Rural Godown Subsidy Scheme (Gramin Bhandaran Yojana) – Full Details, Eligibility, Benefits, and Application Guide

Agriculture is the backbone of India’s rural economy. However, one of the biggest challenges farmers face is post-harvest storage. Due to a lack of proper storage facilities, a huge portion of grains, pulses, and other crops get wasted every year. This not only causes financial losses to farmers but also affects food supply in the market.

To tackle this problem, the Government of India in association with NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) launched the Gramin Bhandaran Yojana (Rural Godown Subsidy Scheme). The main objective of this scheme is to provide financial assistance to farmers, farmer groups, cooperatives, and other organizations to build or upgrade scientific storage facilities in rural areas.

This article will explain in detail the objectives, subsidy structure, eligibility, required documents, and the step-by-step application process under this scheme.

Why is the Rural Godown Scheme Important?

1. Reduce Crop Losses: Protects harvested produce from damage due to rain, pests, and natural calamities.
2. Better Price Realization: Farmers can store their produce and sell it later when market prices are higher.
3. Promotes Rural Infrastructure: Increases the number of modern warehouses and storage units in villages.
4. Financial Security for Farmers: Farmers can pledge stored crops to banks and get loans against warehouse receipts.
5. Strengthens Food Supply Chain: Ensures that agricultural products are available year-round without shortage.

Who Can Apply?

The scheme is not limited to individual farmers. A wide range of applicants are eligible:

• Individual farmers
• Farmer groups
• Agricultural graduates
• Cooperatives and Self-Help Groups (SHGs)
• NGOs working in the agriculture sector
• Partnership firms and companies
• Agricultural Marketing Committees
• State agencies and corporations

This wide eligibility ensures that both small-scale farmers and larger organizations can take advantage of the subsidy.

Subsidy Pattern (As per Latest Guidelines)

The subsidy depends on the category of the applicant and the total project cost. Below is the subsidy structure:

👉 The subsidy is calculated on the capital cost of the project, including land development, construction, and equipment for storage.

Storage Capacity Covered

• Minimum godown capacity: 100 tonnes
• Maximum godown capacity: 30,000 tonnes
• Both new godown construction and renovation of existing warehouses are covered.

The scheme encourages small and medium godowns in villages so that farmers in remote areas can also benefit.

Benefits of the Scheme

1. Financial Aid: Significant subsidy reduces the burden of investment on farmers and organizations.
2. Income Security: Farmers no longer need to sell crops immediately at low prices.
3. Loan Facility: Stored produce can be used as collateral to get bank loans.
4. Improved Storage Quality: Promotes scientific methods like temperature control and fumigation.
5. Women & SC/ST Empowerment: Higher subsidy percentage for marginalized groups.

Documents Required

Applicants must submit the following documents along with the application:

• Project report (detailing cost, design, and storage capacity)
• Land ownership documents or lease agreement
• Identity proof (Aadhaar Card, PAN Card)
• Bank loan sanction letter (if loan is taken)
• Bank account details (Passbook copy)
• Passport-size photographs
• Registration certificate (for companies, cooperatives, or SHGs)

How to Apply for the Rural Godown Subsidy Scheme?

1. Prepare Project Report: Include cost estimates, godown design, and expected capacity.
2. Approach Bank/NABARD: Submit your project proposal to a recognized bank financing under NABARD.
3. Loan Sanction: Bank verifies documents and sanctions loan if applicable.
4. Application Submission: Apply through the NABARD channel with required documents.
5. Inspection & Approval: NABARD officials inspect the project site.
6. Construction: Build the godown as per approved design.
7. Subsidy Release: Once construction is complete and verified, subsidy is released directly to the beneficiary’s bank account.

Example Case Study

Imagine a farmer cooperative in Karnataka producing large amounts of maize. Previously, they had to sell their harvest quickly at low rates due to lack of storage. By applying under the Gramin Bhandaran Yojana, they received 25% subsidy to build a 500-tonne capacity godown. Now, they store the produce, wait for better market conditions, and sell at a higher price. The cooperative also uses the godown to provide storage facilities to neighboring farmers, creating an additional income source.

Key Highlights at a Glance

• Scheme Name: Gramin Bhandaran Yojana (Rural Godown Subsidy Scheme)
• Implemented By: NABARD in collaboration with Ministry of Agriculture
• Beneficiaries: Farmers, cooperatives, SHGs, NGOs, companies
• Subsidy: 15% to 33.33% depending on category
• Maximum Storage Capacity: 30,000 tonnes
• Application Mode: Through banks and NABARD offices

Official Website & Contact

For detailed guidelines, application forms, and state-wise subsidy details, applicants can visit the official website:
🔗 dmi.gov.in

Farmers can also contact their District NABARD Office or the nearest bank branch dealing with agricultural finance for more guidance.

Application Link

Conclusion

The Rural Godown Subsidy Scheme (Gramin Bhandaran Yojana) is a game-changer for India’s agricultural sector. By supporting the construction of storage facilities, the scheme ensures that farmers reduce post-harvest losses, earn better prices, and gain financial stability. With subsidies up to 33.33%, it provides an excellent opportunity for farmers, cooperatives, and organizations to invest in modern storage solutions.

If you are a farmer or part of a farmer group, don’t miss out on this golden opportunity. Apply today, build your own godown, and secure your harvest for a better tomorrow.