By Admin 
Bihar government has taken an important step towards increasing employment in villages and strengthening the environment. The government has started the Small Nursery Scheme, through which people can start their own work at low cost and can also earn good income. This scheme is especially for those people who are involved in farming or want to start a small business sitting at home.
The biggest feature of this scheme is that people can create a new source of income by setting up a plant nursery in the courtyard of their house, a small part of their farm or on vacant land. This scheme is being run under the Integrated Horticulture Development Mission, in which a good subsidy is also being given by the government.
What is small nursery scheme?
The main objective of the small nursery scheme is to encourage people for plant production. Under this, nurseries of fruitful, flowering, shady and medicinal plants can be set up. The government wants to increase the availability of plants in every village and along with farming, horticulture should also be promoted.
This scheme is very useful for farmers, women, youth, self-help groups and those starting small businesses. The special thing is that it does not require much land or huge capital.
Government’s thinking behind bringing the scheme
Even today, a large number of farmers in Bihar are dependent on traditional farming, due to which their income remains limited. The government believes that if horticulture and plant production are combined with farming, then the income of farmers can increase. With this thinking in mind, the government has started the Small Nursery Scheme. This will not only provide employment to the people, but will also increase greenery in the villages and will also benefit the environment.
What will be the benefits to the common people?
The biggest advantage of this scheme is that it does not cost much to start it. Nursery can be set up even in very less land. People can prepare plants at home and earn good income by selling them.
Along with subsidy, technical information and training in many cases is also provided by the government. Village women, unemployed youth and small farmers can easily join this scheme. Plant production will increase greenery in villages and will also help in reducing pollution.
How much subsidy will you get?
The government has fixed the cost of Rs 20 lakh per hectare for small nurseries. Out of this, 50 percent i.e. subsidy up to Rs 10 lakh will be given.
This subsidy will be available in two installments. In the first installment, 60 percent amount i.e. Rs 6 lakh will be given and in the second installment 40 percent amount i.e. Rs 4 lakh will be given. This money will be sent directly to the beneficiary’s bank account through DBT.
Where and how to get plants
Saplings for nursery can be purchased from government nursery, district horticulture department, forest department or agricultural science center. Good quality plants are available at these places. Apart from this, there is a government supply system at many block and panchayat levels also, from where people can buy saplings.
How to start a small nursery
To start a nursery, it is first important to choose the right place. The courtyard of the house, a corner of the field or an empty land is suitable for this. After this, choose plants like mango, guava, lemon, papaya, rose, marigold, basil or other medicinal plants.
Seeds or seedlings can be planted in polybags or pots. Regular care of plants, timely watering, light fertilizer and correct balance of sunlight and shade are necessary. When the plants are ready, they can be sold to the local market, farmers, government schemes or contractors.
How to apply for the scheme
The application process for small nursery scheme is completely online. Interested people can apply by visiting the official website of Bihar Horticulture Directorate.
Read this also- Cultivate papaya in the open courtyard of your house, you will earn good income at less expense; Know details