Madhya Pradesh Masala Kshetra Vistar Yojana

Scheme Introduction: A Brief Overview

The Madhya Pradesh Masala Kshetra Vistar Yojana is a state-sponsored scheme implemented by the Department of Horticulture and Food Processing, Government of Madhya Pradesh, to expand the area under spice cultivation and increase spice production across the state. The scheme is applicable in all districts of Madhya Pradesh. Its primary objective is to promote the cultivation of selected spice crops through improved varieties that offer better quality and higher production, thereby increasing the overall area and output of spice crops.

Madhya Pradesh has significant potential for spice cultivation, but many farmers continue to depend mainly on traditional crops. To encourage diversification and bring more farmers into spice cultivation, the department has introduced this scheme. It aims to expand the production base of spices by providing financial assistance for seeds and planting material.

One of the key features of the Masala Kshetra Vistar Scheme is that the benefit is available only to farmers who are not currently cultivating any spice crop. This provision is intended to encourage new farmers to take up spice cultivation and expand the overall area under spices in the state. The scheme covers two broad categories of crops: seed-based spice crops and rhizome or tuber-based crops such as turmeric, ginger and garlic.

Under the scheme, farmers receive a 50% subsidy on the cost of seeds or planting material. For seed-based spice crops, assistance is available up to ₹10,000 per hectare, while turmeric, ginger and garlic are eligible for assistance up to ₹50,000 per hectare. Subsidy can be claimed for a minimum area of 0.25 hectares and a maximum area of 2 hectares. A farmer can receive this subsidy only once.

The Masala Kshetra Vistar Yojana is open to landholding farmers from all categories in Madhya Pradesh. Farmers holding a Forest Rights Certificate are also eligible. The scheme applies only to private land, and adequate irrigation facilities must be available on the farm. The department sets separate targets for General, Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe farmers to ensure equitable implementation of the scheme.

Applications must be submitted online through the Department of Horticulture and Food Processing portal using the applicant's Aadhaar number. Applications are accepted only when the departmental target for the scheme is available on the portal. Depending on the provisions of the scheme, the subsidy is provided either as assistance on the input material, such as seeds or planting material, or transferred directly to the farmer's bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

The Government of Madhya Pradesh also implements several other schemes for the welfare of farmers. These include the Mukhyamantri Krishak Udyami Yojana, which provides financial assistance to farmers' sons and daughters to start a business. The Mausam Aadharit Fasal Bima Yojana provides protection against weather-related risks to farmers' crops. The Mukhyamantri Kisan Kalyan Yojana provides additional financial assistance to farmers.

Scheme Benefits

The scheme provides financial assistance towards the cost of seeds or planting material to encourage new farmers to take up spice cultivation. The major benefits are as follows:

• Seed-based spice crops: 50% of the seed cost, subject to a maximum of ₹10,000 per hectare.
• Turmeric, ginger and garlic: 50% of the planting material cost, subject to a maximum of ₹50,000 per hectare.
• Eligible area: Subsidy is available for a minimum area of 0.25 hectares and a maximum of 2 hectares.
• Payment: Assistance is provided on input material or through DBT, as prescribed under the scheme provisions.
• One-time benefit: A farmer can receive the subsidy only once.

Eligibility Requirements

To receive benefits under the Madhya Pradesh Masala Kshetra Vistar Yojana, applicants must fulfil the following eligibility conditions prescribed by the department:

• The applicant must be a landholding farmer.
• Farmers from all categories are eligible.
• Farmers holding a valid Forest Rights Certificate are also eligible.
• The farmer must not currently be cultivating spice crops.
• The scheme applies only to private land.
• The farm must have adequate irrigation facilities.
• The subsidy is available to a farmer only once.

Required Documents

Applicants are required to provide the following documents while applying online:

• Farmer's photograph
• Aadhaar Card
• Copy of Khasra/B-1 or Forest Lease/Patta document
• Bank passbook
• Caste certificate

Steps to Apply

Farmers can apply for the MP Masala Kshetra Vistar Yojana online through the MPFSTS portal or with assistance from an online service centre. The application process is as follows:

• First, visit the MPFSTS portal.
• On the homepage, click on the New Registration option.
• Read the registration instructions, enter your Aadhaar number, complete OTP verification, and provide the required details.
• After registration, click on Farmer Login and log in using your username and password.
• Select the Madhya Pradesh Masala Kshetra Vistar Yojana and fill in the required information in the application form.
• Upload the required documents, including the photograph, Aadhaar Card, Khasra/B-1 or Forest Lease/Patta document, bank passbook, and caste certificate.
• Carefully review the application and submit the form.
• The application process for Masala Kshetra Vistar Yojana is complete after successful submission.

Important Links

• Madhya Pradesh Masala Kshetra Vistar Yojana Guidelines
• Madhya Pradesh Masala Kshetra Vistar Yojana Details
• Department of Horticulture and Food Processing, Madhya Pradesh Portal
• MPFSTS Portal

Contact Information

• Department of Horticulture and Food Processing, MP Contact Details
• MPFSTS Portal Helpdesk Email: [email protected]