Government Subsidy for Arecanut (Supari) Plantation in India: Get Free Financial Support for Areca Farming

Government Subsidy for Arecanut (Supari) Plantation in India: Get Free Financial Support for Areca Farming

Arecanut (commonly known as Supari or Betel Nut) is one of the most profitable cash crops grown in southern and coastal regions of India, especially in Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Assam, and the North-Eastern states.
The Indian government, through various agricultural development programs, provides financial subsidy and free assistance for farmers who wish to plant arecanut trees in their farmland.

In this post, we’ll explain how much subsidy you can get, which departments are involved, eligibility conditions, and how to apply online for free government support.

Why the Government Promotes Arecanut Cultivation

Arecanut plays a vital role in rural and export-based economy. India is the largest producer and consumer of areca nuts in the world.
To increase productivity, promote self-employment, and encourage agro-based industries, the central and state governments provide financial assistance for small and medium-scale farmers.

Main goals of the scheme:

• Increase rural income and employment
• Promote sustainable plantation crops
• Improve irrigation and seedling quality
• Support small and marginal farmers with free or partial subsidy

Central and State Government Schemes for Arecanut Plantation

1. National Horticulture Board (NHB) Subsidy

Under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), the NHB provides financial assistance for establishing new arecanut plantations.

• Subsidy amount: Up to ₹75,000 per hectare (50% of total cost)
• Eligibility: Farmers, self-help groups, FPOs, cooperatives, and agri-entrepreneurs
• Assistance includes: planting material, fertilizers, drip irrigation, and fencing
• Application: Apply through https://nhb.gov.in

2. State Horticulture Department Subsidy (Example: Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu)

Each state’s Horticulture Department provides an additional subsidy under its State Plan Scheme for plantation crops like Arecanut, Coconut, and Pepper.

Karnataka Horticulture Department:

• Subsidy up to ₹40,000–₹60,000 per hectare
• Free supply of areca seedlings from government nurseries
• Financial support for drip irrigation, mulching, and organic manure
• Farmers can apply through Seva Sindhu Portal or local Horticulture Office

Kerala Agriculture Department:

• Subsidy up to ₹45,000 per hectare
• Additional assistance for organic cultivation and disease management

Tamil Nadu Horticulture Mission:

• Financial aid under the Integrated Horticulture Development Program (IHDP)
• ₹50,000 per hectare subsidy for new plantations

3. NABARD Agricultural Subsidy Programs

The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) also supports farmers through long-term, low-interest loans and subsidy schemes for plantation crops.

• Subsidy pattern: 25% to 40% depending on region and project type
• Assistance covers planting, irrigation, fencing, and farm equipment
• Farmers can apply through cooperative banks or Primary Agriculture Credit Societies (PACS)

Total Subsidy You Can Receive

Depending on your state and scheme combination, farmers can receive ₹40,000 to ₹1,20,000 per hectare (in some states even more for organic or drip-irrigated plantations).

Example (approximate values):

Source of Subsidy	Type	Approx. Amount (₹/Hectare)
National Horticulture Board	Central Govt	₹75,000
State Horticulture Department	State Govt	₹40,000 – ₹60,000
NABARD / Bank-linked scheme	Loan + Subsidy	₹30,000 – ₹50,000
Total Possible Support	Free + Partial Subsidy	Up to ₹1,20,000

Eligibility Criteria for Free Subsidy

1. Applicant must be an Indian citizen and registered farmer.
2. Land ownership documents (RTC / Patta / Adangal) are required.
3. Land must be suitable for arecanut plantation with water source availability.
4. Farmers with up to 10 acres of land are given first priority.
5. Subsidy can be availed once per landholding for new plantation.

Documents Required

• Aadhaar card and bank passbook
• Land ownership certificate or RTC
• Farmer ID or registration proof
• Quotation or estimate for planting materials
• Photographs of the land before and after plantation

How to Apply for Arecanut Subsidy (Step-by-Step)

1. Visit your District or Taluk Horticulture Office.
2. Collect or download the Arecanut Subsidy Application Form.
3. Fill in details like land size, plantation type, irrigation system, and cost.
4. Attach required documents and submit for field verification.
5. After approval, you’ll receive either:
   • Seedlings and materials free of cost, or
   • Direct benefit transfer (DBT) subsidy to your bank account.

In some states like Karnataka, online applications can be submitted via:

👉 karnataka.governament

(Select: Horticulture → Plantation Crop Subsidy Scheme.)

Important Tips for Farmers

• Always apply only through official government portals.
• Do not share OTPs or bank details with any private agent.
• Use certified seedlings from Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVK) or government nurseries.
• Keep photos and receipts for verification and audit purposes.
• Contact your Horticulture Officer for project approval and inspection.

Arecanut farming can be one of the most profitable long-term agricultural investments for Indian farmers.
Through NHB, NABARD, and State Horticulture Departments, you can receive up to ₹1.2 lakh per hectare in total support — including free seedlings, fertilizer, and drip irrigation systems.

Farmers are encouraged to apply through their local government portals and make full use of these free and subsidized schemes to strengthen rural agriculture and self-employment.

Government Subsidy for Arecanut Plantation in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh (2025) — Get Up to ₹1 Lakh Support

Arecanut (Supari) farming is becoming increasingly popular among farmers in southern India, particularly in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
With high market demand, consistent price growth, and export opportunities, arecanut plantation is now seen as a profitable long-term agricultural investment.

