In a major boost for local agriculture, the Horticulture Department in Lakhimpur Kheri, Uttar Pradesh, has introduced a special financial relief scheme to promote the cultivation of garlic and onion. Under this initiative, high-quality seeds for both crops will be supplied to farmers completely free of cost. The primary objective behind this intervention is to insulate growers from the high market prices of commercial seeds and significantly bring down their initial capital expenses. Online application windows have officially opened, allowing eligible farmers to sign up and secure their seed quotas.
Target Coverage Area and Seed Distribution Plan
The horticulture department has fixed a comprehensive target of covering 100 hectares of land under this scheme across Lakhimpur Kheri district. Specifically, 50 hectares have been earmarked for garlic farming alongside another 50 hectares dedicated to onion cultivation. Seed procurement represents one of the heaviest upfront costs faced by farmers at the beginning of the sowing season. By providing these essential inputs at zero cost, the administration aims to improve net profit margins and motivate farmers to diversify into high-value horticultural crops.
Online Registration Process and Selection Criteria
Farmers interested in receiving free seeds must complete an online application procedure to register their interest. According to Mrityunjay Singh, the District Horticulture In-charge of Lakhimpur, applicants need to visit the department's official portal at dbt.uphorticulture.in to submit their paperwork. Following the submission deadline, officials will verify credentials and select eligible beneficiaries. Selections will be made strictly on a first-come, first-served basis. Consequently, agricultural authorities have urged farmers to apply as early as possible to prevent missing out on the limited allocations.
Ideal Sowing Windows and Seasonal Crop Timelines
To help farmers achieve optimal yields, the department has outlined precise agronomic timelines for both Rabi crops. The window between September and October is identified as the ideal period for establishing Rabi onion nurseries. Once the nursery phase concludes, transplanting of onion seedlings takes place from November to December. The onion crop typically reaches full harvest readiness in about 120 to 150 days following transplantation. For garlic cultivation, sowing is best performed between mid-October and November, with the period from 15 October to 15 November offering the best climate conditions. Garlic requires approximately 150 to 180 days from sowing to reach complete maturity for harvesting.
