Maharashtra Atal Bamboo Samriddhi Yojana

Atal Bamboo Samriddhi Yojana is a Maharashtra Government scheme implemented by the Maharashtra Bamboo Development Board to promote bamboo cultivation on private agricultural land across the state. Eligible farmers receive a maintenance subsidy of Rs. 175 per plant over 3 years, with a maximum of 1,200 plants per farmer and a total subsidy of up to Rs. 21,000. Farmers can apply online at the official Maharashtra Forest Department Portal or offline at the nearest Maharashtra Bamboo Development Board district office.

Introduction of Maharashtra Atal Bamboo Samriddhi Yojana: A Brief Insight

For generations, farmers in Maharashtra have depended on traditional crops like cotton, soybean, and sugarcane, crops that demand heavy investment, are vulnerable to weather, and often leave farmers in debt when prices fall or rains fail. Bamboo offers a fundamentally different proposition. It requires minimal maintenance after the first year, grows on degraded and marginal land, needs less water than most crops, and starts generating income within 3 to 4 years of planting. A single bamboo plant can continue producing for over 40 years without replanting. Atal Bamboo Samriddhi Yojana is the Maharashtra Government’s initiative to bring this opportunity to every eligible farmer in the state.

The Government of Maharashtra first launched the Atal Bamboo Samriddhi Yojana in 2019 through the Forest Department to promote bamboo cultivation on private agricultural land. The scheme was initially limited in scope, but in 2024, Late Deputy CM Ajit Pawar announced enhanced benefits during the supplementary budget, significantly improving the subsidy structure for farmers. The scheme is implemented across Maharashtra by the Maharashtra Bamboo Development Board (MBDB) based in Nagpur.

The scheme provides two types of financial support to eligible farmers. Under the state component, farmers receive a maintenance subsidy of Rs. 175 per plant over 3 years out of a total maintenance cost of Rs. 350 per plant. This is released in three instalments, Rs. 90 in the first year, Rs. 50 in the second year, and Rs. 35 in the third year. A farmer can plant up to 1,200 bamboo plants across 2 hectares at a density of 600 plants per hectare, with a mandatory spacing of 5 x 4 meters. The maximum total subsidy per farmer is Rs. 21,000 over 3 years. In addition, farmers with landholdings below 4 hectares receive an 80% subsidy on seedlings, and those with landholdings above 4 hectares receive a 50% subsidy on seedlings.

Seven bamboo species are eligible under the scheme, including Dendrocalamus Strictus, Bambusa Balcooa, Dendrocalamus Brandisii, Bambusa Nutans, Dendrocalamus Asper, Bambusa Tulda, and Oxytenanthera Stocksii. Farmer-Producer Organisations, SHGs, bamboo farmer companies, and groups applying collectively receive the highest priority in sapling allocation over individual applicants. The scheme also runs alongside the National Bamboo Mission component under which tribal beneficiaries who received forest land under Van Adhikar Pattas can receive up to 90% subsidy of Rs. 270 per plant.

Beyond the subsidy, the real income opportunity for farmers lies in the mature bamboo harvest. Bamboo matures in 3 to 4 years and can be harvested every year thereafter. Maharashtra’s rapidly growing bamboo industry creates consistent demand. In September 2025, the Maharashtra Government announced a Rs. 4,000 crore ADB-funded 7-year bamboo project with MoUs being signed with farmers and FPOs for assured buyback. The Maharashtra Cabinet also approved the Bamboo Industrial Policy 2025, targeting Rs. 50,000 crore investment with 15 bamboo industrial clusters across the state, giving farmers a ready and growing market for their harvest.

Farmers who want to diversify income further can also explore the Mukhyamantri Baliraja Mofat Veej Yojana under which eligible agricultural pump consumers with a sanctioned load of up to 7.5 HP receive completely free electricity, reducing the cost of irrigation for bamboo and other crops. For additional direct income support, Maharashtra farmers can check their eligibility under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, which provides Rs. 6,000 per year in direct bank transfers and the Namo Shetkari Maha Sanman Nidhi Yojana, which provides an additional Rs. 6,000 per year to eligible Maharashtra farmers.

Farmers, agricultural entrepreneurs, tribal beneficiaries, FPO members, and anyone interested in bamboo cultivation, agroforestry, and sustainable farming income in Maharashtra can also explore more agricultural support schemes, subsidy programmes, and farmer welfare initiatives under our Maharashtra Government Schemes List section.

