Bihar Government (India) Launches Lady Rosetta Potato Cultivation Scheme with 75% Subsidy

To enhance farmers’ income and promote cultivation of high-value crops, the Bihar Government has launched a new initiative to encourage the cultivation of the Lady Rosetta potato, a premium variety widely used in the production of chips and French fries. Under the scheme, farmers will receive a subsidy of up to 75 percent.

Subsidy Structure and Application Process

The initiative, known as the Lady Rosetta Area Expansion Scheme, is being implemented by the Department of Horticulture. Farmers can submit applications through the official website horticulture.bihar.gov.in or via the Bihar Agriculture App. The last date to apply is January 15, 2026.

The scheme is open to farmers with land holdings ranging from 0.25 acre (0.1 hectare) to 5 acres (2 hectares). The estimated seed requirement is 30 quintals per hectare, while the total cultivation cost is around ₹1.25 lakh (USD 1,375) per hectare. The government will provide financial assistance of approximately ₹94,000 (USD 1,044) per hectare, covering 75 percent of the cost, including seeds.

The subsidy will be released in two instalments:

• ₹70,397 (USD 782) per hectare as the first instalment for inputs and seed procurement
• ₹23,466 (USD 261) per hectare as the second instalment after field inspection and physical verification post-planting

Farmer selection will be carried out on a first-come, first-served basis.

Boost to Farmers’ Income and Processing Industry

Officials said the cultivation of Lady Rosetta potatoes will help farmers increase their income by catering to the rising demand from the chips and French fries industry. The initiative is also expected to strengthen Bihar’s role as a key producer of processing-grade potatoes in India.

Districts Covered and Variety Highlights

The scheme will be implemented across 17 districts: Aurangabad, Banka, Begusarai, Bhagalpur, Gaya, Gopalganj, Katihar, Khagaria, Lakhisarai, Nalanda, Nawada, Patna, Samastipur, Saran, Sheikhpura, Siwan, and Vaishali.

Lady Rosetta is a high-yielding potato variety known for its uniformity, processing quality, and suitability for chips and French fries, with growing demand in both domestic and international markets.