To Provide Financial Assistance to the Farmers Practicing Natural Farming Under the Completely Chemical Free Dang District

Description
The Scheme "To Provide Financial Assistance to the Farmers Practicing Natural Farming Under the Completely Chemical Free Dang District” launched by the Department of Agriculture, Farmers Welfare & Co-operation, Government of Gujarat, is designed to support farmers who engage in natural farming practices without the use of chemical inputs in the Dang district. It aims to enhance soil fertility, lower production costs, and promote eco-friendly farming.

Exclusions
• Farmers who began natural farming before Kharif 2020.
• Farmers who have obtained C2/C3 stage or Green/Organic Certificate under the PGS–India system.

Benefits
• **For the first year:** ₹10,000 per hectare
• ₹5,000/hectare for Kharif
• ₹5,000/hectare for Rabi and Summer
• **For already benefiting farmers (second year onwards):** ₹6,000 per hectare
• ₹3,000/hectare for Kharif
• ₹3,000/hectare for Rabi and Summer

Eligibility Criteria
1. The applicant farmer must own at least one indigenous cow, with or without an identification tag, at the time of application.
2. Only one beneficiary is allowed per farmer family (a farmer family includes husband, wife, and minor children listed on the barcoded ration card).
3. The applicant must be practicing natural farming on a minimum of 20 Guntha (0.5 acres) and a maximum of 2 hectares of agricultural land.
4. The applicant must be registered under natural farming by:
5. - An APEDA/NPOP recognized organization, or
6. - Registered by September 2021 through the appropriate authority.

Required Documents
• Proof of land ownership.
• Barcoded ration card.
• Proof of natural farming registration (APEDA/NPOP).
• Guarantee letter from the farmer.
• Any other documents as required.

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the objective of this scheme?
A: The objective of this scheme is to provide financial assistance to farmers practicing natural farming in the completely chemical-free Dang district to promote sustainable agriculture, increase productivity, and ensure environmental conservation.
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Q: Who is eligible to apply for the scheme?
A: A farmer who practices natural farming in the completely chemical-free Dang district and owns at least one indigenous cow is eligible to apply.
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Q: Is it mandatory for the farmer's cow to have an identification tag?
A: No, the farmer&#39;s cow can be with or without an identification tag to qualify for the scheme.
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Q: What is the maximum area of land that a farmer can claim assistance for?
A: A farmer can receive financial assistance for a maximum of 2 hectares of land under this scheme.
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Q: Can both the husband and wife from the same family apply for the scheme?
A: No, only one member of a farmer family listed in the barcoded ration card (either husband or wife, or their minor children) is eligible to receive assistance.
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Q: How much financial support does the scheme provide to a new beneficiary?
A: A new beneficiary can receive ₹10,000/- per hectare for the first year- ₹5,000/- for the Kharif season and ₹5,000/- for the Rabi and Summer seasons.
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Q: How much assistance is provided to a farmer who has already received benefits in the previous year?
A: An old beneficiary is eligible to receive ₹6,000/- per hectare - ₹3,000/- for Kharif and ₹3,000/- for Rabi and Summer.
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Q: Are farmers who started natural farming before Kharif 2020 eligible for this scheme?
A: No, farmers who began natural farming before the Kharif 2020 season are not eligible for the scheme.
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Q: What happens if a farmer possesses a PGS–Green/Organic Certificate (C2/C3)?
A: A farmer who already holds a PGS–Green/Organic Certificate is not eligible to apply for assistance under this scheme.
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Q: How is the authenticity of the cow and farming practices verified?
A: The cow and the farmer’s natural farming practices are verified through a field visit conducted by an authorized team appointed by the Project Director, ATMA.
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Q: Where can a farmer apply for this scheme?
A: A farmer can apply for the scheme through the official [iKhedut ](https://ikhedut.gujarat.gov.in/)portal.

Q: What is the process if the number of applicants exceeds the scheme’s target?
A: If applications exceed the target, the selection of beneficiaries is done through a random draw via the iKhedut portal.