Benefits Provided to Eligible Farmers

Atal Bamboo Samriddhi Yojana provides financial assistance to eligible farmers for bamboo plantation and maintenance over a period of 3 years. The scheme covers two components, the state scheme and the National Bamboo Mission component, each with its own subsidy structure.

Component A: Atal Bamboo Samriddhi Yojana (State Scheme)

• Maximum 1,200 bamboo plants per farmer across 2 hectares at 600 plants per hectare
• Planting density: 600 plants per hectare at 5 x 4 meter spacing
• Total maintenance cost per plant over 3 years: Rs. 350
• The government provides 50% subsidy of Rs. 175 per plant over 3 years
• Subsidy released in phases:
  • First Year: Rs. 90 per plant
  • Second Year: Rs. 50 per plant
  • Third Year: Rs. 35 per plant
• Maximum total subsidy per farmer: Rs. 21,000 over 3 years (1,200 plants x Rs. 175)

Component B: National Bamboo Mission (Central Component)

• Maximum 880 bamboo plants per farmer across 2 hectares at 440 plants per hectare
• Planting density: 440 plants per hectare at 5 x 5 meter spacing
• Total maintenance cost per plant over 3 years: Rs. 300
• The government provides 50% subsidy of Rs. 150 per plant over 3 years
• Subsidy released in phases:
  • First Year: Rs. 75 per plant
  • Second Year: Rs. 40 per plant
  • Third Year: Rs. 35 per plant

Special Benefit for Tribal Beneficiaries Under the National Bamboo Mission

• Tribal beneficiaries who received forest land under Van Adhikar Pattas qualify for 90% subsidy of Rs. 270 per plant
• Subsidy released in phases:
  • First Year: Rs. 135 per plant
  • Second Year: Rs. 81 per plant
  • Third Year: Rs. 54 per plant

Seedling Subsidy

• Farmers with landholdings of less than 4 hectares receive 80% subsidy on the cost of bamboo seedlings
• Farmers with landholdings of more than 4 hectares receive 50% subsidy on the cost of bamboo seedlings
• Seedling cost subsidy is adjusted in the first year of subsidy release

Additional Benefits

• Bamboo species provided by MBDB as per availability. If the requested species is unavailable, a suitable alternative species is provided
• Technical guidance and evaluation support were provided by MBDB representatives throughout the 3-year plantation period
• Farmers can earn additional income by selling mature bamboo to traders, processors, and bamboo-based industries
• FPOs and farmer groups applying collectively receive priority access to saplings and scheme benefits

Eligibility Conditions Required to be Fulfilled

The following eligibility conditions apply to farmers and organisations seeking subsidy support under Atal Bamboo Samriddhi Yojana as per official Maharashtra Bamboo Development Board guidelines.

Eligible Applicants

• Farmers from Maharashtra with agricultural land available for bamboo plantation
• Farmer-Producer Organisations (FPOs) and Farmer-Producer Companies engaged in bamboo cultivation
• Self-help groups (SHGs) are involved in bamboo farming activities
• Cooperative societies and bamboo farmer groups
• Tribal beneficiaries who have received forest land rights under Van Adhikar Pattas are also eligible under the National Bamboo Mission component, with higher subsidy support

Priority in Selection

• Farmer-Producer Organisations, companies, and bamboo farmer groups applying collectively receive the highest priority in selection
• Individual private farmers are considered after group applications are processed

Mandatory Conditions

• Proposed land must have a fencing arrangement to protect the bamboo plants from animals
• The proposed land must have a water arrangement for the irrigation of bamboo plants
• The farmer must be available during the evaluation conducted by the MBDB representative after planting
• After receiving information about sapling availability via SMS or phone call, the farmer must collect saplings within 7 days
• The farmer must send a Geo Tag photograph of the plantation to the Maharashtra Bamboo Development Board after planting

Subsidy Disbursement Conditions

• If 80% or more bamboo plants are alive during the annual evaluation, the farmer receives 100% of the subsidy for that year
• If 50% to 79% bamboo plants are alive, the subsidy is released proportionally based on the number of surviving plants
• If the survival rate is below 50%, no subsidy is released for that evaluation period
• Farmers who are absent during the MBDB evaluation will not receive any subsidy for that year

Documents Required to be Attached

Farmers applying under the Atal Bamboo Samriddhi Yojana must keep the following documents ready before submitting their application either online or at the nearest Maharashtra Bamboo Development Board district office.

