Wire Fencing Around the Farm for Crop Protection (Tar Fencing Yojana)
Gujarat pays ₹300 per running metre, or half the real cost if that is less, to fence your farm against stray cattle and wild animals.
Run by: Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Co-operation Department, Government of Gujarat
- Help per running metre (from May 2026)
- ₹300 or 50% of cost, whichever is lower
- Minimum land in a group
- 1 hectare (was 2)
- Money set aside
- ₹240 crore
- Where to apply
- i-Khedut portal
Overview
Stray cattle and wild animals can ruin a standing crop in a single night. This scheme helps farmers put up barbed-wire fencing around their fields. The help comes as a subsidy after the fence is built.
On 27 May 2026 the Gujarat cabinet raised the help from ₹200 to ₹300 per running metre, or 50% of the actual cost, whichever is lower. It also cut the minimum land in a group from 2 hectares to 1 hectare, so a small farmer no longer has to wait for neighbours to agree. State Agriculture Minister Jitu Vaghani said wire and labour had become costlier, and the government wanted to reduce the burden on farmers.
The state has set aside ₹240 crore for the scheme and says more will be added if needed. Applications go through the i-Khedut portal. For 2026-27 the portal took applications from 27 March to 26 April 2026. The minister said the portal can be opened again if needed so that more farmers benefit, and approvals were to be given in phases before the monsoon. Earlier, the portal opened only once a year.
The department’s scheme entry lists a few strict rules. The benefit is once in a lifetime. Only one holder on an 8-A land account can take it, with the others’ consent. A farmer who has already taken the solar fencing scheme cannot claim this one. The wire must be at least 2.50 mm thick, both line wire and point wire, with a tolerance of 0.08 mm.
What you get
The benefit as the state notifies it — nothing here is an estimate.
- ₹300 per running metre of fence, or 50% of the actual cost, whichever is lower.
- Keeps stray cattle and wild animals out, so you lose less crop.
- Small farms can join: a group now needs only 1 hectare of land.
- The subsidy is paid after the fence is built and checked.
Who is eligible
State schemes usually state their criteria as prose rather than a checklist. This is that prose, unpacked — the department’s verification is what decides.
You qualify if
- A landholding farmer in Gujarat — alone or as a farmer group — with 7/12 and 8-A land records.
- The land you fence must be at least 1 hectare in one block (it was 2 hectares before 27 May 2026). Neighbouring farmers can join together to reach it.
- Only one holder per 8-A account can apply, with the other holders’ consent. A farmer gets help for one account only.
Not covered
- Farmers who already took the Solar Fencing Scheme.
- Anyone who has already had this fencing benefit — it is a once-in-a-lifetime help.
Documents you need
Have these ready before you start — most rejections are a missing paper, not a missing right.
- 7/12 and 8-A land records
- Aadhaar card
- Bank account details linked to Aadhaar
- Consent of the other holders, if the 8-A account has more than one holder
How to apply
Fewer steps than a central scheme, and usually one office rather than a portal.
- 1
Watch for the i-Khedut window
The portal opens for a set period each year and the minister has said it can be reopened. Check ikhedut.gujarat.gov.in or your village-level agriculture officer.
- 2
Apply online
On ikhedut.gujarat.gov.in choose Schemes, then Agricultural Schemes, pick the wire fencing scheme and press Apply. You can also apply through a Public Service Centre or cyber café. Take a print-out of the confirmed application.
- 3
Wait for approval, then build the fence
Approvals are given in phases. Use wire that meets the thickness rule, and keep your bills.
- 4
Inspection and payment
Officials check the finished fence before paying. The subsidy comes to your bank account.
If something goes wrong
Missing from the list, or payment stuck — here is the channel the department itself publishes for it.
- Start with your District Agriculture Officer’s office. Carry your i-Khedut application number. The i-Khedut portal also has a contact page at ikhedut.gujarat.gov.in/Public/frm_Public_Contacts.aspx.
- If the problem is not solved, use SWAGAT, the Chief Minister’s grievance system at swagat.gujarat.gov.in. Complaints go through the District Collector’s office and are heard at the monthly state-level hearing.
Frequently asked questions
What changed in May 2026?
Two things. The help went up from ₹200 to ₹300 per running metre (or 50% of the actual cost, whichever is lower), and the minimum land in a group came down from 2 hectares to 1 hectare. The cabinet took the decision on 27 May 2026.
Is the portal open right now?
The 2026-27 window ran from 27 March to 26 April 2026. The minister said the portal can be reopened if needed, so watch i-Khedut. Do not assume it is open.
Can I get this help twice?
No. The department’s entry says once in a lifetime. And if you already took the Solar Fencing Scheme, you cannot claim this one.
I have less than 1 hectare. Can I still join?
Only if you and neighbouring farmers together reach 1 hectare in one block and apply as a group. The rule is for the land being fenced, not for each farmer’s total land.
What wire must I use?
Barbed wire at least 2.50 mm thick for both line wire and point wire, with a tolerance of 0.08 mm, as per the department’s guideline. Cheaper thin wire can fail the check and cost you the subsidy.
Do I get ₹300 for every metre regardless of cost?
No. You get ₹300 per metre or 50% of what you actually spent, whichever is lower. If your fence cost ₹400 a metre, you get ₹200 a metre, which is half.
Facts checked against agri.gujarat.gov.in on 26 September 2026. editorial policy.