Subhiksha Keralam
Subsidies of 50–100% on farm inputs, fallow-land revival and integrated farming — Kerala’s food-security mission launched during COVID-19.
Run by: Department of Agriculture Development & Farmers’ Welfare, Government of Kerala
- Fallow-land target
- 25,000 hectares
- Subsidy (General)
- 50% of input cost
- Subsidy (SC / ST)
- 75% / 100%
- Launched
- 18 May 2020
Overview
Subhiksha Keralam was launched on 18 May 2020 — Government Order S.U (M.S) 14/2020/A.S.V — as Kerala’s comprehensive response to the food-security threat posed by COVID-19. The state imports a large share of its rice, vegetables and pulses; the pandemic exposed how vulnerable that supply chain was. The programme set out to bring fallow land under cultivation, channel MGNREGA labour into farming, and provide subsidised inputs so that more food is grown inside the state.
The initial target was to convert 25,000 hectares of fallow land into productive farms. By the end of the first phase, 19,555 hectares had been brought under cultivation and 14,000 new coordinated agricultural units had been established, generating employment for over 10,000 people. The government announced a ₹3,000-crore package for the programme’s first year.
Subsidies vary by social category: 50% of input cost for general farmers, 75% for Scheduled Caste farmers and 100% for Scheduled Tribe farmers. The programme covers rice, vegetables, pulses, tubers and spices, and extends to allied activities — dairy, poultry, fish farming and kitchen gardens. Registration runs through the Agriculture Information Management System at aims.kerala.gov.in, where farmers, farmer groups and institutions can enrol and receive subsidies through direct bank transfer.
What you get
The benefit as the state notifies it — nothing here is an estimate.
- Subsidised seeds, fertilizers, farm implements and planting material — 50% for general farmers, 75% for SC and 100% for ST.
- Fallow land brought under cultivation with coordinated support — technical guidance, input supply and market linkage.
- Integrated farming models combining crops, dairy, poultry and fish farming to diversify income.
- MGNREGA labour reoriented towards farm operations, reducing the farmer’s wage bill.
- Crop insurance coverage expanded to protect newly cultivated fallow land.
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
- Resident farmer of Kerala
- Registered on the Subhiksha Keralam portal at aims.kerala.gov.in
- Individual farmer, farmer group (Padashekhara Samiti, Kudumbashree unit, etc.) or farming institution
- Willing to cultivate fallow or underutilised land, or expand existing cultivation
Documents you need
Have these ready before you start — most rejections are a missing paper, not a missing right.
- Aadhaar card
- Kerala domicile proof
- Ration card
- Bank account passbook
- Land records or lease agreement (for fallow-land cultivation)
How to apply
Fewer steps than a central scheme, and usually one office rather than a portal.
- 1
Register on the Subhiksha Keralam portal
Visit aims.kerala.gov.in, select "Subhiksha Keralam", choose Individual / Group / Institution and fill in your details including bank account.
- 2
Verification by Krishi Bhavan
The local Krishi Bhavan (Agriculture Office at the panchayat level) verifies your registration and the land details.
- 3
Input supply and subsidy disbursal
Approved farmers receive subsidised inputs and the subsidy amount is transferred to their bank account via DBT.
If something goes wrong
Missing from the list, or payment stuck — here is the channel the department itself publishes for it.
- For registration issues, subsidy delays or input-supply problems, contact the Krishi Bhavan (panchayat-level Agriculture Office). The Department of Agriculture Development & Farmers’ Welfare can be reached at keralaagriculture.gov.in or 0471-2304481.
- Beyond the department, use the Kerala CM’s Public Grievance Redressal Cell — cmo.kerala.gov.in or toll-free 1076.
Frequently asked questions
Who can register — only individual farmers?
No. Individual farmers, farmer groups (Padashekhara Samitis, Kudumbashree units), and farming institutions can all register. The portal lets you pick your category at sign-up.
Is the subsidy the same for everyone?
No. General-category farmers get 50% of input cost, SC farmers 75%, and ST farmers 100%. The subsidy is transferred directly to the bank account.
Do I need to own the land?
Not necessarily. If you are cultivating fallow land on lease, you can register with a lease agreement. The scheme aims to bring unused land into production, so tenants are welcome.
What crops does the scheme cover?
Rice, vegetables, pulses, tubers and spices. It also extends to allied activities like dairy, poultry and fish farming.
Is this scheme only about fallow land?
Fallow-land revival is a centrepiece, but the programme also supports farmers who want to expand their existing cultivation or adopt integrated farming models.
How do I register?
Go to aims.kerala.gov.in, select Subhiksha Keralam, choose Individual / Group / Institution, fill in your details and bank information, and submit. The Krishi Bhavan verifies your application.
Facts checked against aims.kerala.gov.in on 26 September 2026. editorial policy.