Chhattisgarh Kisan Vriksh Mitra Yojana

Scheme Introduction: A Brief Overview

The Chhattisgarh Kisan Vriksh Mitra Yojana is an important scheme operated by the Forest and Climate Change Department of the Government of Chhattisgarh. It aims to promote the plantation of commercial tree species on the private lands of farmers and other beneficiaries in the state. Its main objective is to facilitate the plantation of economically beneficial species such as clonal Eucalyptus (Nilgiri), tissue culture Bamboo, tissue culture Teak, and Melia Dubia on the private lands of farmers and other eligible beneficiaries, ensure buyback of the produce through partner institutions and private companies, and thereby reduce the financial burden on the government. Through this scheme, beneficiaries are provided with a long-term source of income while also expanding forestry on non-forest lands.

Under the Kisan Vriksh Mitra Yojana, the government provides a 100 percent financial subsidy for plantation on land up to 5 acres and a 50 percent financial subsidy for plantation on land exceeding 5 acres. This subsidy is released year-wise on the basis of approved norms. According to official information, the scheme targets plantation on 36,000 acres of land every year, aiming to cover a total of 1,80,000 acres with 15 crore plants over a period of five years. Implementation of the scheme is expected to generate an annual income of ₹15,000 to ₹50,000 per acre for the beneficiaries. Official government posts also mention maintenance support for a period of three years.

Eligibility under the scheme includes all interested landowners belonging to any category, government, semi-government and autonomous institutions of the government (who wish to undertake plantation on their own land), as well as private educational institutions, private trusts, non-governmental organisations, panchayats, and land leaseholders. Beneficiaries are selected by the field staff of the Forest Department, the field staff of partner institutions/private companies, and motivators working under various schemes of the department, by contacting interested individuals and obtaining their consent.

The main objective of this scheme is to promote the plantation of commercial species on the private lands of farmers and other beneficiaries and to ensure buyback of the produce through partner institutions and private companies. Under the Chhattisgarh Kisan Vriksh Mitra Yojana, beneficiaries are also provided technical guidance and plantation-related support by the Forest Department. Interested farmers and other eligible persons can contact the nearest Forest Range Office or Forest Division Office to obtain information related to the application process. The selection process is carried out by the field staff on the basis of consent, after which the benefits of subsidy and buyback arrangement are provided as per the approved norms.

The state government is also implementing schemes such as the Krishak Unnati Yojana and the Krishak Jeevan Jyoti Yojana in the interest of farmers, which provide financial assistance and subsidised electricity for irrigation. In the same series, the Kisan Vriksh Mitra Yojana provides beneficiaries with a long-term source of income while also expanding forestry on non-forest lands.

Scheme Benefits

The benefits provided under the Chhattisgarh Kisan Vriksha Mitra Yojana are as follows:

• Under the scheme, 100 percent financial subsidy is provided for up to 3 years on plantation of a maximum of 5,000 plants on land up to 5 acres.
• On land exceeding 5 acres, a 50 percent financial subsidy is provided for up to 3 years on the plantation of a maximum of 1,000 plants per acre.
• Arrangement for buyback of produce through partner institutions and private companies under the Kisan Vriksha Mitra Yojana.
• Possibility of income ranging from ₹15,000 to ₹50,000 per acre per year for beneficiaries.
• Maintenance support for three years.
• Technical guidance and plantation-related support by the Forest Department.

Major Species Included in the Scheme

• Tissue Culture Teak
• Tissue Culture Bamboo
• Melia Dubia (Malabar Neem)
• Clonal Eucalyptus
• Sandalwood
• Other economically beneficial species

Financial Assistance and Scheme Models

The models for plantation under the Kisan Vriksha Mitra Yojana are as follows:

Model 1

• Eligible: Farmers / Government / Semi-Government / Autonomous Institutions
• Land: Up to 5 acres (maximum 5,000 plants)
• Subsidy: 100% by the Department (3 years)
• Fencing and Irrigation: By the beneficiary

Model 2

• Eligible: Farmers / Government / Semi-Government / Autonomous Institutions
• Land: More than 5 acres (maximum 1,000 plants per acre)
• Subsidy: 50% by the Department (3 years)
• Remaining 50%: By the beneficiary
• Fencing and Irrigation: By the beneficiary

Model 3

• Eligible: Private educational institutions, private trusts, non-governmental organizations, panchayats, land leaseholders
• Subsidy: 50% by the Department (3 years)
• No maximum limit on land and plants
• Remaining amount: By the beneficiary

Model 4 (With Partner Institution)

• Eligible: Farmers / Government Institutions (up to 5 acres, maximum 5,000 plants)
• Subsidy: 50% by partner institution/company + 50% by the Department (3 years)
• Buyback mandatory (at support price)
• Fencing and Irrigation: By the beneficiary

Model 5 (With Partner Institution)

• Eligible: Farmers / Government Institutions (more than 5 acres, maximum 1,000 plants per acre)
• Subsidy: 50% by partner institution/company + 25% by the Department + 25% by the beneficiary
• Buyback mandatory
• Fencing and Irrigation: By the beneficiary

Model 6 (With Partner Institution)

• Eligible: Private educational institutions, trusts, non-governmental organizations, panchayats, leaseholders
• Subsidy: 25% by the Department + 25% by partner institution/company (total 50%)
• Remaining 50%: By the beneficiary
• Buyback mandatory
• Fencing and Irrigation: By the beneficiary

Eligibility Requirements

Under the Chhattisgarh Kisan Vriksha Mitra Yojana, the applicant must fulfil the following eligibility conditions:

• All interested landowners of all categories.
• Government, semi-government, and autonomous institutions of the government that wish to undertake plantation on their own land.
• Private educational institutions, private trusts, non-governmental organizations, panchayats, and land leaseholders (leased land holders) who wish to undertake plantation on their land.

Required Documents

For applying under this scheme, the applicant will require the following documents:

• Copy of B-1 and Khasra number of the land
• Photocopy of Aadhaar Card
• Bank account details

Steps to Apply

The application process under the Kisan Vriksha Mitra Yojana is completely offline. Follow the steps given below to apply:

• Contact the Forest Range Office or Forest Division Office of your area.
• Obtain the application format of the scheme and fill in the required information (name, address, Khasra number of the land, area, species selected for plantation, etc.).
• Attach land-related documents (copy of B-1 / Khasra) and a copy of the Aadhaar Card.
• Submit the filled application at the concerned Range Office.
• Verification of land and documents is carried out by the field staff of the Forest Department.
• After verification, eligible beneficiaries are selected.
• After selection, availability of plants and technical guidance is provided by the Department.
• The plantation work is carried out by the beneficiary. After verification of the work, the subsidy amount is transferred to the bank account.

Relevant Links

• Guidelines of Chhattisgarh Kisan Vriksha Mitra Yojana
• Chhattisgarh Kisan Vriksha Mitra Yojana Details
• Department of Forest and Climate Change, Government of Chhattisgarh

Contact Information

• Department of Forest and Climate Change, Government of Chhattisgarh Toll-Free Helpline Number: 1800 233 7000