In a recent move, the government of Bihar has decided to give a huge subsidy to the farmers who are engaged in Betel (Paan) cultivation. To encourage the farmers of the state to cultivate Magahi Paan, the state government will give a subsidy of 75 percent to farmers for cultivation in shed nets. As per reports, the cost of cultivation of paan in 500 square meters shed net is Rs. 4.25 lakhs where the farmers will get a grant by the government up to Rs. 3.15 lakhs which can help the farmers to a great extent.
Farmers will get training
Agriculture Minister Prem Kumar informed that all the 13 districts including Vaishali, Khagadia, Darbhanga, Bhagalpur, Samastipur, East Champaran, Sheikhpura, Aurangabad, Begusarai, Saran, Siwan, and Munger will get this opportunity. Moreover, around 100 unit in 500 sqm has been targeted in this scheme for the year 2019-20. The administration also reported that the agricultural officials will also tell farmers about the techniques of betel farming at the Pan Research Center in Islampur. Farmers will be provided training here.
Magahi Paan gets GI tag
Magahi Paan (betel vine) of Bihar has also got a GI tag where the government is planning to grant Rs. 286.46 lakhs in 2019-20 and 53.2 lakhs in 2020-21. Moreover, the Bengal variety of paan is cultivated in North Bihar and the Bengal and Magahi pan variety are cultivated in South Bihar. Magahi paan is also exported to other countries along with various states within India which require hot and cold climate and cannot be cultivated in open fields.
Farmers will get better incomes
Farmers will get the proper information about the construction of the permanent structure of the shed net, drip under micro-irrigation in shed net and arrangement of forage from fogger. The officials believed that the implementation of this scheme will also increase the production of quality betel leaves, thus preventing the outbreak of pest diseases. Moreover, the officials also said that the mixed cultivation of parwal, poi, papaya, Arabic, chili, gourd, cucumber, spinach, and ginger, etc. will earn an additional income within the shed net.
