Kisan Vriksha Mitra Yojana

Description
The scheme "Kisan Vriksha Mitra Yojana" by the Department of Forest, Environment, and Climate Change, Government of Chhattisgarh, aims to promote commercial tree plantation on private lands of farmers and other stakeholders. The scheme seeks to increase farmers' income, reduce the financial burden on the government, and generate employment opportunities. Eligible beneficiaries include farmers, private educational institutions, private trusts, panchayats, and leased landholders. The scheme is implemented by the Department of Forest, Environment, and Climate Change in collaboration with private companies and supportive organizations.

Exclusions
• Land under compensatory afforestation as per the Forest Conservation Act is not eligible for benefits under this scheme.

Benefits
• 100% financial assistance for plantation on up to 5 acres of land (maximum 5,000 plants).
• 50% financial assistance for plantation on more than 5 acres of land (maximum 1,000 plants per acre).
• 50% financial assistance for private educational institutions, private trusts, panchayats, and leased landholders.
• The government ensures buyback of produce like eucalyptus, bamboo, and other economically beneficial trees at a predetermined support price. The scheme also involves private companies and supportive organizations for financial collaboration and buyback assurance.
• The scheme aims to create employment opportunities through plantation activities.
• Financial assistance is disbursed directly to the beneficiaries' accounts after verification of plantation work.
• Assistance is provided over three years, with yearly disbursements based on the survival rate of plants.

Eligibility Criteria
1. The following are eligible -
2. - Farmers with private land.
3. - Private educational institutions.
4. - Private trusts.
5. - Panchayats.
6. - Leased landholders.
7. _*Priority is given to farmers and stakeholders who are willing to plant commercially viable tree species like eucalyptus, bamboo, and others._

Application Process
Step 1: Step 1: The Interested parties should contact the regional offices of the Forest and Climate Change Department. Regional staff and representatives will engage with potential applicants to confirm their willingness to participate.
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Step 1: The Interested parties should contact the regional offices of the Forest and Climate Change Department. Regional staff and representatives will engage with potential applicants to confirm their willingness to participate.

Step 2: Step 2: Submit the application form along with required documents to the nearest forest office. The forest department will verify the land and documents submitted by the applicant.
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Step 2: Submit the application form along with required documents to the nearest forest office. The forest department will verify the land and documents submitted by the applicant.

Step 3: Step 3: Upon successful verification, the application will be approved, and the beneficiary will be notified.
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Step 3: Upon successful verification, the application will be approved, and the beneficiary will be notified.

Step 4: Step 4: The beneficiary will carry out the plantation as per the guidelines provided by the department.
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Step 4: The beneficiary will carry out the plantation as per the guidelines provided by the department.

Step 5: Step 5: Upon verifying eligibility and project feasibility, financial aid (as outlined) is provided either fully or partially, based on land size and category.
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*The department will monitor the plantation for three years, and subsequent disbursements will be based on the survival rate of the plants.

Required Documents
• Land Ownership Documents.
• Bank Account Details.
• Aadhaar Card.
• Proof of Identity (for Private Institutions and Trusts).
• Lease Agreement (for Leased Landholders).

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the maximum financial assistance for a farmer with 10 acres of land?
A: A farmer with 10 acres of land can receive 50% financial assistance for up to 10,000 plants (1,000 plants per acre).

Q: How is the support price for the produce determined?
A: The support price for the produce is determined annually by a state-level committee.

Q: What is the financial assistance for private trusts in the third year?
A: Private trusts receive 50% financial assistance in the third year based on the survival rate of the plants.

Q: What is the role of the forest department in this scheme?
A: The forest department verifies applications, monitors plantations, and disburses financial assistance to beneficiaries.

Q: How is the financial assistance for leased landholders disbursed?
A: Financial assistance for leased landholders is disbursed directly to their bank accounts after verification.

Q: What is the financial assistance for panchayats in the second year?
A: Panchayats receive 50% financial assistance in the second year based on the survival rate of the plants.

Q: Can farmers plant trees other than eucalyptus and bamboo?
A: Yes, farmers can plant other economically beneficial tree species as per the scheme guidelines.

Q: What is the maximum number of plants supported for up to 5 acres?
A: For up to 5 acres, the maximum number of plants supported is 5,000.

Q: How is the survival rate of plants calculated for disbursement?
A: The survival rate is calculated based on the number of live plants after each year of plantation.

Q: What is the financial assistance for private institutions in the first year?
A: Private institutions receive 50% financial assistance in the first year for plantation activities.

Q: Is there a committee to determine the support price for the produce?
A: Yes, a state-level committee determines the support price for the produce annually.

Q: What is the role of private companies in this scheme?
A: Private companies collaborate financially and provide buyback assurance for the produce from the plantation.

Q: How long does the monitoring and evaluation of the plantation last?
A: The plantation is monitored for three years, and subsequent disbursements depend on the survival rate of the plants.

Q: Is there any priority given to specific beneficiaries under this scheme?
A: Priority is given to farmers and stakeholders willing to plant commercially viable tree species like eucalyptus and bamboo.