Farmers Interest Group (FIG) is a state-level scheme of the Tamil Nadu government that gives cash grants to groups of 15 farmers for farm development work. Agriculture-Farmers Welfare Department runs the scheme, and it covers office equipment, member training, ID cards and district-level meetings.
Groups that qualify get up to rupees 29,400 in total support, paid as a grant and not a loan. The scheme is open for applications through the local agricultural offices across the state, so farmer groups can plan their work for the year ahead.
Farmers Interest Group (FIG) Scheme - Introduction
Farmers Interest Group (FIG) works on a simple idea: when 15 farmers come together as a group, they can do more than they can alone. The scheme gives such groups money to set up an office, buy technical bulletins, build a small library and train members in new farming methods.
Each group gets a fixed grant for every activity. The money goes directly to the group bank account after the application is approved, and there is no repayment burden. Groups use the funds to run their day to day work, hold meetings and keep members updated on new farming practices.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Farmers Interest Group (FIG) |
| Level | State |
| State | Tamil Nadu |
| Department | Agriculture-Farmers Welfare Department |
| Beneficiaries | Farmer groups of 15 members |
| Benefit Type | Cash grant |
| Funding Pattern | rupees 400 to rupees 20,000 per group |
| Application Mode | Offline |
Benefits
Farmers Interest Group (FIG) offers a fixed grant for each activity. The table below shows the full break-up of the financial support.
| Benefit Component | Financial Support |
|---|---|
| Office equipment, technical bulletins and library setup | rupees 5,000 per group |
| Training and skill development of members | rupees 4,000 per group |
| Member ID cards | rupees 400 per group |
| District-level meetings | rupees 20,000 per meeting |
Eligibility
Farmer groups that meet the following conditions can apply for the FIG scheme:
- Every member of the group should be a practicing farmer, and the group should have exactly 15 members.
- All members should be residents of Tamil Nadu, and the group should work on agricultural crops.
- The group should be willing to use the grant for the activities listed in the scheme, such as office setup, training, ID cards and meetings.
Application Process
Application for Farmers Interest Group (FIG) is made offline through the local agricultural office. Follow the steps below to apply.
STEP 1 - Visit the nearest Agricultural Office and collect the official application form for the Farmers Interest Group scheme.
STEP 2 - Fill in the form with correct details of all 15 members and attach self-attested copies of the required documents.
STEP 3 - Submit the form at the right office based on your area: the Assistant Agricultural Officer at the village level, the Agricultural Officer or Deputy Agricultural Officer at the block level, and the Joint Director of Agriculture at the district level.
Documents
Keep the following documents ready before you start the application process:
- Proof of identity such as Aadhaar card or Voter ID for all group members.
- Documentary proof of land ownership or land holding records of the members.
- Official registration documents of the farmer group, along with the list of all 15 members.
- Any other document asked by the local agricultural office at the time of submission.
References
For more details, check the official scheme page on the Tamil Nadu government scheme portal.
FAQ's
What is Farmers Interest Group (FIG)?
Farmers Interest Group (FIG) is a state-level scheme of Tamil Nadu that gives cash grants to groups of 15 farmers for office setup, training, ID cards and district-level meetings.
Who can apply for FIG scheme?
Any group of 15 farmers who are residents of Tamil Nadu and work on agricultural crops can apply through the local agricultural office.
How much money does the scheme give?
Each group gets rupees 5,000 for office equipment and library, rupees 4,000 for training, rupees 400 for ID cards and rupees 20,000 for district-level meetings.
Is Farmers Interest Group a central or state scheme?
It is a state scheme run by the Agriculture-Farmers Welfare Department of Tamil Nadu.
How to apply for FIG scheme?
Collect the application form from the nearest agricultural office, fill it with member details and submit it to the Assistant Agricultural Officer, Agricultural Officer or Joint Director of Agriculture based on your area.
Is there any online application for FIG scheme?
No, the application process is offline. Groups have to submit the form at the local agricultural office.
Can an individual farmer apply for this scheme?
No, the scheme is only for groups of 15 farmers, not individual farmers.
