Agroforestry Scheme in Bihar

Farming is mainly practiced in Bihar. About 70% of the people are dependent on agriculture. Despite having good soil and water resources, farmers face many problems such as floods, lack of timely rainfall, and poor crop yields. Agroforestry, where trees are planted alongside crops and animals.

The government has launched a scheme to promote agroforestry and support farmers, called the Mukhyamantri Krishivaniki Yojana (MKVK). The aim of this scheme is to improve soil fertility, empower farmers, and maintain environmental balance. Under this scheme, farmers are provided with information as well as financial assistance to plant trees in their fields and take care of them. Bihar also participates in the “Har Medh Par Ped” mission, which aims to increase tree cover alongside farming. To support farmers, the government provides different types of trees for field borders and blocks.

Objectives of the Scheme

• Making farmers economically strong.
• Increasing greenery in the state with the help of trees.
• Keeping the atmosphere and environment healthy.

Schemes

Mukhyamantri Niji Paudhshala Yojana:

• To prepare a large number of high-quality plants of different species to meet the tree-planting targets set for farmers.
• To increase employment opportunities.
• To conduct VCR (Video Conferencing Report) of the scheme.
• To divide the amount allocated for plants into two parts.
• Participants in the scheme must have the pond either in their own name or on lease.
• The land should be elevated, where water does not accumulate, and there should be an irrigation facility within 100 meters.

Krishi Vyapar – Other Species Scheme:

Under this scheme, plants prepared in the Chief Minister’s Private Nursery (other species) are made available to the farmers of the state. Plants that are one year or older and at least 3 feet tall are provided to farmers. All plants are available at the nursery for Rs 10/- per plant. A maximum of 25 plants are provided to each farmer. After three years, if there is more than 50% survival of the plants, an incentive of Rs 60/- per plant will be given. The original deposit amount of Rs 10/- per plant will also be refunded to the farmers. In this way, farmers can plant trees according to the available land.

Agroforestry (Poplar ETP) Scheme:

Under this scheme, poplar saplings are made available to farmers at the rate of Rs. 10 per plant. This will help farmers grow poplar trees and increase their income. Technical guidance is provided for planting and caring for Poplar ETP. The income generated from these trees will belong entirely to the farmers. If there is more than 50% survival after three years, an incentive of Rs. 60/- per plant will be given, and the original deposit of Rs. 10/- per plant will also be refunded. Plantation can be done across the entire field at a spacing of 3 m × 4 m or 3 m × 3 m, or alongside crops or on the ridges.

Mukhyamantri Niji Nursery (Poplar Species) Yojana:

Under this scheme, poplar saplings are prepared as per the requirements for plantation under agroforestry. This scheme provides more opportunities for villagers. Cuttings of poplar saplings will be made available to selected farmers at the rate of Rs. 10,000/- per acre. For participation, the land must be either owned or leased by the farmer for at least three years, and there must be an irrigation facility.
A minimum amount of Rs. 20,000/- per acre must be deposited as capital.
The nursery size limit per person is from half an acre to three acres. Farmers can plant saplings according to their needs.

Conclusion:

The agroforestry scheme in Bihar is a progressive initiative that is very useful from a future perspective. It helps create a balance between economic goals and environmental sustainability and is growing steadily as more farmers adopt these schemes. Farmers are paving the way for a strong model that promises a better environment and income security. To successfully implement these schemes, continuous technical support and regular monitoring are essential. This scheme not only redefines the agricultural landscape of Bihar but also preserves and builds upon its traditional agricultural practices, setting a strong example for others.

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