The Agriculture Department in Bihar's Siwan district has launched a significant initiative to promote organic farming and reduce farmers' reliance on chemical fertilizers. Under the State Organic Mission, farmers are being offered up to 50% subsidy on the establishment of permanent vermicompost pits, cow dung-biogas units, and commercial vermicompost units.

District Agriculture Officer Alok Kumar stated that excessive use of chemical fertilizers is adversely affecting the natural fertility of the soil. The primary objective of this scheme is to empower farmers to produce organic fertilizers, improve soil health, and reduce cultivation costs.

Under the scheme, a permanent vermicompost pit, with an estimated cost of ₹10,000, will receive a 50% subsidy, capped at ₹5,000. Each farmer can avail benefits for a maximum of three units. A cow dung-biogas unit, costing ₹42,000, will also receive a 50% subsidy, up to a maximum of ₹21,000.

Subsidies are also available for commercial vermicompost units: up to ₹20 lakh for a 3,000 metric ton capacity unit, ₹12.80 lakh for a 2,000 metric ton unit, and ₹6.40 lakh for a 1,000 metric ton unit. Beneficiaries will be selected on a 'first come, first served' basis.

Online applications have commenced on the official portal of the Agriculture Department, with the deadline set for September 30. The department urges farmers to apply as soon as possible without waiting for the last date to avail the benefits of this scheme.