APCLFDF
Assistance Program for the Cultivation of Lotus Fruit (Dragon Fruit)
6.2/10The scheme provides financial assistance to farmers to support the cultivation of dragon fruit (lotus fruit), with higher benefits for SC/ST and priority for small-scale and women farmers.
States / UT: Gujarat
Nodal department: Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Cooperation Department
Scheme for: Individual
Scheme profile
DBT (direct benefit transfer): No
Categories: Agriculture,Rural & Environment
Sub-categories: Financial assistance
Target beneficiaries: Individual
Tags: Agriculture, Dragon Fruit Farming, Lotus Fruit Farming, Fruit Cultivation
Details
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
- 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.
How useful is this scheme?
A practical look at this scheme for citizens
AI-generated insights showing how useful, accessible, and practical this scheme may be — combining deterministic scoring rules with a public-policy LLM analyst.
- Accessibility5.0
- Financial impact9.0
- Rural utility4.0
- Awareness4.5
- Simplicity6.0
- Inclusivity9.0
What problem does this scheme solve?
The scheme provides significant financial assistance to farmers for dragon fruit cultivation, particularly benefiting SC/ST and women farmers.
Key challenges addressed
- Financial support for initial infrastructure and planting costs
- Promotion of horticultural farming
Most beneficial for
- Small-scale farmers
- Women farmers
- SC/ST farmers
Likely challenges
- Digital literacy for online application
- Awareness among potential beneficiaries
Practical insights for citizens
Farmers may struggle with the online application process without assistance.
Rural challenges
- Limited internet access
- Lack of awareness about the scheme
Digital challenges
- Need for digital literacy
- Dependence on online application
Implementation bottlenecks
- Potential delays in fund disbursement
- Verification of land and farmer status
Awareness challenges
- Low outreach in rural areas
- Need for better communication of benefits
Application analysis
- Application mode
- Online portal
- Documents burden
- Low
- Verification complexity
- Moderate
- Office dependency
- Low
- DBT dependency
- No
- CSC support
- Limited
- Estimated citizen effort
- Moderate
Estimated beneficiary reach
Benefit analysis
- Benefit type
- Cash
- Benefit frequency
- One-time assistance per hectare
- Benefit practicality
- High for eligible farmers
- Financial meaningfulness
- Moderate, depending on land size and category
- Long-term impact
- Potentially increases income through horticulture
Plain-language guidance
This scheme helps farmers in Gujarat get financial support to grow dragon fruit. It is especially beneficial for small-scale and women farmers. Apply online through the I-Khedut portal.
- Who should apply
- Farmers in Gujarat with land between 0.20 ha and 1 ha.
- Who may struggle
- Farmers lacking digital skills or internet access.
- Best application route
- Apply via the I-Khedut portal with Aadhaar.
This intelligence section is generated by an AI policy analyst combined with rule-based scoring. Scores and narrative are estimates derived from the publicly available scheme information shown on this page; actual experience may vary by state, district, and department. Always confirm details on the official portal before you apply.
Application Process
Online
Step 1: The applicant may visit and apply online at I-Khedut Portal: https://ikhedut.gujarat.gov.in/
Step 2: On the home page, click on ‘Schemes’ and then click on ‘Agricultural Schemes’.
Step 3: Now select the scheme, click on the ‘Apply’ button and an application page will open.
Step 4: Click on "Apply New" button and submit a new application.
Step 5: Click on the "Update Application" button to add corrections to the application.
Step 6: Once the application is done, confirm it.
Step 7: Take a print out of the confirmed application.
Step 8: Applicant can also check their Application Status/View/Print/Upload Application details from the below link: https://ikhedut.gujarat.gov.in/public/frm_Applicant_Corner.aspx
Contact Us: Click here.
Clarifications
Additional points from the scheme information published on myScheme (not legal advice).
- 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.
Official links
References
- Guidelines (Scheme No. 78)
- https://mariyojana.gujarat.gov.in/Schemeatoz.aspx
- User Manual (Applicant Registration)
- https://ikhedut.gujarat.gov.in/site/iKhedut%202.0%20User%20Manual%20PPT_Gujarati.pdf
Apply
Apply nowOpens the official application or programme portal in a new tab. If in doubt, confirm details on the ministry site.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the purpose of Assistance Program for the Cultivation of Lotus Fruit (Dragon Fruit)?
- Assistance Program for the Cultivation of Lotus Fruit (Dragon Fruit) is a government welfare initiative designed to support Individual, Individual through benefits related to Agriculture,Rural & Environment, financial assistance, subsidies, social welfare, healthcare, education, or livelihood support.
- Who can apply for Assistance Program for the Cultivation of Lotus Fruit (Dragon Fruit)?
- Eligibility for Assistance Program for the Cultivation of Lotus Fruit (Dragon Fruit) may depend on factors such as income category, age, gender, occupation, state of residence, social category, and government-defined beneficiary criteria.
- What benefits are offered under Assistance Program for the Cultivation of Lotus Fruit (Dragon Fruit)?
