Sub-mission On Agriculture Mechanization in India, Know More About It

Sub-mission On Agriculture Mechanization

Sub-mission On Agriculture Mechanization Scheme: Agricultural mechanization plays a pivotal role in enhancing productivity by ensuring timely and precise fieldwork. Recognizing its significance, the Indian government has introduced the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) scheme to promote the use of farm machinery across all states of the country.

Overview table of Sub-mission On Agriculture Mechanization Scheme

Aspect	Details
Name	Sub-Mission On Agriculture Mechanization (SMAM)
Objective	Increase the ratio of farm power to cultivable unit area up to 2.5 kW/ha
Scheme Components	Centrally sponsored and central sector scheme components
Funding Ratio	Government of India funds 60%, states contribute 40% (90:10 for north-eastern and Himalayan states; 100% in Union Territories)
Mission Strategy	– Performance Testing – Training and Demonstration – Financial Assistance – Custom Hiring Centers – Support for Small Farmers
Mission Components	– Promotion and Strengthening of Agricultural Mechanization – Post-Harvest Technology and Management – Financial Assistance – Establishment of Farm Machinery Banks – Hi-Tech Equipment Hubs – Promotion in Selected Villages – Support for Mechanized Operations – Focus on North-Eastern Region
Benefits	– Subsidies for purchasing agricultural machinery (50-80%) – Extension of farm mechanization to economically weak farmers – Promotion of Custom Hiring Centers – Awareness generation – Performance testing and certification
Apply Online Process	– Online Registration – Fill Out Registration Form – Document Submission – Verification Process – Approval and Disbursement
Eligibility Criteria	– Farmers’ Families – Self Help Groups (SHGs) and Cooperative Societies – Entrepreneurs – Indian Nationals – Priority for Women Farmers
Important Considerations	– Accuracy of Information – Responsibility of Applicants – Selection of Correct Details
Conclusion	The SMAM scheme aims to enhance agricultural productivity through mechanization, providing financial assistance, promoting awareness, and establishing support infrastructure.

Details of Sub-mission On Agriculture Mechanization

Under the SMAM scheme, the objective is to increase the ratio of farm power to cultivable unit area up to 2.5 kW/ha. This initiative comprises centrally sponsored and central sector scheme components. In the centrally sponsored scheme, the Government of India funds 60% of the cost, while states contribute 40%, except for north-eastern and Himalayan states where the ratio is 90:10. Additionally, in Union Territories, the central share is 100%.

Mission Strategy

To accomplish its objectives, the SMAM scheme adopts various strategies:

1. Performance Testing: Conducting performance testing for farm machinery and equipment at designated institutes and universities.
2. Training and Demonstration: Promoting farm mechanization through on-field and off-field training and demonstrations.
3. Financial Assistance: Providing financial aid to farmers for the procurement of machinery and implements.
4. Custom Hiring Centers: Establishing custom hiring centers for location and crop-specific machinery.
5. Support for Small Farmers: Offering financial assistance to small and marginal farmers for hiring machinery in low-mechanized regions.

Mission Components

The SMAM scheme encompasses several key components:

1. Promotion and Strengthening of Agricultural Mechanization: This includes training, testing, and demonstrations.
2. Post-Harvest Technology and Management: Demonstration, training, and distribution of post-harvest technology.
3. Financial Assistance: Providing aid for the procurement of agricultural machinery.
4. Establishment of Farm Machinery Banks: Setting up banks for custom hiring.
5. Hi-Tech Equipment Hubs: Establishing hubs for high-productivity equipment.
6. Promotion in Selected Villages: Promoting farm mechanization in specific villages.
7. Support for Mechanized Operations: Providing financial assistance for mechanized operations through hiring centers.
8. Focus on North-Eastern Region: Promoting machinery and equipment in the North-Eastern region.

Benefits

The SMAM scheme aims to achieve several objectives:

1. Providing agricultural machinery to economically weak farmers through government subsidies.
2. Extending farm mechanization to small and marginal farmers and low-power availability regions.
3. Promoting Custom Hiring Centers to alleviate the challenges of small landholding and high equipment costs.
4. Generating awareness among stakeholders through demonstrations and capacity-building activities.
5. Ensuring performance testing and certification at designated centers.

