🍏 Bhausaheb Fundkar Phalbag Lagvad Scheme 2024-25

🎯 Scheme Objective

The Bhausaheb Fundkar Phalbag Lagvad Scheme was launched by the Maharashtra Agriculture Department in Kharif 2018-19 to boost perennial fruit cultivation. It aims to increase orchard productivity, diversify farmer incomes, and strengthen agrarian resilience. By offering upfront subsidies via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), the scheme lowers establishment costs and encourages small and marginal farmers to adopt modern horticulture practices.

Over three years, the scheme tracks plant survival rates and ensures accountability. This approach not only improves sapling care but also reduces wastage of subsidy funds. For further insights on allied schemes, check our Watershed Development Scheme and Micro Irrigation Scheme.

⏳ Assistance Pattern & Survival Criteria

Farmers receive the total subsidy amount in three installments spread across three years. Disbursements follow this pattern:

1. Year 1: 40% of total subsidy upon plantation and initial verification.
2. Year 2: 30% after 12-month survival check (minimum 80% live plants).
3. Year 3: 30% final installment after 24-month survival check (minimum 90% live plants).

Maintaining these survival norms is crucial. First-year losses below 20% and second-year losses below 10% safeguard the farmer’s eligibility. Failure to meet norms may lead to proportional reduction in subsequent installments.

🌱 Eligible Crops & Land Ceiling

Sixteen perennial fruit crops qualify under the scheme:

• Mango
• Cashew
• Guava
• Sapota
• Custard Apple
• Pomegranate
• Paper Lemon
• Coconut
• Tamarind
• Fig
• Amla
• Kokum
• Jackfruit
• Jamun
• Orange
• Mosambi

Land area limits vary by region:

• Konkan Division: Minimum 0.10 ha, maximum 10.00 ha
• Rest of Maharashtra: Minimum 0.20 ha, maximum 6.00 ha

Farmers can mix and match crop types within their allocated area. For financing options beyond subsidies, explore our Agricultural Credit Card Scheme.

💰 Covered Activities & Subsidy Use

The scheme’s subsidy covers essential orchard-establishment activities:

• Pit Digging: Soil conditioning and trenching.
• Sapling/Graft Planting: Certified grafts or seedlings.
• Fertilizer Application: Chemical and organic inputs.
• Crop Protection: Pesticides, fungicides, and insecticides.
• Gap Filling: Replacement of dead plants up to survival norms.

Farmers must retain purchase invoices and field logs to claim each installment. Timely execution with photographic and GPS evidence accelerates DBT transfers.

📊 Subsidy Rates & Calculation

Subsidy rates differ by crop and per hectare basis. The following table summarizes typical amounts:

Crop	Subsidy Range (₹/ha)
Mango	67,005 – 129,306
Cashew	67,027
Guava	74,860 – 227,517
Pomegranate	120,777
Paper Lemon	72,907
Orange/Mosambi	82,879 – 121,519
Custard Apple	88,275
Amla	60,064
Tamarind	57,465
Jamun	57,465
Kokum	57,589
Jackfruit	54,940
Fig	113,936
Sapota	64,455
Coconut	93,817

Farmers should calculate total subsidy based on their planting area and chosen crops. Mixed cropping patterns require summing allowances for each crop proportionally.

📐 Recommended Planting Distances

Proper spacing ensures healthy canopy development and ease of management. Adhere to these distances:

• Mango: 10 m × 10 m
• Cashew: 7 m × 7 m
• Guava: 3 m × 2 m or 6 m × 6 m
• Pomegranate: 4.5 m × 3 m
• Paper Lemon: 6 m × 6 m
• Orange/Mosambi: 6 m × 6 m or 6 m × 3 m
• Custard Apple: 5 m × 5 m
• Amla/Tamarind/Jackfruit/Jamun: 7 m × 7 m or 10 m × 10 m as specified
• Fig: 4.5 m × 3 m
• Sapota: 10 m × 10 m
• Coconut: 8 m × 8 m

Accurate plantation ensures uniform sunlight distribution, improves air circulation, and reduces disease incidence.

