The Horticulture Department, which operates under the Karnataka State Government, is providing a subsidy of Rs 1 lakh to farmers under the MIDH scheme to purchase weed mats and install them in their gardens for weed management.
What is a weed mat? What are the benefits to farmers from its use? This column provides complete details on how farmers can use weed mats in their gardens.
In addition, the method for farmers to apply to purchase weed mats under subsidy through the Karnataka Horticulture Department, the documents required for application, subsidy details and other necessary information has been shared below. If this information is useful, please share it in your WhatsApp groups and cooperate.
What Is Weed Mat? What are the benefits of using it for farmers?
Weed Mat or weed control mat is a special type of artificial material used in agriculture and horticulture. It is usually made of polypropylene or other synthetic fibers. It is also called geotextile fabric. The main purpose of a weed mat is to prevent the growth of weeds in agricultural land or gardens,
In addition, it helps to maintain soil moisture, provide a suitable environment for plants, and increase crop production. Weed mats are available in various sizes, thicknesses, and colors (usually black, green, or white). They are designed to allow air and water to penetrate, but block sunlight, which is essential for weed growth.
Weed Mat Benefits For Farmers:
There are several benefits to farmers from the use of weed mats, which are helpful in increasing agricultural productivity and simplifying agricultural tasks.
Weed Control: Weed mat prevents the growth of weeds. It prevents the weeds from getting sunlight, thus preventing them from growing. This can significantly reduce the effort required by farmers to remove weeds. It is environmentally friendly as it reduces the use of synthetic chemical herbicides.
Soil Moisture Conservation: Weed Mat prevents soil moisture from evaporating. This can reduce water usage, especially in drought-prone areas. It provides consistent moisture to the roots of plants, allowing the crop to grow healthily.
Soil Temperature Control: Weed Mat keeps the soil temperature stable, preventing the soil from overheating in summer and cooling in winter. This is helpful for plant growth.
Soil Erosion Prevention: Weed mats help prevent soil erosion due to rain or wind. This helps maintain soil fertility.
Pest and Disease Control: The absence of weeds reduces the chances of spreading pests and diseases, as some pests take shelter in weeds. Weed mats help maintain soil cleanliness.
Increased crop quality and yield: Since there is no competition from weeds, crops get more nutrients and water, which increases crop quality and yield.
Less labor and cost: Labor costs are reduced as there is no need to remove weeds by hand. The use of chemical herbicides is reduced, which reduces the cost of chemical fertilizers.
Long-term use: High-quality weed mats last for several years (3-5 years or more depending on the quality), so that once invested, you can get long-term benefits.
Weed Mat Subsidy-How much subsidy can you get to buy a weed mat?
Farmers are eligible to get subsidy under the MIDH scheme from the Horticulture Department for laying weed mats in their gardens, with a subsidy of Rs 50/- per square meter of weed mat, up to a maximum of Rs 1.0 lakh.
Weed Mat Eligibility-Criteria set by the department for applying:
- The land must be in the name of the beneficiary.
- If it is a joint account, a letter of consent from the other account holders must be obtained (must be certified by a Notary).
- Only if the land is in the name of the father or mother and they have died, a death certificate should be submitted – attested by the competent authority, village administrator. Obtain consent from other family members and apply in their own name.
- The official order mentions that if an account is in the name of a woman and the application is submitted in the name of another male member of the family, it should not be accepted for any reason. The application should be encouraged in the name of women.
Weed Mat Susbidy Application-How to submit the application:
Interested farmers can prepare the necessary documents, visit the Horticulture Department of their taluk directly, submit an application and avail the benefits of this scheme.
Required Documents-Required documents for submitting the application:
- Farmers’ Aadhar Card
- Photo-2/Photo
- Horticulture crop certificate/Crop certificate
- Pahani/Ootar/RTC of land
- Bank passbook copy/Bankpass
- Mobile number/Mobile
For more information, visit the official website of the Department of Horticulture – Click Here
