Chhattisgarh Kisan Vriksha Mitra Yojana: Apply for Free Saplings, Subsidy & Buyback Benefits

Kisan Vriksha Mitra Yojana (KVMY) is a flagship agroforestry scheme of the Forest and Climate Change Department, Government of Chhattisgarh. The scheme supports farmers and other eligible beneficiaries in undertaking commercial tree plantations by providing financial assistance, free quality saplings, technical guidance, and market linkage support. Interested applicants can apply through their nearest Forest Range Office or Divisional Forest Office (DFO).

Introduction of Chhattisgarh Kisan Vriksha Mitra Yojana: A Brief Insight

For many farmers, a portion of their land remains underutilised or generates only limited income through traditional crops. With the right tree plantation, however, the same land can become a long-term source of earnings while also contributing to environmental conservation. To encourage this approach, the Government of Chhattisgarh launched the Kisan Vriksha Mitra Yojana, a flagship agroforestry initiative that was originally introduced as Mukhyamantri Vriksha Sampada Yojana on 21 March 2023 and later renamed in 2024.

The scheme is being implemented by the Forest and Climate Change Department, Government of Chhattisgarh. Its primary objective is to promote commercial tree plantation on private land, create an additional source of income for farmers, and increase green cover across the state. At the same time, the initiative helps reduce pressure on natural forests by encouraging timber and commercial wood production through planned plantations.

One of the biggest advantages of the scheme is that beneficiaries do not have to bear the entire cost of plantation on their own. Eligible farmers receive financial assistance for plantation activities along with free certified saplings supplied through the Forest Department. Popular commercial species such as Eucalyptus, Teak, Bamboo, Melia Dubia, Sandalwood, and other approved varieties are covered under the programme, allowing farmers to choose plantations based on local conditions and market demand.

Under the scheme, farmers cultivating up to 5 acres can receive financial assistance for plantations covering up to 5,000 plants, while larger landholders and certain institutional beneficiaries can avail assistance as per the applicable subsidy structure. Financial support is released over a period of three years and is linked to the survival rate of the planted saplings, encouraging proper care and maintenance of the plantation.

Beyond plantation support, the scheme also focuses on creating sustainable income opportunities. Through partnerships with industries and private sector stakeholders, beneficiaries are provided market linkages and buyback support for mature trees. Depending on the species selected, plantation density, and market conditions, farmers can generate substantial long-term income from their land while building a valuable asset for future years.

The scale of the initiative highlights the state’s commitment to agroforestry. The government has set ambitious plantation targets across lakhs of acres, benefiting thousands of farmers and significantly expanding commercial tree cultivation throughout Chhattisgarh.

Applying under the scheme is simple and completely offline. Interested beneficiaries can visit their nearest Forest Range Office or Divisional Forest Office (DFO), obtain the application form, and submit it along with the required land and identity documents. For assistance, applicants can call the helpline at 1800-233-7000 or visit forest.cg.gov.in.

Farmers can also explore the Central Government’s PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, which provides annual income support directly to eligible farmers, and the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), which offers insurance protection against crop losses caused by natural calamities. Landless agricultural workers may additionally benefit from the Deendayal Upadhyay Bhoomihin Krishi Majdoor Kalyan Yojana, designed to provide financial assistance and welfare support to landless rural families.

Farmers, institutions, and anyone interested in agriculture, agroforestry, and rural development initiatives can explore more programmes on our Chhattisgarh Government Welfare Schemes page.

Benefits Provided to Eligible Beneficiaries

Kisan Vriksha Mitra Yojana offers financial support, quality planting material, and long-term income opportunities to farmers and other eligible beneficiaries who undertake commercial tree plantation on eligible land.

Financial Assistance:

• Up to 5 acres of plantation: 100% financial assistance, subject to a maximum of 5,000 plants
• More than 5 acres of plantation: 50% financial assistance, with support available for up to 1,000 plants per acre
• Private institutions, trusts, NGOs, Gram Panchayats, and eligible leased landholders can receive 50% financial assistance as per scheme provisions

Supply of Quality Saplings:

• Certified saplings are provided through the Forest Department to encourage successful plantation
• Popular species include Clonal Eucalyptus, Tissue Culture Teak, Tissue Culture Bamboo, Melia Dubia, Sandalwood, and other commercially valuable trees

Assistance Linked to Plantation Survival:

