Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: In a major push towards sustainable agriculture, the Goa government has launched a subsidy scheme offering farmers up to 90% financial support for biogas plants, composting units and soil health management.
The scheme, introduced under the “Development of Manures & Fertilisers” programme, is aimed at reducing dependence on chemical fertilisers, improving soil fertility and promoting organic practices.
Farmers installing biogas units will be eligible for a 90% subsidy, covering the cost of excavation, transport and GST, while repairs after six years will attract a 20% subsidy. Similarly, portable organic manure units and vermi-beds will also receive 90% subsidy support, limited to three units per farmer.
To address soil quality issues, the government will provide a 75% subsidy on soil conditioners like lime (up to ₹6,000 per hectare) and micronutrients such as zinc and boron (up to ₹7,500 per hectare). Organic manure and vermicompost pits will also be subsidised at 75%.
The scheme further incentivises grassroots adoption by offering Agriculture Assistants, Field Assistants and Krishi Mitra an incentive of ₹1,500 for every biogas unit they help install.
Officials said the initiative is designed not only to make farming eco-friendly but also to lower input costs for cultivators while encouraging the conversion of agricultural waste into renewable energy and organic fertiliser.