• 7/12 extract (Satbara Utara) of the agricultural land
• 8A extract confirming land ownership
• Aadhaar Card of the applicant
• Bank account passbook copy with IFSC details
• Passport size photograph of the applicant
• Land ownership documents or a land possession certificate
• Caste certificate for SC/ST applicants wherever applicable
• Proof of water arrangement and fencing facility for bamboo protection on the proposed land
• For FPOs, SHGs, and farmer groups: registration certificate of the organisation
• Hamipatra (self-declaration form) as prescribed by Maharashtra Bamboo Development Board

Important: Farmers must ensure that fencing and water arrangements are in place on the proposed land before applying, as these are mandatory conditions under the scheme. Applications submitted without complete documents will not be considered for sapling allocation.

How Farmers Can Apply to Avail the Benefit of this Scheme

Atal Bamboo Samriddhi Yojana accepts applications through both online and offline routes. Farmers can choose either route based on their convenience.

Online Application Process

Step 1: Visit the official Maharashtra Forest Department application portal at intranet.mahaforest.gov.in/forestportal and open the Atal Bamboo Samruddhi Yojana application section.

Step 2: Register on the portal by entering your personal details, including name, mobile number, Aadhaar number, and pin code.

Step 3: Fill the complete online application form with all required details, including land details, proposed plantation area, water and fencing arrangement details, and bank account information.

Step 4: Upload all required documents, including 7/12 extract, Aadhaar Card, bank passbook copy, land ownership documents, and Hamipatra.

Step 5: Submit the completed application form online. Keep the acknowledgement number for future reference and status tracking.

Step 6: After the application is processed, MBDB will inform you about sapling availability via SMS or phone call. You must collect the saplings within 7 days of receiving the intimation. Failure to collect within 7 days will result in cancellation of your application and no future benefit will be provided.

Step 7: After planting, send Geo Tag photographs of your bamboo plantation to the Maharashtra Bamboo Development Board immediately.

Step 8: MBDB representatives will conduct an annual evaluation of your plantation. Ensure you are present during the evaluation. Subsidy for each year is released based on the survival percentage of bamboo plants assessed during evaluation.

Offline Application Process

Step 1: Visit the nearest District Office of Maharashtra Bamboo Development Board and collect the Atal Bamboo Samriddhi Yojana application form and Hamipatra free of cost.

Step 2: Fill the application form carefully with all required details, including personal information, land details, proposed plantation area, bamboo species preference, and bank account details.

Step 3: Attach all required documents, including 7/12 extract, 8A extract, Aadhaar Card, bank passbook copy, passport size photograph, land ownership documents, and completed Hamipatra.

Step 4: Submit the completed application form along with all attached documents to the same MBDB District Office.

Step 5: After verification of your application, MBDB will inform you about sapling availability via SMS or phone call. Collect the saplings within 7 days of receiving the intimation.

Step 6: After planting, send Geo Tag photographs of the plantation to the Maharashtra Bamboo Development Board.

Step 7: MBDB representatives will conduct an annual evaluation. Remain present during evaluation to ensure subsidy release for each year.

Important: FPOs, SHGs, farmer companies, and bamboo farmer groups should apply collectively as they receive the highest priority in sapling allocation and scheme benefits over individual applicants. Ensure fencing and water arrangements are ready on the proposed land before applying, as these are mandatory conditions for the scheme.

Important Links Available

• Atal Bamboo Samriddhi Yojana Online Application Portal.
• Maharashtra Forest Department Official Portal.

Contact Details in Case of Help Needed

Farmers facing issues related to Atal Bamboo Samriddhi Yojana application, sapling availability, subsidy queries, or scheme-related clarifications can contact the following official channels.

• Maharashtra Bamboo Development Board Helpline: 0712-2970562
• Mobile: 9403934709
• Email: mahabamboo@mahaforest.gov.in
• Maharashtra Bamboo Development Board
  Nagpur, Maharashtra
• For local queries: Contact the nearest District Office of Maharashtra Bamboo Development Board

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. What is Atal Bamboo Samriddhi Yojana?

Ans. Atal Bamboo Samriddhi Yojana is a Maharashtra Government scheme implemented by the Maharashtra Bamboo Development Board to promote bamboo cultivation on private agricultural land. The scheme provides financial subsidy to eligible farmers for bamboo plantation and maintenance for over 3 years to increase farmer income and combat climate change.