• Financial support is released over a period of three years
• Disbursement depends on the survival and maintenance of planted saplings
• Per-plant assistance varies according to the species selected and the rates notified by the department from time to time

Market and Buyback Support:

• The scheme promotes partnerships with industries and private buyers for the purchase of mature timber and plantation produce
• Beneficiaries may receive market linkage and buyback support for selected species under approved arrangements

Income Generation Opportunities:

• Commercial tree cultivation can create an additional source of income for farmers
• Earnings depend on the species planted, plantation density, maintenance practices, and market conditions
• The scheme also explores opportunities related to carbon credit-based income from eligible plantations

Large-Scale Plantation Initiative:

• The programme aims to expand commercial forestry across the state and increase green cover on private land
• Thousands of farmers have already participated, with large-scale plantation targets being implemented through the Forest Department

Important: The scheme was initially launched as Mukhyamantri Vriksha Sampada Yojana and was later renamed Kisan Vriksha Mitra Yojana. Beneficiaries should contact their nearest Forest Range Office to confirm the latest assistance rates, eligible species, and implementation guidelines applicable in their area.

Eligibility Conditions Required to be Fulfilled

The Forest and Climate Change Department, Government of Chhattisgarh, has prescribed the following eligibility conditions for beneficiaries seeking assistance under Kisan Vriksha Mitra Yojana.

Eligible Beneficiaries:

• Farmers owning private agricultural land in Chhattisgarh
• Small, marginal, medium, and large farmers
• Government, semi-government, and autonomous institutions undertaking plantation on their own land
• Private schools, colleges, and educational institutions
• Registered trusts and societies
• Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)
• Gram Panchayats
• Individuals or organisations cultivating land on a valid lease agreement

Land-Related Conditions:

• The applicant must have legal ownership of the land or possess a valid registered lease agreement
• The proposed land should be suitable for tree plantation activities
• Land records submitted during application must be clear and verifiable

Who Is Not Eligible:

• Land earmarked for Compensatory Afforestation under applicable forest laws
• Forest Department land or government land already reserved for forestry purposes
• Land involved in an ongoing court case or ownership dispute
• Areas considered unsuitable for plantation due to legal, environmental, or physical constraints

Documents Required to be Attached

Applicants interested in availing benefits under Kisan Vriksha Mitra Yojana should keep the following documents ready while submitting their application at the concerned Forest Range Office:

• Land ownership documents such as Khasra, Khatauni, B-1 records, or other valid land records
• Registered lease deed, if plantation is being carried out on leased land
• Aadhaar Card of the applicant
• Bank account details linked with Aadhaar, for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
• Identity and registration documents of eligible institutions such as private schools, colleges, trusts, societies, or Gram Panchayats
• Passport-size photograph, if required by the local Forest Department

How Beneficiaries Can Apply to Avail the Benefit of the Scheme

Applying under Kisan Vriksha Mitra Yojana is a straightforward process. If you have suitable land and want to earn additional income through commercial tree plantation, simply follow the steps below.

Step 1: First, decide how much land you want to use for plantation and choose the tree species you wish to plant. Farmers can select from commercially valuable species such as Clonal Eucalyptus, Tissue Culture Teak, Tissue Culture Bamboo, Melia Dubia, Sandalwood, and other species approved by the Forest Department.

Step 2: Visit your nearest Forest Range Office or Divisional Forest Office (DFO). Inform the officials that you want to apply under Kisan Vriksha Mitra Yojana and collect the prescribed application form.

Step 3: Carefully fill out the application form with your personal details, land information, plantation area, and the number and type of saplings you wish to plant.

Step 4: Attach all the required documents, including your land records, Aadhaar Card, bank account details, and lease documents (if the land is leased).

Step 5: Submit the completed application form along with the supporting documents at the same Forest Department office.

Step 6: After submission, Forest Department officials will visit your land for verification. They will check the ownership or lease details, assess whether the land is suitable for plantation, and verify the plantation plan mentioned in your application.

Step 7: Once your application is approved, the department will provide certified saplings through its nursery network. Officials may also guide you regarding plantation methods, spacing, and maintenance practices.

Step 8: Plant the saplings on your land according to the department’s recommendations. Proper spacing and plantation density are important for healthy growth and better future returns.

Step 9: Take care of the plantation regularly by providing protection, irrigation (where required), and maintenance. During the first three years, Forest Department teams may conduct periodic inspections to assess the survival rate of the planted saplings.

