The farmers in Chhattisgarh developed mangroves in an area of 5,154 hectares during the past two years while taking advantage of the grants offered under ‘Fruit Development Programme’ of State Government’s Horticulture and Range Forestry Department.
Under the programme, during financial year 2012-13 till December 2012, the farmers took up mango plantation in an area of 2,537 hectares.
The State Horticulture Department offered a grant of an estimated Rs1.50 crore for carrying out the plantation, according to an official statement issued here on Thursday.
It may be recalled that the under the 'Fruit Development Programme', the State government also provides 25 per cent grant on bank loans taken by the farmers for farming of mango, bananas and papaya as per parameters underlines by NABARD.
Similarly, those farmers who are not desirous of taking loans from banks are offered 25 per cent grant under ‘Fruit Development Scheme’ as per NABARD parameters.