- Benefits under Assistance Program for the Cultivation of Lotus Fruit (Dragon Fruit) may include financial assistance, subsidies, scholarships, insurance support, healthcare benefits, pension support, training assistance, or welfare services depending on the scheme guidelines.
- Which department manages Assistance Program for the Cultivation of Lotus Fruit (Dragon Fruit)?
- Assistance Program for the Cultivation of Lotus Fruit (Dragon Fruit) is managed by Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Cooperation Department and may be implemented through district offices, online portals, CSC centres, banks, or authorised government agencies.
- Can users apply online for Assistance Program for the Cultivation of Lotus Fruit (Dragon Fruit)?
- Yes, eligible applicants may be able to apply online for Assistance Program for the Cultivation of Lotus Fruit (Dragon Fruit) through official government portals, authorised service centres, or digital application systems depending on the implementation process.
- Is Aadhaar mandatory for Assistance Program for the Cultivation of Lotus Fruit (Dragon Fruit)?
- Many government schemes may require Aadhaar verification, identity proof, or linked bank account details for beneficiary validation and direct benefit transfer processing.
- Where can users apply for Assistance Program for the Cultivation of Lotus Fruit (Dragon Fruit)?
- Applications for Assistance Program for the Cultivation of Lotus Fruit (Dragon Fruit) may be submitted through government departments, official scheme portals, CSC centres, district offices, welfare departments, or authorised service centres.
- What documents may be required for Assistance Program for the Cultivation of Lotus Fruit (Dragon Fruit)?
- Applicants may need Aadhaar card, income certificate, residence proof, bank account details, caste certificate, photographs, educational records, or occupation-related documents depending on scheme eligibility requirements.
- Is income certificate required for Assistance Program for the Cultivation of Lotus Fruit (Dragon Fruit)?
- Income certificate requirements may vary depending on beneficiary category, subsidy eligibility, and financial assistance criteria defined under Assistance Program for the Cultivation of Lotus Fruit (Dragon Fruit).
- Is Assistance Program for the Cultivation of Lotus Fruit (Dragon Fruit) available in all states?
- No, Assistance Program for the Cultivation of Lotus Fruit (Dragon Fruit) is primarily available for eligible residents of Gujarat and may be implemented through state government departments and local administrative offices.
- Can residents outside Gujarat apply for Assistance Program for the Cultivation of Lotus Fruit (Dragon Fruit)?
- Eligibility for Assistance Program for the Cultivation of Lotus Fruit (Dragon Fruit) is generally limited to residents of Gujarat unless otherwise specified in the official scheme guidelines.
- Can small and marginal farmers apply for Assistance Program for the Cultivation of Lotus Fruit (Dragon Fruit)?
- Eligible small and marginal farmers may apply for Assistance Program for the Cultivation of Lotus Fruit (Dragon Fruit) subject to land ownership records, income eligibility, and agricultural beneficiary criteria.
- Does Assistance Program for the Cultivation of Lotus Fruit (Dragon Fruit) provide subsidy support for farmers?
- Assistance Program for the Cultivation of Lotus Fruit (Dragon Fruit) may provide agricultural subsidies, financial assistance, crop support, irrigation benefits, insurance coverage, or farming-related welfare assistance depending on the scheme structure.
- Is Assistance Program for the Cultivation of Lotus Fruit (Dragon Fruit) only for women beneficiaries?
- Assistance Program for the Cultivation of Lotus Fruit (Dragon Fruit) is primarily intended to support eligible women beneficiaries through welfare assistance, financial support, skill development, healthcare, or social security initiatives.
- Does Assistance Program for the Cultivation of Lotus Fruit (Dragon Fruit) support self-employment or financial assistance for women?
- Depending on scheme guidelines, Assistance Program for the Cultivation of Lotus Fruit (Dragon Fruit) may provide loans, subsidies, training support, self-employment assistance, or financial welfare benefits for women.
- Can CSC centres help users apply for Assistance Program for the Cultivation of Lotus Fruit (Dragon Fruit)?
- Many government schemes may be accessible through nearby CSC centres, authorised digital service centres, or welfare facilitation offices.
- How can users check the latest updates for Assistance Program for the Cultivation of Lotus Fruit (Dragon Fruit)?
- Users should verify official notifications, department announcements, application deadlines, and eligibility updates through authorised government portals or implementing agencies.
- Can beneficiaries track application status for Assistance Program for the Cultivation of Lotus Fruit (Dragon Fruit)?
- Certain schemes may provide online application tracking, beneficiary verification systems, or status-check facilities through official portals.
- Where can users get help for Assistance Program for the Cultivation of Lotus Fruit (Dragon Fruit) in Gujarat?
- Users in Gujarat may seek assistance through CSC centres, district welfare offices, government departments, agriculture offices, social welfare departments, or authorised facilitation centres.
- Which nearby public services may help with Assistance Program for the Cultivation of Lotus Fruit (Dragon Fruit) applications?
- Depending on the scheme, users may require support from Aadhaar centres, CSC centres, banks, hospitals, post offices, or government welfare offices for document verification and application assistance.