Step 10: Financial assistance under the scheme is linked to the survival of the plants. Based on the inspection reports and the applicable assistance category, the approved amount will be transferred directly to your Aadhaar-linked bank account through DBT.

Step 11: After the trees reach maturity, beneficiaries can sell the produce through the scheme’s buyback arrangements and other approved channels, helping generate long-term income from their plantation.

Important: The success of your plantation directly affects the financial assistance you receive. Maintaining a high survival rate of saplings during the first three years is therefore extremely important. For any clarification regarding eligibility, plantation species, subsidy rates, or application procedures, contact your nearest Forest Range Office or Divisional Forest Office.

Important Links Available of the Scheme

• Forest and Climate Change Department, Government of Chhattisgarh Official Portal
• Kisan Vriksha Mitra Yojana Official Scheme Page

Contact Details in Case of Help Needed

• Nodal Department: Forest and Climate Change Department, Government of Chhattisgarh
• Helpline: 1800-233-7000
• Address: Aranya Bhawan, North Block, Sector-19, Nava Raipur Atal Nagar, Chhattisgarh
• Local Level: Contact your nearest Forest Range Office or Divisional Forest Office (DFO)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. What is Kisan Vriksha Mitra Yojana?

Ans. Kisan Vriksha Mitra Yojana is an agroforestry promotion scheme implemented by the Forest and Climate Change Department, Government of Chhattisgarh. The scheme encourages farmers and other eligible beneficiaries to undertake commercial tree plantation on private land by providing financial assistance, quality saplings, and market support. It was earlier known as Mukhyamantri Vriksha Sampada Yojana and was renamed in 2024.

Q. Who can apply under this scheme?

Ans. Farmers, private educational institutions, private trusts, NGOs, Gram Panchayats, autonomous institutions, and eligible leased landholders with valid land-related documents in Chhattisgarh can apply under the scheme.

Q. What financial assistance is available under Kisan Vriksha Mitra Yojana?

Ans. Beneficiaries planting on up to 5 acres of land can receive financial assistance for plantation activities, subject to the scheme norms. For larger areas and certain institutional categories, assistance is provided as per the applicable subsidy pattern notified by the department.

Q. Are saplings provided free of cost?

Ans. Yes. The Forest Department provides certified and high-quality saplings of approved commercial tree species through its nursery network, helping beneficiaries establish plantations at a lower cost.

Q. How is the financial assistance released?

Ans. Assistance is generally released over a period of three years and is linked to the survival rate of the planted saplings. The approved amount is transferred directly to the beneficiary’s Aadhaar-linked bank account through DBT.

Q. Does the scheme provide marketing support for harvested trees?

Ans. Yes. The scheme promotes buyback arrangements and market linkages through participating industries and private partners, helping beneficiaries sell their mature produce more easily.

Q. How can I apply for Kisan Vriksha Mitra Yojana?

Ans. Applications are submitted offline through the nearest Forest Range Office or Divisional Forest Office (DFO). Applicants need to submit the prescribed application form along with the required supporting documents.

Q. Can organisations and institutions also benefit from the scheme?

Ans. Yes. Apart from individual farmers, eligible institutions such as private schools, trusts, NGOs, and Gram Panchayats can also participate in plantation activities under the scheme, subject to the applicable guidelines.

Q. What happens if a large number of saplings do not survive?

Ans. Since financial assistance is linked to plantation survival, a lower survival rate may reduce the amount of assistance released during subsequent inspection stages. Proper maintenance of saplings is therefore very important.

Q. Can plantation be carried out on any land?

Ans. No. The land must be legally owned or leased by the applicant and should be suitable for plantation. Disputed land, certain restricted categories of land, and areas not approved under the scheme are generally not eligible.

Q. What types of trees can be planted under the scheme?

Ans. Beneficiaries can plant approved commercial species such as Eucalyptus, Teak, Bamboo, Melia Dubia, Sandalwood, and other species notified by the Forest Department from time to time.

Q. Where can I get more information or assistance regarding the scheme?

Ans. For guidance regarding eligibility, plantation planning, subsidy details, or application procedures, contact your nearest Forest Range Office, Divisional Forest Office (DFO), or call the departmental helpline at 1800-233-7000.

Tabassum

Tabassum is a government schemes researcher and writer with 5 years of experience tracking Central and State welfare scheme 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.