Q. When was this scheme launched?

Ans. Atal Bamboo Samriddhi Yojana was first launched by the Government of Maharashtra in 2019. The scheme benefits were revised and enhanced in 2024 when Deputy CM Ajit Pawar announced improved subsidy support during the supplementary budget session.

Q. Which department implements this scheme?

Ans. The Forest Department, Government of Maharashtra, is the nodal department. Maharashtra Bamboo Development Board (MBDB), Nagpur, implements the scheme across the state.

Q. How much subsidy does a farmer receive per bamboo plant?

Ans. Under the Atal Bamboo Samriddhi Yojana state component, farmers receive Rs. 175 per plant as 50% subsidy of the total Rs. 350 maintenance costs over 3 years. The subsidy releases as Rs. 90 in the first year, Rs. 50 in the second year, and Rs. 35 in the third year.

Q. How many bamboo plants can a farmer plant under this scheme?

Ans. A farmer can plant a maximum of 1,200 bamboo plants across 2 hectares at a density of 600 plants per hectare. Plants must be spaced at 5 x 4 meters from each other.

Q. What is the maximum total subsidy a farmer can receive?

Ans. The maximum total subsidy per farmer under the state component is Rs. 21,000 over 3 years, calculated as 1,200 plants multiplied by Rs. 175 per plant.

Q. Who receives priority in sapling allocation under this scheme?

Ans. Farmer Producer Organisations, bamboo farmer companies, and bamboo farmer groups applying collectively receive the highest priority. Individual private farmers are considered after group applications are processed.

Q. What is the seedling subsidy under the scheme?

Ans. Farmers with landholdings of less than 4 hectares receive 80% subsidy on the cost of bamboo seedlings. Farmers with landholdings of more than 4 hectares receive 50% subsidy on seedling cost. This is adjusted in the first year subsidy release.

Q. Are tribal farmers eligible for higher subsidies?

Ans. Yes. Tribal beneficiaries who received forest land under Van Adhikar Pattas qualify for 90% subsidy of Rs. 270 per plant under the National Bamboo Mission component. This is released as Rs. 135 in the first year, Rs. 81 in the second year, and Rs. 54 in the third year.

Q. What are the mandatory conditions for applying under this scheme?

Ans. The proposed land must have fencing and water arrangements in place before applying. After receiving sapling availability intimation via SMS or phone, the farmer must collect saplings within 7 days. After planting, Geo Tag photographs must be sent to MBDB. Farmers must be present during the annual evaluation by MBDB representatives.

Q. How is the annual subsidy evaluated and released?

Ans. MBDB representatives conduct an annual evaluation of the plantation. If 80% or more plants are alive, the farmer receives 100% of that year’s subsidy. If 50% to 79% plants are alive, the subsidy is released proportionally. If the survival rate is below 50%, no subsidy is released for that year.

Q. Can a farmer earn income from bamboo beyond the subsidy?

Ans. Yes. After the bamboo plantation matures, farmers can sell the bamboo to traders, processors, and bamboo-based industries. Bamboo finds use in furniture, handicrafts, paper, biomass energy, construction materials, and many other products, offering multiple income streams to farmers.

Q. How can farmers apply for this scheme?

Ans. Farmers can apply online through the official Maharashtra Forest Department portal at intranet.mahaforest.gov.in or offline by collecting the application form from the nearest Maharashtra Bamboo Development Board district office and submitting it with all required documents.

Q. What bamboo species are eligible under the scheme?

Ans. Seven bamboo species are eligible, including Dendrocalamus Strictus, Bambusa Balcooa, Dendrocalamus Brandisii, Bambusa Nutans, Dendrocalamus Asper, Bambusa Tulda, and Oxytenanthera Stocksii. If the requested species is unavailable, MBDB provides a suitable alternative species.

Q. What happens if a farmer misses the sapling collection deadline?

Ans. If a farmer fails to collect allocated saplings within 7 days of receiving the intimation from MBDB, the allocation is cancelled and the remaining saplings are given to other interested farmers. The farmer loses the right to claim those saplings and will not receive any benefit for that allocation.

Tabassum

Tabassum is a government schemes researcher and writer with 5 years of experience tracking Central and State welfare programmes across India. She has covered 500+ schemes spanning agriculture, women welfare, education, and housing, helping lakhs of beneficiaries understand their entitlements in simple language.