Farmers in the Rajkot region of Gujarat are increasingly transitioning from traditional sowing methods to scientific nursery farming for chilli cultivation, aiming to enhance productivity and reduce crop losses.

This move towards nursery-raised seedlings is supporting healthier crop growth, higher survival rates, and improved yields. Agricultural experts note that the technology-driven methods also encourage sustainable farming and support rural incomes.

Government-supported schemes provide farmers with assistance for nursery development, drip irrigation, and mulching techniques, which have contributed significantly to the modernisation of chilli farming in the area.

Piyush Vagadia, Horticulture Officer in Rajkot, stated, “For setting up small self-employed nurseries, farmers are provided financial assistance of up to 65 per cent of the unit cost, amounting to nearly Rs. 3 lakhs. A complete kit required for Dharu preparation has also been included under the scheme.”

He added, “If the unit cost is Rs. 40,000, 50 per cent of the cost is covered by the Central Government and 15 per cent by the State Government,” referring to subsidies for plastic mulching used in Dharu plantations.

Farmers report that these initiatives have reduced seed wastage and enhanced overall crop management.

Chilli farmer Pratik Patel commented, “The Gujarat government provides subsidies for drip irrigation, and the system is managed very efficiently. We also use mulching paper, for which financial assistance is provided. Mulching helps increase our crop yield.”