Gujarat's Mandap Scheme boosts vegetable farming, strengthens tribal livelihoods in Valsad
Valsad, June 29
Gujarat's Mandap Scheme is significantly transforming vegetable cultivation in the tribal belt of Valsad district by promoting modern trellis-based farming, improving productivity, enhancing crop quality and ensuring year-round income for farmers.
Under the initiative, around 20,000 farmers in Dharampur Taluka and adjoining areas are engaged in the cultivation of vine vegetables such as bitter gourd, bottle gourd, ivy gourd (tindora) and parwal using the Mandap system. The structure supports vertical growth of crops, enabling better crop management, reduced wastage and higher yields.
Farmers in the region said government assistance under the scheme has played a crucial role in encouraging them to adopt the modern technique.
"We receive a subsidy from the Horticulture Department. Farmers get around Rs 39,000 to Rs 40,000 per hectare, while larger farms receive assistance of up to about Rs 1.2 lakh. This support has provided significant relief and encouraged more farmers to take up the scheme," said farmer Vijaybhai Dalvi.
Another farmer, Gopalbhai Kunwar, who cultivates tindora and parwal using the Mandap system, said the initiative has improved his livelihood.
"Setting up the Mandap costs around Rs 50,000 to Rs 60,000. After meeting expenses, I earn an annual income of around Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 2 lakh, which helps support my family. We also receive assistance from the Gujarat government's Horticulture Department," he said.
Officials said the improved quality of vegetables under the Mandap system has expanded market access for farmers, with traders now directly purchasing produce from farms and supplying it to wholesale markets in Mumbai. The system has also extended the crop cycle, allowing farmers to harvest for a longer period and ensuring a more stable income throughout the year.
Farmer Yashwantbhai Walgad, who has been practising Mandap farming for the past five years, said the initiative has strengthened his household income.
"The income from this farming helps run my household. Along with vegetable cultivation, I also rear dairy animals. The government provides support for setting up the Mandap," he said.
Officials further noted that the scheme has generated rural employment, encouraged the adoption of modern horticulture practices among tribal farmers and strengthened the rural economy by making vegetable cultivation more profitable and sustainable in the region.
— ANI
Reader Comments
This is wonderful but I wish the article mentioned more about women farmers. In tribal communities, women often do most of the vegetable cultivation. Are they getting any targeted training or financial support under this scheme? Would be great to see some gender disaggregated data.
Great to see tribal farmers earning ₹1.5-2 lakh annually from this! But ₹50,000 setup cost is still quite high for marginal farmers. The government should consider providing 100% subsidy for first-time adopters in Scheduled Tribe areas. Also, need proper training centers on crop management and market linkage.
As someone from Valsad, I can confirm this scheme has been a game changer! My uncle uses Mandap for tindora and his produce is directly bought by Mumbai traders. No middlemen exploitation now. But government should also focus on organic certification to get better prices in export markets. 🌿
Good initiative but needs more transparency. The article says farmers get ₹39,000-40,000 per hectare but actual costs are much higher. I would like to see audited reports on how many farmers actually received the subsidy and the disbursement timeline. Also, drought-proofing measures are needed as climate change affects rainfall patterns.
This is exactly the kind of development we need - using modern techniques while preserving traditional livelihoods. The vertical farming approach is space efficient too. Would love to see similar schemes for fruits like papaya or guava in tribal areas. Also, dairy integration mentioned by one farmer is smart - diversified income is key! 🐄
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