Fruit Development Scheme, Meghalaya – 2025 | Eligibility, Benefits & Application Process
The Fruit Development Scheme was launched by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Government of Meghalaya to promote fruit cultivation and make high-quality planting materials easily available to farmers at subsidized rates or free of cost. The scheme aims to enhance fruit production and improve farmers’ income through sustainable horticultural practices in convergence with MGNREGA.
🍎 Objectives of the Scheme
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To provide quality fruit planting materials to farmers at affordable prices.
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To rejuvenate old citrus orchards and improve productivity.
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To encourage the cultivation of creeper fruit crops like Kiwi and Grapes through financial support.
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To promote sustainable fruit farming in Meghalaya under a convergence model with MGNREGA.
💰 Benefits of the Fruit Development Scheme
Pattern of Assistance:
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Quality planting materials are provided at 50% subsidy and free of cost under convergence with MGNREGA.
Type of Assistance & Entitlements:
| Sl. No. | Entitlement | Amount of Assistance |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Promotion of fruit cultivation by providing high-quality planting materials, tools, and implements. | (i) 50% subsidy for farmers. (ii) Free samples under MGNREGA convergence. |
| 2. | Citrus Rejuvenation Programme for old orchards – providing planting materials for gap filling and organic plant protection. | 100% assistance |
| 3. | For creeper fruit crops like Kiwi, Grapes, etc., permanent trellis systems are provided (planting & erection done by farmers). | 75% subsidy, limited to 500 sqm per beneficiary. |
👨🌾 Eligibility Criteria
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The applicant must be a resident of Meghalaya.
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The applicant should be a bonafide farmer engaged in agriculture.
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The farmer must own or lease at least 0.2 hectares of land.
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Assistance will be given on a first-come, first-served basis.
📝 Application Process (Offline)
Step 1: Write an application on plain paper expressing interest in the scheme.
Step 2: Attach self-attested copies of all required documents.
Step 3: Submit the completed application form and documents to the nearest office of the Horticulture Development Officer under your CD Block or Horticulture Circle.
✅ Selection of Beneficiaries
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Beneficiaries will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis from among eligible bonafide farmers.
📍 Contact for More Information
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District Horticulture Officer
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Horticulture Development Officer
📄 Documents Required
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Passport-size Photograph
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Identity Proof (Aadhaar Card / Voter ID)
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Bank Passbook / Account Details
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Proof of Land Ownership or Lease Documents
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Any other supporting document as required
🌱 Conclusion
The Fruit Development Scheme, Meghalaya is a forward-looking initiative that empowers farmers by providing financial support, planting materials, and modern horticultural tools. Through this scheme, the government aims to boost fruit production, improve orchard management, and enhance the income of local farmers while promoting eco-friendly farming practices.