AI SummaryKisan Vriksha Mitra Yojana encourages commercial tree plantation on private land to boost farmer income and create jobs. This scheme supports farmers and institutions through financial help and a guaranteed buyback of produce.
Chhattisgarh government, through the Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department, has been running this scheme since 2023 to turn private land into productive commercial plantations. Under the plan, around 36,000 acres are covered every year, with a target of 1,80,000 acres and 15 crore plants over five years. Once the trees mature, farmers can earn an estimated income of about ₹10,000 crore in total.
Kisan Vriksha Mitra Yojana - Introduction
The scheme is open to all willing landowners, private educational institutions, trusts, panchayats, NGOs and people farming on leased land. Farmers get 100% financial support for plantations up to 5 acres and 50% support for areas above 5 acres. The department, along with partner companies, makes sure the produce is bought back at a fixed support price.
According to the official data, in the financial year 2024-25 more than 23,000 farmers planted around 2.25 crore trees across about 37,800 acres. In the monsoon season of 2025-26, nearly 13,849 farmers took part and planted around 1.41 crore plants. This shows the scheme is still active and attracting more farmers every year.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Kisan Vriksha Mitra Yojana |
| Level | State |
| State | Chhattisgarh |
| Nodal Department | Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department |
| Benefit Type | Cash support |
| Application Mode | Offline at regional forest office |
| Official Website | forest.cg.gov.in |
Benefits
Financial Support
This scheme gives strong money help to start the plantation work. Farmers and other eligible people get support based on the size of their land, with the amount decided by the number of plants.
| Category | Land Area | Support Amount | Maximum Plant Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Farmers | Up to 5 Acres | 100% financial support | 5,000 plants |
| Farmers | Above 5 Acres | 50% financial support | 1,000 plants per acre |
| Others (Institutions, Trusts, Panchayats) | All sizes | 50% financial support | As per guidelines |
Support is paid per plant over three years. In the first year, clonal eucalyptus gets ₹21 per plant, tissue culture bamboo gets ₹54.50, tissue culture teak gets ₹94.50, melia dubia gets ₹44.50 and other useful plants get ₹37.50. In the second and third years, each living plant gets ₹7 per year. This money is released based on how many plants survive each year.
Buyback Assurance
Farmers can feel safe knowing the government makes sure the produce, such as eucalyptus and bamboo, is bought back at a fixed support price. Private companies also join in to provide money help and marketing support.
Income and Employment
After the trees mature, farmers can earn around ₹15,000 to ₹50,000 per acre every year. The plantation work also creates local jobs, which keeps money flowing in rural areas.
Mode of Payment
Support reaches the bank account directly after the department checks the plantation progress. Payments are spread over three years and depend on the survival rate of the plants.
Eligibility
Anyone who meets the following conditions can apply under this scheme:
- All willing landowners from every class who want to plant trees on their private land.
- Government, semi-government and autonomous institutions that want to plant on their own land.
- Private educational institutions, private trusts, NGOs and panchayats interested in plantation.
- Leased land holders who have valid land contract documents.
Priority is given to people who choose commercially useful species like eucalyptus and bamboo, which give better returns.
Exclusions
Land already marked under compensatory afforestation as per the Forest Conservation Act is not eligible for benefits under this scheme.
Application Process
STEP 1 - Visit the nearest regional office of the Forest and Climate Change Department and show interest in the scheme.
STEP 2 - Collect the application form, fill it and attach all required documents, then submit it to the local forest office for land and document checking.
STEP 3 - After the forest department checks the details, it approves the application and informs the applicant. Selection is done with the help of field staff and partner companies.
STEP 4 - Once approved, start the plantation following the technical rules given by the department.
STEP 5 - After checking the plantation, the department releases the money into the bank account. The plantation is watched for three years, with later payments linked to the survival rate of the trees.
Documents
Keep the following papers ready before applying:
- Land ownership documents.
- Bank account details.
- Aadhaar card.
- Identity proof for private institutions and trusts.
- Valid lease agreement for leased land holders.
References
Official Scheme Details on Forest Department Website
FAQ's
What is the maximum financial support for a farmer with 10 acres of land?
A farmer with 10 acres of land gets 50% support for up to 10,000 plants, calculated as 1,000 plants per acre.
How is the support price for the produce decided?
A state-level committee calculates the support price for the produce every year.
How much support is given per plant in the first year?
In the first year, clonal eucalyptus gets ₹21, tissue culture bamboo gets ₹54.50, tissue culture teak gets ₹94.50, melia dubia gets ₹44.50 and other useful plants get ₹37.50 per plant.
What is the support for private trusts in the third year?
Private trusts get 50% support in the third year, which depends on the survival rate of the plants.
What is the role of the forest department in this scheme?
The forest department is the main partner, checking applications, watching plantation growth and making sure money is paid on time.
How is the support for leased land holders paid?
Once staff check the plantation, the support is paid directly into the registered bank account.
Can farmers plant trees other than eucalyptus and bamboo?
Yes, farmers can plant other useful tree species like teak, sandalwood, melia dubia and amla that follow the scheme rules.
What is the maximum number of plants supported for up to 5 acres?
The scheme supports a maximum of 5,000 plants for holdings up to 5 acres.
How is the survival rate of plants calculated for payment?
Staff count the living plants at the end of each year and use this number to decide the payment.
How long does the monitoring of the plantation last?
The department watches the plantation for three years to make sure the trees grow well.
Is there any priority given to specific beneficiaries?
Priority is given to people who choose commercially useful species like eucalyptus and bamboo.