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Boost for Local Farmers: Up to Rs 300,000 Available in 6 New Grants
The Ministry of Industry, SMEs and Co-operatives has launched six new grant schemes for the 2025-2026 financial year to provide vital support to the local co-operative sector. The announcement, made on Thursday 27 November at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Public Service and Innovation in Côte d’Or Technopole, marked the closure of the International Year of Co-operatives.
Scheme Objectives and Government Pledge
The six initiatives are specifically designed to improve productivity, encourage digitalisation, promote sustainable agriculture, and enhance energy efficiency across co-operatives.
Minister Aadil Ameer Meea reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the co-operatives through technical, institutional, and financial assistance.
He noted the movement’s significant history, which began 112 years ago in 1913 with the first society of small sugarcane planters.
The Minister confirmed that the allocation of the grants would be done equitably based on clear criteria and a system involving several committees to select the most deserving beneficiaries.
Detailed Breakdown of the Six Schemes
The new grants cover a range of strategic areas, with the government committed to financing up to 80% of the total project cost for each scheme.
| Scheme Name | Maximum Funding | Purpose |
| Boost to Local Production Scheme | Up to Rs 300,000 | For the purchase of agricultural and food equipment. |
| Livestock Production Scheme | Up to Rs 200,000 | To encourage livestock rearing within co-operatives. |
| Zero Budget Natural Farming Scheme | Up to Rs 200,000 | To support the production of bio-fertilisers (Jiwamrita). |
| Seedlings Production Scheme | Rs 250,000 | For the production of plantules (seedlings). |
| Digitalisation Scheme | Rs 100,000 | To digitise co-operative operations. |
| Energy Efficiency Scheme | Rs 100,000 | To reduce energy consumption, based on a prior study of 29 co-operatives. |
Application Deadline
Co-operatives interested in applying for the schemes must submit their applications by the deadline of 13 January 2026.
Source: Defi Media