How to get subsidy for mulching from the department of horticulture?
What is mulching?
Mulching is an advanced agricultural technology. It is a practice of covering soil by using any artificial or live things. For example, plastic mulch is a type of artificial mulch while soil mulch is a type of natural mulch.
It provides favourable conditions for growth and development of plant by suppressing weed and conserving the available soil moisture. Soil surface is covered under a loose layer of soil, straw, organic manure or plastic.
Also read: Drip irrigation government scheme
Importance of mulching
It creates a barrier to check evaporation and the growth of weed. Less weed means less competition for soil nutrients. It is a very useful technique in vegetable crops.
Conserves moisture by suppressing weed growth, regulating soil temperature and protection from sun and wind.
Advantages
- It helps in improving soil structure.
- Maintains soil temperature.
- Increases soil OM.
- It checks soil erosion.
- Also improves water infiltration rate.
- It supports soil micro-flora.
Disadvantages
High cost: Initial cost is very high. It includes the cost of installation and transportation.
Also read: Green Shadenet House: Scheme and Uses
Types of mulch
There are different types of mulch. These are as follows:
- Plastic mulch.
- Soil mulch.
- Green manure.
- FYM.
- Vermicompost.
- Straw.
Among all the mulches, plastic mulches are very popular especially black polythene mulch but these are costly, that’s why we need to take advantage of government schemes. A farmer can apply for subsidy through the department of horticulture.
How to get subsidy for mulching from the department of horticulture: Procedure of application
Categories and subsidy
| S.N. | Category | Subsidy |
|---|---|---|
| 01. | Scheduled Caste | 50-70%, even 90% |
| 02. | Scheduled Tribe | 50-70%, even 90% |
| 03. | OBC and General | 50-70% |
Also read: Packhouse Scheme Horticulture
We have to go through few steps to avail this scheme.
Steps to be followed are as follows:
- Collect required documents.
- Go to the development of horticulture.
- Verify your documents to stand eligible for the scheme.
- Ask for application form.
- Fill the application form.
- Submit the application form.
- Purchase mulching materials.
- Submit receipt.
- You will get the subsidy amount after the installation of the mulch.
Step 01: Required documents
- Adhar card of farmer.
- Bank details: Basic details such as name of bank, account number, IFSC code, etc.
- Passport size photo of farmer.
- Land records: B-1, nakal, khasra, etc.
Step 02: Go to the department of horticulture
Go to horticultural office. You can contact rural horticultural extension officer or senior horticultural extension officer.
Step 03: Verify your documents
A horticultural officer will verify your records. If eligible, you can apply for the scheme.
Step 04: Ask for application form
Step 05: Fill the application form
Step 06: Submit the application form
Step 07: Purchase mulching materials
Initially, a farmer has to invest 100% amount to purchase mulching materials.
Step 08: Submit receipt
You will receive a GST bill from the seller. This is proof of purchase. You have to submit this bill to the department of horticulture.
Also read: Community Fencing Scheme Department of Horticulture