Gone are the times when farmers used to depend only on traditional farming. The Government of India and State Governments are gradually motivating farmers to move towards horticulture. In this direction, the Uttar Pradesh government has announced to give attractive subsidy to farmers on banana cultivation. Banana cultivation, which is rich in nutrition and religiously important, can now become a means of huge profits at low cost.

UP government will give 40% subsidy on banana cultivation

Under the Integrated Horticulture Mission of the Uttar Pradesh government, the cost of planting a banana orchard has been fixed at approximately ₹1,02,462 per hectare. On this, farmers will get 40% subsidy, i.e. a grant of ₹ 40,985. This amount is given in two installments:

• First installment: ₹30,738
• Second installment: ₹10,247

The remaining expenses will have to be borne by the farmer himself. The government sends this amount directly to the bank accounts of the farmers.

Banana farming will yield profits worth lakhs

The biggest advantage of banana farming is its fast returns. The crop becomes suitable for plucking only after 11 to 12 months of sowing. According to experts, farmers can get 30 to 60 tonnes of banana production in one hectare. With proper management and market rates, farmers can earn annual profits up to ₹5 lakh.

Documents required for application

To avail the benefits of this scheme, farmers will have to keep some important documents ready:

• Khasra-Khatauni certificate of land
• Aadhar Card or other identity card (Voter ID etc.)
• copy of bank passbook
• passport size photo

Know the complete process of online application

1. Farmers can apply online for this scheme:
2. Visit the website http://dbt.uphorticulture.in.
3. Click on “Farmer Corner” and register yourself.
4. Fill the requested information – like Aadhaar number, bank details, Khasra-Khatauni etc.
5. After submission, note down the application number.
6. You can track the status of your application from this number.

After approval, the farmer has to purchase tissue culture banana plants from an institution approved by the Government of India. The purchase bill has to be uploaded on the website. After completion of verification, the subsidy amount is sent to the farmer's account in two installments.

Know what is the facility of offline application

• Farmers who are unable to use the internet can also apply offline. For:
• Go to your District Horticulture Department office and fill the form.
• Required Documents – Submit Aadhar Card, Bank Passbook, Khatauni and two photographs.
• Buy saplings from approved institution and submit the bill.
• After verification, the subsidy amount will be sent directly to your account.

This initiative of the Uttar Pradesh government encourages farmers to move away from traditional crops towards horticulture and fruit cultivation. Banana cultivation not only provides nutritional benefits but it can also become a golden opportunity for farmers economically. If farmers apply for the scheme at the right time, they can earn maximum profits from their farms at very low cost.