Bhavan, Opp. St. Xaviers School, Near Ch-3 Circle, Sector-10/A, Gandhinagar.
STEP 4 - Ask for a formal receipt or acknowledgement from the office. Make sure it notes the submission date and a unique identifier.
Documents
Keep the following documents ready before applying:
- Valid identity proof.
- Valid address proof.
- Land ownership or lease agreement for the nursery site.
- Bank account details for payment transfers.
- Caste certificate, for Scheduled Caste applicants.
- BPL card, for BPL or Kisan/School variants.
References
Online Kissan Nursery Application Page
Gujarat Government Schemes 2026
FAQ's
What financial support will I get for each seedling?
You will receive ₹2.20 per seedling, paid in three installments during the cultivation period.
Can I sell my seedlings without government permission?
Yes. You own the seedlings completely and can sell or use them freely.
What is the target number of seedlings?
The standard target is 20,000 seedlings per applicant.
Who can apply for the Special Component Program?
This variant is for members of the Scheduled Caste community.
Who qualifies for the Kisan or School nursery variant?
Small farmers, landless laborers, BPL families, and schools are eligible for this category.
Is the scheme open to everyone?
It is open to all interested individuals, but priority goes to serious commercial growers who can reserve land for at least 12 months.
How do I know when to apply for a Kisan nursery?
Watch local media, since applications are invited through official advertisements.
How does this help my local community?
By creating a nursery nearby, high-quality plants become easily available for local greening and plantation drives.