National Horticulture Mission — Subsidy for Farmers

What is the National Horticulture Mission (NHM)?

The National Horticulture Mission (NHM) is a Government of India scheme under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) that promotes cultivation of fruits, vegetables, flowers, aromatic and medicinal plants, and spices. Farmers receive 25% to 50% subsidy on the cost of planting material, irrigation, protected cultivation (greenhouses, poly houses), and post-harvest infrastructure.

The scheme is implemented by State Horticulture Departments and District Horticulture Offices.

Key Benefits

Who is Eligible?

You ARE eligible if:

• You are a farmer (owner or tenant) with agricultural land
• You are applying for a component that matches your crop/activity
• You have an Aadhaar-linked bank account

Priority is given to:

• Small and marginal farmers (less than 2 ha)
• SC/ST farmers (get additional 10-15% subsidy)
• Farmers in NHM focus districts

You are NOT eligible if:

• You have already received a subsidy for the same activity in the same year
• Your application lacks valid land records

Documents Required

1. Aadhaar Card — for identity verification and DBT
2. Land records — khasra/khatauni or patta (lease deed if tenant)
3. Bank passbook — Aadhaar-seeded account
4. Photograph — recent passport-size
5. Caste certificate — for SC/ST additional benefits (if applicable)
6. Quotation from approved nursery/supplier — for planting material cost
7. Farmer registration number — on PM-Kisan/state agriculture portal (in many states)

How to Apply — Step by Step

Step 1 — Visit District Horticulture Office

Go to your District Horticulture Officer (DHO) or Block Horticulture Officer. Ask about:

• NHM components available in your district this year
• Approved nurseries and suppliers for planting material

Step 2 — Submit Application

Fill the NHM application form specifying:

• Area (in hectares) to be brought under horticulture
• Crop/activity you are applying for
• Land survey number

Step 3 — Field Inspection

An officer will visit your field to verify land details, existing crop, and suitability for the proposed horticulture activity.

Step 4 — Work Order / Approval

After inspection, you receive a work order specifying:

• Approved area
• Planting material you must procure from approved nurseries
• Irrigation system specification (if applicable)

Step 5 — Plant / Establish Crop

Carry out the plantation as per the approved plan. Keep all bills and receipts from approved nurseries/suppliers.

Step 6 — Survival Certificate and Payment

After 1–3 months, an officer does a survival/completion inspection to confirm plants are alive. After the inspection report:

• Subsidy is credited directly to your bank account via DBT

Apply Online (in some states)

Several states have online portals:

For the official national data: midh.gov.in

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much area can I apply for under NHM?

The area limit varies by component. Typically 2 hectares per farmer for most fruit/vegetable components. Check with your District Horticulture Officer for exact limits.

2. Can I get subsidy for drip irrigation on my vegetable farm?

Yes. NHM covers drip and sprinkler irrigation separately under the micro-irrigation component. SC/ST and small/marginal farmers get higher subsidy rates (up to 65%).

3. I applied last year but didn't get the subsidy. Can I apply again?

Yes, for different land parcels or different components. Contact your DHO to check your previous application status and reapply for new components.

4. Is there a subsidy for cold storage to sell my vegetables?

Yes. NHM provides a 35% credit-linked back-ended subsidy for post-harvest infrastructure including cold storage, pack houses, and ripening chambers. This is linked to a bank loan.

5. My state says NHM funds are exhausted for this year. What do I do?

Visit the DHO office and register your interest for the next financial year. Priority is given to registered applicants when new funds are released (usually in April).

Official Links