Under this scheme, farmers can avail subsidies ranging from 50 to 80% for purchasing agricultural machinery, with priority given to women farmers. This facilitates easier access to agricultural equipment, leading to increased efficiency and higher yields, ultimately boosting farmers’ income.

Sub-mission On Agriculture Mechanization Apply Online

The application process for the SMAM scheme is streamlined and accessible, aiming to facilitate easy participation for eligible beneficiaries. Here’s a step-by-step guide to the application process:

1. Online Registration: Applicants are required to visit the official portal of the SMAM scheme, accessible through the designated website.
2. Registration Form: Upon accessing the website, applicants need to select the appropriate option for registration. This may include options such as “New Registration” or “Apply Now.”
3. Fill Out the Form: Once the registration option is selected, applicants are prompted to fill out the registration form with the required information. This includes personal details, contact information, and relevant agricultural details such as landholding size and type of farming activities.
4. Document Submission: Along with the registration form, applicants must submit necessary documents to support their application. These documents typically include:
   • Aadhar Card: To verify the identity of the applicant.
   • Passport Size Photo: Required for official records and identification.
   • Land Records: Proof of land ownership or leasehold rights, such as Record of Rights (RoR), to establish eligibility for assistance.
   • Bank Details: Copy of the first page of the bank passbook or statement, providing information about the applicant’s bank account for financial transactions.
   • Identity Proof: Copy of any government-issued identity proof such as Aadhar Card, Driving License, Voter ID Card, PAN Card, or Passport.
   • Caste Category Certificate: In case of applicants belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), or Other Backward Classes (OBC), a copy of the caste category certificate may be required for verification purposes.
5. Verification Process: After submission, the application undergoes a verification process to authenticate the provided information and documents. This may involve physical verification of the applicant’s details, landholding, and other relevant information.
6. Approval and Disbursement: Upon successful verification, eligible applicants receive approval for assistance under the SMAM scheme. The financial aid or support is then disbursed to the beneficiaries through the designated channels.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Farmers’ Families: All landholding farmers’ families are eligible to apply for assistance under the SMAM scheme. This includes small, marginal, and large farmers who own or lease agricultural land.
2. Self Help Groups (SHGs) and Cooperative Societies: SHGs and cooperative societies engaged in agricultural activities are eligible for support under the scheme. This provision enables collective participation and benefits for groups of farmers.
3. Entrepreneurs: Individuals or groups engaged in agricultural entrepreneurship can also avail themselves of assistance under SMAM, fostering innovation and enterprise in the agricultural sector.
4. Indian Nationals: Applicants must be Indian nationals to qualify for assistance under the scheme, ensuring that the benefits are directed towards citizens of the country.
5. Priority for Women Farmers: Women farmers are given priority in the scheme, recognizing their significant contribution to agriculture and promoting gender inclusivity in agricultural mechanization efforts.

Important Considerations

• Accuracy of Information: It is crucial for applicants to provide accurate and up-to-date information during the registration and application process. Any discrepancies or inaccuracies may lead to delays or rejection of the application.
• Responsibility of Applicants: Applicants are responsible for ensuring the correctness of the details provided and adherence to the guidelines of the scheme. Filing false information or misrepresentation may lead to the denial of benefits.
• Selection of Correct Details: During the registration process, applicants must select the correct district, sub-district, block, and village from the dropdown lists. The name of the farmer should match the details on the Aadhar card, and other demographic information should be furnished accurately.

Conclusion

The SMAM scheme is a crucial initiative by the Indian government to enhance agricultural productivity through mechanization. By providing financial assistance, promoting awareness, and establishing support infrastructure, the scheme aims to empower farmers and transform the agricultural landscape of the country. Through effective implementation and continued support, the SMAM scheme holds the potential to drive sustainable growth and prosperity in the agricultural sector.

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