The Karnataka Krushi Aranya Protsaha Yojane is a government initiative from Karnataka that aims to promote the practice of agroforestry among farmers whereby farmers cultivate seedlings and grow trees. The scheme has been initiated by the Karnataka Forest Department and it provides incentives to farmers for maintaining healthy forests for up to three years.
This initiative which was introduced in 201 aims to enhance the green cover in the state, promote sustainable agricultural practices, improve the conservation of the environment, and help farmers earn through timber, fruits, fodder and other forest products.
About Karnataka Krushi Aranya Protsaha Yojane.
Karnataka Krushi Aranya Protsaha Yojane is a government sponsored agroforestry scheme designed to motivate farmers to cultivate and ensure safety of tree saplings on privately owned farmland.
Farmers are provided with financial assistance for implementation of the project based on survival of the saplings planted within the period of three years. This project can help promote tree growth while providing assistance to farmers in boosting productivity, biodiversity as well as climate resilience of their farms.
The scheme is also widely known as the Krushi Aranya Protsaha Yojana or the Krushi Aranya Protsaha Scheme.
Objectives of the Scheme
The main aim of the scheme is to popularise tree plantation on agricultural land and increase the forest and tree cover in the state of Karnataka.
It also seeks to promote sustainable land management practices, improve farmers’ earnings through agroforestry, conserve natural resources, curb environmental degradation and increase carbon sequestration.
The scheme, by integrating trees along with agriculture, ensures climate-resilient farming practices and sustainability for the farmers.
Assistance in Terms of Money Under the Program
The financial support is offered to farmers for continued healthy seedling survival for three years.
Incentive Model Year Wise Per Seedlings
First Year: 35₹
Second Year: 40₹
Third Year:50₹
The aid is provided for the seedlings checked at the inspection by the Forest Authority.
Discount Seedlings Prices
Farmers can buy seedlings at the price lower than the market from government nurseries.
| Size of the Bags | Subsidized Rate per Seedling |
| 5×8 and 6×9 | 1₹ |
| 8×12 | 3₹ |
| 10×16 and 14×20 | 5₹ |
Depending on the trees, the farmers can choose the size of seedlings for growing.
Additional Ways of Earning Money
Farmers can earn money not just from getting help in terms of money but also because of mature trees. Depending on the plants grown on the farm, the farmers may get money from:
- Timber
- Fruits
- Seeds
- Fodder
- Firewood
- Posts
- Any other things gotten from the forests
So, the program has a two-fold purpose; it helps the environment, as well as provides extra money.
The Trees Allowed to Grow Under the Program
Under the ideas mentioned in the program, the farmers may grow various kinds of tree species, for example,
- Hebbevu
- Sandalwood
- Teak
- Any other tree species allowed by the Forest Department
Every farmer can grow around 400 tree species on a plot of land of one hectare.
Tree Species That Do Not Qualify
There are certain kinds of trees that do not qualify for financial help under this program.
Such trees include,
- Eucalyptus
- Acacia
- Silver Oak
- Casuarina
- Cassia siamea
- Gliricidia
- Sesbania
- Erythrina
- Rubber
- Subabul
- Coconut
- Arecanut
- Orange
- Citrus species
- Grafted Mango
Before deciding about the trees to be planted, farmers should get in touch with the local Forest Department.
Eligibility Conditions
Farmers have to follow the below-mentioned eligibility conditions,
- Should be a permanent resident of Karnataka.
- Should be a farmer owning agricultural land.
- Plantation should be carried out on the land owned by the applicant.
Eligible farmers can participate without regard to the size of their farms, provided they fulfill the scheme criteria.
List of Documents Required
The following documents are to be enclosed with the application,
- Proof of residence
- Aadhaar card
- Passport-sized photograph
- Land records (Pahani/RTC)
- Bank account details
- Information about the trees to be planted
- Caste certificate (if applicable)
All of the above documents are needed for verification and disbursement of assistance.
How to Apply for the Scheme?
Farmers who qualify need to stop by the nearest Forest Range Office to apply for the scheme.
The application form can be obtained without charge from the office. The candidate should fill out necessary information and provide proof for submission of the form along with a nominal fee of ₹10.
The application should ideally be submitted ahead of monsoon season, which is usually before the end of May for effective plantation.
After checking the form, the Forest Department provides sanctioned seedlings to approved farmers.
Forest officials have to conduct the annual checks to see how the planted seedlings are doing and provide assistance based on their findings.
