The Rajasthan government has introduced the Tarbandi Yojana, a scheme aimed at assisting farmers in protecting their crops from damage caused by stray animals. This initiative provides financial support to farmers for installing barbed wire fencing around their fields, ensuring the safety and security of their agricultural produce.
Understanding the Tarbandi Yojana
Launched to address the ongoing problem of crop damage by animals such as nilgai, wild boars, and stray cattle, the Tarbandi Yojana offers subsidies to farmers for erecting protective fencing. This measure not only safeguards crops but also reduces the need for farmers to guard their fields overnight, thereby improving their quality of life.
Financial Assistance and Eligibility
Under the scheme, the government provides substantial financial aid to encourage farmers to adopt protective measures. The assistance varies based on the category of the farmer:
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Small and Marginal Farmers: Eligible for a subsidy covering 60% of the total fencing cost, up to a maximum of Rs 48,000.
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Other Farmers: Receive a subsidy of 50% of the total cost, with a ceiling of Rs 40,000.
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Community Applications: Groups comprising at least 10 farmers with a combined landholding of 5 hectares or more can apply collectively. In this case, the subsidy covers 70% of the total cost, up to Rs 56,000 per farmer.
Priority is given to women farmers, with 30% of the scheme's participation reserved for them. Notably, there are no specific financial eligibility criteria, making the scheme accessible to all farmers in Rajasthan.
Eligibility Criteria for Tarbandi Yojana
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Open to all farmers in Rajasthan.
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Must have at least 1.5 hectares of land (individual or group).
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Subsidy for fencing up to 400 running meters per farmer.
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Full fencing required for subsidy disbursement.
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Not available for Trusts, Societies, or Religious Institutions.
Application Process
Farmers interested in availing the benefits of the Tarbandi Yojana can apply through the following steps:
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Online Application: Visit the Rajasthan government's official agriculture portal or the Raj Kisan portal.
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Documentation: Prepare necessary documents, including identification proof (such as Aadhaar card), land ownership records, and bank account details.
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Submission: Fill out the application form with accurate details and upload the required documents.
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Verification: Upon submission, the application and documents will undergo verification by the concerned authorities.
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Approval and Disbursement: Once approved, the subsidy amount will be directly transferred to the farmer's bank account.
For assistance, farmers can contact the helpline at [email protected].
Since its launch, the Tarbandi Yojana has had a positive impact on the agricultural community in Rajasthan. By reducing crop losses due to animal intrusion, farmers have reported increased yields and income stability. The scheme has also promoted community collaboration, with groups of farmers coming together to implement collective fencing solutions.
However, challenges remain. Some farmers face difficulties in navigating the online application process or lack awareness about the scheme's benefits. To address these issues, the government is conducting awareness campaigns and providing support through local agricultural offices and e-Mitra centers.
Looking ahead, the Rajasthan government aims to expand the reach of the Tarbandi Yojana, ensuring that more farmers can protect their livelihoods from the adverse effects of stray animals. Continuous feedback from the farming community is being incorporated to refine the scheme and make it more accessible and effective.
Farmers are encouraged to take advantage of this initiative to secure their fields and ensure a prosperous farming future. For more information, eligibility, and details, visit Tarbandi Yojna.
