Assistance Program for the Cultivation of Lotus Fruit (Dragon Fruit)
50-75% subsidy on dragon fruit cultivation · Gujarat farmers · up to ₹4.5 lakh/ha
Gujarat farmers can receive up to 75% financial assistance for the infrastructure and planting costs of setting up a dragon fruit farm, covering cement poles and planting material in year one and trellis wire in year two. SC/ST farmers get the highest support at up to ₹4.5 lakh per hectare. Apply online at the I-Khedut Portal (ikhedut.gujarat.gov.in); preference given to small-scale and women farmers.
About This Scheme
Gujarat farmers can receive up to 75% financial assistance for the infrastructure and planting costs of setting up a dragon fruit farm, covering cement poles and planting material in year one and trellis wire in year two. SC/ST farmers get the highest support at up to ₹4.5 lakh per hectare. Apply online at the I-Khedut Portal (ikhedut.gujarat.gov.in); preference given to small-scale and women farmers.
Full official description
The scheme "Assistance Program for the Cultivation of Lotus Fruit (Dragon Fruit)" introduced by the Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Cooperation Department, Gujarat, aims to promote horticultural farming by supporting farmers with financial aid for the initial infrastructure and planting costs involved in dragon fruit cultivation.
Benefits
- General category: 50% assistance or up to ₹3,00,000/ha (whichever is less)
- SC/ST category: 75% assistance or up to ₹4,50,000/ha (whichever is less)
- Year 1: up to ₹2,44,420/ha for cement poles and planting material
- Year 2: up to ₹55,580/ha for trellis wire and head ring
💡 Why Startups Should Care
Dragon fruit is a high-value export crop, and this scheme covers 50% of infrastructure costs (poles, wire, planting material) in year one and continued support in year two — SC/ST farmers get 75% coverage, making this an exceptional entry point for diversified horticulture.
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Must be a farmer and a resident of Gujarat
- Must have cultivable land between 0.20 and 1 hectare
- Must procure quality planting materials from a registered nursery
- Preference given to small-scale and women farmers
How to Apply
- Visit ikhedut.gujarat.gov.in → Schemes → Agricultural Schemes.
- Select the Dragon Fruit Cultivation scheme and click Apply.
- Click 'Apply New' and submit your application.
- Confirm the application after completing it.
- Download and print the confirmed application.
- Check status at ikhedut.gujarat.gov.in/public/frm_Applicant_Corner.aspx.
Note: Procure quality planting materials from a registered nursery before applying. Minimum land requirement is 0.20 hectares.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the objective of the "Assistance Program for the Cultivation of Lotus Fruit (Dragon Fruit)" scheme?
The objective of this scheme is to financially support farmers in Gujarat who wish to cultivate dragon fruit, thereby promoting horticulture and increasing farmers’ income.
Who is eligible to apply for this scheme?
Any farmer residing in Gujarat with landholding between 0.20 hectares and 1 hectare is eligible to apply for this scheme.
How much financial assistance is provided to general category farmers?
General category farmers are eligible to receive 50% of the total cost or up to ₹3,00,000/- per hectare, whichever is less.
What amount of assistance is available for SC/ST farmers?
SC and ST farmers are eligible to receive 75% of the total cost or up to ₹4,50,000/- per hectare, whichever is less.
Which specific costs are covered under the scheme in the first year?
In the first year, the scheme covers the cost of cement poles/pipes and planting materials, with a maximum assistance of ₹2,44,420/- or 50% of the incurred cost, whichever is less.
What costs are covered in the second year of the scheme?
In the second year, the scheme covers the cost of head rings or trellising and wire, with a maximum assistance of ₹55,580/- or 50% of the incurred cost, whichever is less.
Are there any preferences given under this scheme?
Yes, preference is given to small-scale farmers and women farmers during the selection process.
Is it necessary for the farmer to use certified planting material?
Yes, farmers must procure good quality planting materials of their choice from a nursery and begin planting to qualify for the assistance.
How can a farmer apply for this scheme?
Applicants can apply on the iKhedut portal to avail the benefits of the scheme.
What documents are required to apply for this scheme?
The required documents include an Aadhaar card, a 7/12 land record, and either a bank passbook or a cancelled cheque.
Is there any income limit to apply for the scheme?
No, there is no personal or family income limit prescribed for eligibility under this scheme.
Who should the applicant contact for help or more information about the scheme?
The applicant should contact the nearest agriculture office or visit the iKhedut portal for more information.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- 7/12 certificate (land record)
- Aadhaar card
- Bank passbook or cancelled cheque