Polyhouse and hydroponics subsidy in India: MIDH, NHB and state schemes explained

The short answer

In India, polyhouses, greenhouses and shade-net houses can receive capital subsidy under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH). Smaller projects are usually handled by your state horticulture department; larger commercial projects can go through the National Horticulture Board (NHB). The National Horticulture Board's published cost norms show assistance of 50% of the cost norm for protected-cover projects above 2,500 sq m, paid as a credit-linked, back-ended subsidy. Many states top this up.

Rates, ceilings and norms are revised over time, so always confirm the current figures with your District Horticulture Officer or the NHB regional office before you plan around them.

How is the subsidy calculated?

The government fixes a cost norm — a rupee figure per square metre — for each type of structure. Your subsidy is a percentage of that norm, not of what you actually spend. NHB's published cost norms, for example, list (per sq m):

Source: National Horticulture Board cost norms as published on nhb.gov.in. Norms are revised periodically and some states publish updated figures — check before applying.

Planting material and cultivation of high-value vegetables, flowers and other crops inside protected structures has separate norms, so a project can receive support for both the structure and the first crop.

What this means in practice: if your structure costs more per square metre than the norm — common for well-built fan-and-pad greenhouses — the subsidy will cover less than half of your real cost. Budget on the norm, not the headline percentage.

Which route applies to you: state mission or NHB?

• State horticulture mission (MIDH/NHM component): typically for individual farmers, with a per-beneficiary area cap (commonly up to 4,000 sq m). Applications usually go through the state horticulture portal.
• National Horticulture Board: for larger commercial projects. MIDH's operational guidelines state that NHB implements protected-cultivation projects with an area above 2,500 sq m. NHB assistance is credit-linked: you take a term loan, build, and the subsidy is released into the loan account after a joint inspection.

Do states give extra?

Yes, many do. Several states add a top-up over the central share, with higher rates for small and marginal farmers, SC/ST farmers and women. The amounts and eligibility rules change each financial year, so treat any figure you read online — including in vendor blogs — as a starting point and verify it with the department.

Is hydroponic equipment covered?

Usually only indirectly. Central norms focus on the protected structure and on planting material and cultivation of high-value crops. Hydroponic channels, dosing units and controllers are not a standard central line item. Some states and specific schemes support them; ask your state horticulture department.

What do you need to apply?

Requirements vary by state and route, but most applications ask for:

1. Land records (ownership or a registered long-term lease)
2. A detailed project report (DPR) with design, bill of quantities and economics
3. Bank sanction letter (for credit-linked NHB projects)
4. Quotations from builders whose structures meet the applicable BIS standards
5. Identity, bank and category documents

Common mistakes

• Building before approval. Many schemes require in-principle approval before construction starts.
• Choosing a structure the scheme does not recognise. Non-standard designs can fail inspection.
• Under-budgeting the gap. The subsidy arrives after completion; you need the full project finance first.

How Triton helps

We design and build greenhouses and polyhouses for Indian climate zones, and we can share the technical specifications, drawings and project details that a DPR and subsidy application typically need. Talk to us about your project, or read what drives hydroponic farm costs.