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/- per hectare (whichever is less).
• SC/ST category: 75% assistance or up to ₹4,50,000/- per hectare (whichever is less).

First Year Assistance:
Cement pole/pipe: 1111 units at ₹300 each = ₹3,33,300/-
Planting material: 4444 units at ₹35 each = ₹1,55,540/-
Total: ₹4,88,840/-
Actual Assistance Provided: 50% or up to ₹2,44,420/-, whichever is less.

Second Year Assistance:
Head ring or Trellising & wire (approx. 400 kg): ₹1,11,160/-
Actual Assistance Provided: 50% or up to ₹55,580/-, whichever is less.

Eligibility

• The applicant must be a farmer.
• The applicant must be a resident of Gujarat.
• The applicant must have a minimum land between 0.20 ha and 1 ha.
• The applicant must procure quality planting materials from a nursery and start the plantation.

Note: Preference will be given to small-scale and women farmers.

Application Process

Link: https://ikhedut.gujarat.gov.in/site/

Online
Step 1: Apply online at I-Khedut Portal: https://ikhedut.gujarat.gov.in/
Step 2: Home page > ‘Schemes’ > ‘Agricultural Schemes’.
Step 3: Select the scheme, click ‘Apply’.
Step 4: Click “Apply New” and submit.
Step 5: Confirm and print the application.

Documents Required

• 7/12 Certificate.
• Aadhaar Card.
• Bank Pass Book/Cancelled Cheque.