Introduction The Kisan Vriksh Mitra Yojana has been launched to encourage large-scale plantation of commercially valuable tree species on private and institutional land. The scheme supports beneficiaries through financial assistance, plantation maintenance support, technical guidance, and assured buyback arrangements with partner institutions and private companies. By promoting agroforestry and commercial plantations, the initiative aims to create an additional source of income while increasing green cover outside forest areas. Under the scheme, beneficiaries can cultivate species such as Tissue Culture Teak, Tissue Culture Bamboo, Clonal Eucalyptus, Melia Dubia, Sandalwood, and other approved commercial varieties. Financial assistance is provided for plantation and maintenance activities for up to three years. Depending on the category of beneficiary and plantation area, assistance may cover up to 100% of the approved cost. The scheme is open to farmers, government and semi-government institutions, autonomous bodies, private educational institutions, trusts, NGOs, panchayats, and leaseholders. In selected models, partner institutions contribute towards plantation expenses and also provide buyback facilities, helping beneficiaries secure future returns from their plantations. Apart from promoting sustainable income generation, the scheme also helps reduce pressure on natural forests by encouraging tree cultivation on non-forest land. Beneficiaries looking for additional agriculture-related support can also explore scheme such as Deendayal Upadhyay Bhoomihin Krishi Majdoor Kalyan Yojana, which assist with financial assistance. Benefits Financial assistance for plantation and maintenance for up to 3 years. 100% subsidy for eligible plantation projects on land up to 5 acres. 50% subsidy for plantation on land exceeding 5 acres as per approved norms. Buyback facility through empanelled partner institutions and private companies. Technical guidance and plantation management support from the Forest Department. Maintenance assistance during the initial plantation period. Opportunity to earn an estimated annual income of ₹15,000 to ₹50,000 per acre. Promotion of commercial forestry and long-term asset creation. Plantation Species Covered Tissue Culture Teak Tissue Culture Bamboo Melia Dubia (Malabar Neem) Clonal Eucalyptus Sandalwood Other approved commercial tree species Plantation Models Under the Scheme Model 1 Applicable to farmers, government institutions, semi-government institutions, and autonomous bodies. Land up to 5 acres with a maximum plantation limit of 5,000 plants. 100% plantation cost supported by the department for 3 years. Fencing and irrigation expenses to be borne by the beneficiary. Model 2 Applicable to farmers and government institutions. Plantation on land above 5 acres. 50% subsidy provided by the department. Remaining cost borne by the beneficiary. Fencing and irrigation arranged by the beneficiary. Model 3 Applicable to private educational institutions, trusts, NGOs, panchayats, and leaseholders. 50% subsidy from the department. No upper limit on plantation area. Remaining expenditure borne by the beneficiary. Model 4 (Partner Institution Model) For plantation up to 5 acres. 50% support from partner institution and 50% support from the department. Mandatory buyback arrangement at agreed support price. Fencing and irrigation responsibility remains with the beneficiary. Model 5 (Partner Institution Model) For plantation exceeding 5 acres. 50% contribution from partner institution. 25% support from the department. 25% contribution by the beneficiary. Mandatory buyback facility available. Model 6 (Partner Institution Model) Applicable to NGOs, trusts, panchayats, leaseholders, and private institutions. 25% assistance from the department. 25% assistance from partner institution. Remaining 50% expenditure borne by the beneficiary. Mandatory buyback arrangement. Eligibility Individual landowners interested in commercial plantation. Farmers possessing eligible private land. Government, semi-government, and autonomous institutions. Private educational institutions. Registered trusts and non-government organizations. Gram Panchayats. Leaseholders holding valid lease agreements. Applicants must possess land suitable for plantation activities. Documents Aadhaar Card. Copy of B-1 land record. Khasra details of the plantation land. Bank account details or passbook copy. Passport-size photograph. Any additional document required during verification. Process to Apply Visit the nearest Forest Range Office or Forest Division Office. Obtain the prescribed application form from the concerned office. Fill in the required details such as applicant information, land particulars, plantation area, and selected tree species. Attach copies of Aadhaar Card, land records, and bank account details. Submit the completed application to the concerned forest office. The Forest Department conducts verification of land and submitted documents. Eligible applicants are selected under the approved plantation model. Plants, technical assistance, and plantation guidance are provided as per scheme provisions. After plantation and physical verification, subsidy assistance is released to the beneficiary's bank account. Important Links and Contact Forest and Climate Change Department Official Website Helpline Number: 1800 233 7000 FAQs Q1. Who can apply for Kisan Vriksh Mitra Yojana?Farmers, individual landowners, government and semi-government institutions, private educational institutions, NGOs, trusts, panchayats, and eligible leaseholders can apply under the scheme. Q2. What benefits are provided under the scheme?The scheme provides plantation subsidy, maintenance support for up to three years, technical guidance, and buyback facilities through partner institutions in selected plantation models. Q3. Which tree species are covered under Kisan Vriksh Mitra Yojana?Beneficiaries can undertake plantation of approved commercial species such as Tissue Culture Teak, Tissue Culture Bamboo, Melia Dubia, Clonal Eucalyptus, Sandalwood, and other notified species. Q4. Is there any buyback facility available?Yes, certain plantation models include a mandatory buyback arrangement through partner institutions or private companies to help beneficiaries secure future returns. Q5. What is the maximum subsidy available under the scheme?Eligible beneficiaries may receive up to 100% financial assistance for plantation on land up to 5 acres, while larger plantations receive support according to the applicable model. Q6. How can beneficiaries apply for the scheme?Applicants can visit the nearest Forest Range Office or Forest Division Office, submit the prescribed application form, and complete the verification process. Q7. What documents are required for application?Applicants generally need an Aadhaar Card, land ownership records such as B-1 and Khasra details, bank account information, and other documents required during verification. Q8. Can leaseholders also apply under the scheme?Yes, individuals or organisations holding valid leased land are eligible to apply under the categories covered by the scheme.