Modernizing Indian Farms: SMAM

The Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) was launched to boost farm power availability and promote the reach of agricultural mechanization to small and marginal farmers.

Key Objectives: - Increasing Reach: Extending the benefits of mechanization to regions where farm power availability is low. - Promoting CHCs: Establishing Custom Hiring Centers (CHCs) to offset the high cost of individual ownership. - Testing and Certification: Ensuring high-quality and efficient agricultural machinery through designated testing centers. - Awareness and Training: Educating farmers on the proper use and maintenance of modern farm equipment.

Benefits Provided: 1. Subsidies on Machinery: Financial assistance ranging from 40% to 50% for purchasing tractors, power tillers, harvesters, and other implements. 2. Support for CHCs: Subsidies for rural entrepreneurs to set up hiring centers for expensive machinery. 3. High-Tech Hubs: Support for setting up high-tech, high-productive equipment hubs. 4. Farm Machinery Banks: Establishment of farm machinery banks for localized use at the village level.

Eligibility: The scheme is open to all categories of farmers. However, priority is often given to small and marginal farmers, women farmers, and farmers from SC/ST categories.

How to Apply: Farmers can apply online through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) portal of the Department of Agriculture or visit their nearest District Agriculture Office for documentation and subsidy details.