To promote sustainable and profitable arecanut cultivation, both the Central Government and the State Horticulture Departments of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh are offering free or subsidized assistance to eligible farmers.

This article explains in detail how much subsidy you can get, who can apply, and how to submit your application online.

Why Arecanut Cultivation Is Growing in Telangana & Andhra Pradesh

Arecanut thrives in warm, humid climates with moderate rainfall — conditions that are ideal in districts like Khammam, Warangal, Nalgonda, East Godavari, West Godavari, Visakhapatnam, and Nellore.
Farmers who previously cultivated paddy, banana, or coconut are now shifting to areca plantations because of:

• Higher and stable market price for dry supari

• Long-term returns (productive for 30–40 years)

• Government support under horticulture missions

• Easy marketing through cooperative societies and local traders

Central Government Support: MIDH & NHB Schemes

1. Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)

Under the MIDH scheme, the Government of India provides financial support for new plantations of horticultural crops such as Arecanut, Coconut, Cashew, and Spices.

• Subsidy Amount: 40%–50% of the total cost (up to ₹75,000 per hectare)

• Eligibility: Individual farmers, SHGs, FPOs, and cooperatives

• Covered Components: planting material, irrigation, mulching, and fencing

• Implementation: through the Department of Horticulture, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh

2. National Horticulture Board (NHB) Scheme

The NHB scheme offers back-ended capital investment subsidies for large-scale horticulture development projects.

• Assistance Pattern: 40% of project cost (maximum ₹60 lakh for big plantations)

• Coverage: Arecanut plantations, drip irrigation systems, shade-net, and post-harvest infrastructure

• Application: Apply online via https://nhb.gov.in

Telangana Government Arecanut Subsidy 2025

The Telangana Department of Horticulture under the Rythu Bandhu Samithi (RBS) framework provides various schemes for plantation crops.
For arecanut farmers, the state offers input subsidy and free seedling distribution under the Telangana Horticulture Development Programme (THDP).

Key Benefits:

• Financial subsidy: ₹40,000 to ₹60,000 per hectare

• Free seedlings: distributed through government nurseries

• Drip irrigation subsidy: 50% to 70% under Micro Irrigation Project (MIP)

• Additional support: for organic manure and disease management

How to Apply in Telangana:

1. Visit the nearest Mandal Horticulture Office.

2. Collect or download the Arecanut Subsidy Form.

3. Submit required documents (Aadhaar, land records, bank passbook, photographs).

4. Verification will be done by field officers.

5. After approval, subsidy will be credited via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

👉 Official website: https://horticulture.telangana.gov.in

Andhra Pradesh Government Arecanut Subsidy 2025

The Andhra Pradesh Department of Horticulture (APSHCL) and the State Horticulture Mission (SHM-AP) support farmers through the Plantation Development Scheme.
Arecanut is included under Perennial Crops Subsidy Programme.

Key Benefits:

• Subsidy Amount: ₹45,000 to ₹70,000 per hectare (depending on region)

• Seedlings Supply: from government-certified nurseries at 50% subsidy

• Drip Irrigation Support: under Micro Irrigation Scheme (NMSA) up to 70%

• Fertilizer & Organic Inputs: 40% subsidy

• Free technical guidance: from Horticulture Officers and KVK experts

How to Apply in Andhra Pradesh:

1. Visit the MeeSeva centre or AP Horticulture website
   👉 https://aphorticulture.nic.in

2. Fill in online application form under “Plantation Development” section.

3. Upload land documents, Aadhaar, and bank details.

4. Horticulture department verifies and approves eligible applications.

5. Subsidy is transferred to your account or seedlings provided free of cost.

NABARD & Bank-Linked Subsidy Options

Farmers can also apply through NABARD-linked plantation schemes which combine bank loans and government subsidy.
Under this system:

• Farmers get a loan for full project cost (₹1 lakh – ₹5 lakh per hectare).

• NABARD releases subsidy (25%–40%) after project verification.

• Applicable for individual or group plantations.

• Available through cooperative, rural, or scheduled banks.

Approximate Subsidy You Can Get

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be a resident farmer of Telangana or Andhra Pradesh.

• Land should be suitable for horticultural plantation (with water source).

• Farmers owning up to 10 acres are given first priority.

• Must have valid land documents and Aadhaar-linked bank account.

• Application must be verified by the local horticulture officer.

Required Documents

1. Aadhaar card (applicant)

2. Pattadar Passbook or land ownership document

3. Recent land photographs

4. Bank passbook (for DBT transfer)

5. Mobile number and address proof

Benefits of Joining the Scheme

• Long-term stable income from supari cultivation

• Reduced initial investment cost due to government support

• Access to expert guidance from horticulture officers

• Better water management through drip irrigation

• Opportunity to form FPOs and get collective marketing benefits

The governments of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh are encouraging farmers to diversify into plantation crops like arecanut by providing free seedlings, fertilizer subsidy, and drip irrigation assistance.
Under combined central and state schemes, eligible farmers can receive up to ₹1.2 lakh per hectare in total financial support.

By applying through the official horticulture department portals or local offices, you can easily access these benefits and build a sustainable, long-term income source through arecanut farming.