Patna. There is good news for those starting business related to coarse grains in Bihar. The state government is providing financial assistance for setting up new processing units to promote the processing of millets. Under this scheme, eligible beneficiaries will get grant to purchase machinery.
Who will get how much grant?
General category beneficiaries will be given a grant of 40 percent of the project cost or a maximum of Rs 4.32 lakh, whichever is less. Whereas for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe beneficiaries, this assistance will be 50 percent of the project cost or up to a maximum of Rs 5.40 lakh. Under the scheme, the processing capacity of the unit has been set at 100 to 200 kg per hour. The grant amount will be sent to the bank account of the eligible beneficiary through DBT.
Who can apply?
FPOs, entrepreneurs, individual applicants and other registered entities can apply for this scheme. Individual applicants must be at least 21 years of age. FPO must be registered and operating for at least two years. The beneficiary will have to contribute a minimum of 15 percent of the project cost himself. Along with this, taking loan from the bank has also been made mandatory.
Grant will not be available on these expenses
The government assistance will be mainly for the purchase of processing machinery. Expenditures related to purchasing land, electricity connection, staff and day-to-day operations will not be included in the grant. The machinery will have to be purchased from vendors listed on the OFMAS portal. After installing the unit the complex will have to be operated and maintained for at least three years.
Application process starts from 8th September
Interested people can apply online from 8th September. Application can be made through Bihar Agriculture Department portal or Bihar Agriculture App. Documents like DPR, bank loan approval or consent letter, Aadhaar, bank details and registration certificate for institutional applicants have to be attached with the application.