✅ Eligibility & Exclusions

To qualify, applicants must:

• Be a permanent resident of Maharashtra.
• Possess an Aadhaar card linked to a bank account.
• Hold valid 7/12 and 8-A land ownership certificates.

Exclusions include:

• Institutional entities (no cooperatives or NGOs).
• Farmers without Aadhaar or non-residents of the state.

Women farmers and individuals with common land records are eligible if they fulfill the above criteria.

📄 Documents Checklist

Prepare these documents before applying:

1. Aadhaar Card (copy)
2. 7/12 Land Record Extract
3. 8-A Land Ownership Certificate
4. Caste Certificate (SC/ST beneficiaries)
5. Self-Declaration (form provided on portal)
6. Pre-Sanction Letter (if required)
7. Purchase Invoice of Implements & Inputs

Ensure all documents are scanned clearly and comply with portal size limits.

🖥️ Online Application Step-by-Step

1. Visit Aaple Sarkar DBT Portal: https://mahadbt.maharashtra.gov.in/
2. Navigate to Farmer Scheme > New Applicant Registration.
3. Enter personal details: name, Aadhaar, mobile, email. Create login credentials.
4. Log in and complete your profile: personal info, address, land details (7/12 & 8-A) for 100% profile score.
5. From the dashboard, select Bhausaheb Fundkar Phalbag Lagvad Scheme, choose crops and area, upload documents.
6. Review application summary, pay ₹23.60 fee via online payment.
7. Submit and note your Application ID for future tracking.

Use the portal’s Application Timestamp Report to monitor status.

🔄 Latest Updates & Portal Info

• Enhanced DBT Tracking: Live status updates via SMS and portal alerts.
• Mobile App Integration: Upcoming “Aaple Sarkar Farmer” Android app for easier access.
• Grievance Redressal: Dedicated helpline and online chat support for portal issues.

🛠️ Tips to Maximize Benefits

• Select High-Value Crops: Mix cash crops like guava or pomegranate with staple fruits to boost returns.
• Nursery Audit: Source grafts only from certified nurseries to reduce mortality.
• Record Keeping: Maintain field diaries, photos, and GPS logs to satisfy verification checks.
• Stagger Planting: Spread planting over 2–4 weeks to manage labor and inputs efficiently.
• Soil Testing: Conduct pre-plantation soil tests for balanced nutrient management.

🌟 Best Practices for Fruit Orchards

Training & Pruning: Shape canopy structure in early years to facilitate harvests and light penetration.

Integrated Nutrient Management: Combine organic compost with NPK fertilizers for sustained fertility.

Drip Irrigation: Pair with the Micro Irrigation Scheme for water efficiency and yield boost.

Integrated Pest Management: Monitor pest thresholds and deploy biocontrol agents before chemical sprays.

Mulching & Weed Control: Use organic mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

🔗 Related Schemes

• Mission Organic Value Chain Development
• Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana
• PM-KISAN Yojana 2025

📝 Conclusion & Next Steps

The Bhausaheb Fundkar Phalbag Lagvad Scheme empowers you to establish high-value, sustainable orchards with minimal upfront costs. By planning carefully, adhering to norms, and leveraging best practices, you can maximize subsidy benefits and long-term yields.

1. Review Eligibility: Confirm Aadhaar, land records, and residency.
2. Complete Soil Tests: Optimize input applications.
3. Plan Crop Mix & Layout: Balance risk and returns.
4. Apply Early: Beat the first-come, first-served rush from July 2025.
5. Document Thoroughly: Ensure survival checks and subsidy disbursal.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can a farmer apply for multiple crops? A: Yes. You may select more than two perennial fruit crops within your land ceiling.

Q: Are women farmers eligible? A: Absolutely. The scheme is gender-neutral and welcomes all eligible farmers.

Q: What is the maximum application area? A: Up to 10 ha in Konkan; 6 ha in the rest of Maharashtra.

Q: How is the fee paid? A: ₹23.60 via online payment during application submission.

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