Details about Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM)
The Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) is a government initiative aimed at improving farm productivity and efficiency through the use of modern agricultural machinery. By promoting mechanization, the scheme seeks to increase the farm power per hectare to 2.5 kW, ensuring timely and precise farming operations. This scheme is implemented across all Indian states.
Key Funding Details
- General States: The central government funds 60%, and state governments contribute 40%.
- North-Eastern & Himalayan States: The central government funds 90%, while the states contribute 10%.
- Union Territories (UTs): 100% funding is provided by the central government.
Mission Strategy
To promote farm mechanization, SMAM follows these strategies:
- Performance Testing: Agricultural machinery is tested at Farm Machinery Training and Testing Institutes (FMTTIs), State Agricultural Universities (SAUs), and ICAR institutions.
- Training & Demonstrations: On-field and off-field training programs are conducted to educate farmers about advanced farming equipment.
- Financial Support: Farmers receive subsidies to purchase farm machinery and implements.
- Custom Hiring Centres: Centres offering machinery on hire are set up for specific locations and crops.
- Support for Small Farmers: Special assistance is provided to small and marginal farmers in areas with low mechanization levels.
Mission Components
- Training & Testing: Enhancing skills through training, testing, and demonstrations of agricultural machinery.
- Post-Harvest Management: Promoting post-harvest technology with demonstrations, training, and equipment distribution.
- Subsidies for Machinery: Financial assistance for buying agricultural equipment.
- Farm Machinery Banks: Setting up machinery banks for custom hiring services.
- Hi-Tech Equipment Hubs: Establishing hubs with advanced, high-productivity machinery.
- Village Mechanization: Promoting mechanization in selected villages.
- Custom Hiring Assistance: Financial aid for mechanized operations through custom hiring centres.
- Support in North-Eastern Regions: Special promotion of farm machinery in the North-East.
Farmers and stakeholders can leverage SMAM to boost agricultural output while reducing labor-intensive practices. For more details, visit the official government website or your local agriculture office.
Benefits of Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM)
The Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) is designed to empower farmers by making modern farming equipment more accessible and affordable. Here are the key benefits:
- Affordable Machinery for Farmers
- Farmers, especially those with small or marginal landholdings, can receive subsidies ranging from 50% to 80% for purchasing agricultural machinery.
- Women farmers are given special priority under this scheme.
- Support for Small & Marginal Farmers
- The scheme extends farm mechanization to regions with low farm power availability, ensuring equal opportunities for all farmers.
- Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs) help farmers rent equipment, reducing the financial burden of ownership.
- Increased Efficiency
- With access to modern machinery, farmers can complete farming tasks faster and more efficiently.
- Reduced dependency on manual labor helps in meeting seasonal farming deadlines.
- Enhanced Crop Yield and Income
- By using advanced equipment, farmers can achieve higher productivity at lower costs.
- Improved efficiency leads to better crop yields, directly boosting farmers’ income.
- Skill Development & Awareness
- Farmers gain knowledge through demonstrations and capacity-building activities, helping them adopt new technologies effectively.
- Hi-Tech Equipment Hubs
- Special hubs provide access to high-tech and high-value farm equipment, enabling precision farming practices.
- Testing & Certification
- Machinery undergoes performance testing at designated centers, ensuring reliable and high-quality equipment for farmers.
Why Choose SMAM?
Through SMAM, farmers can easily access modern agricultural tools, reduce operational costs, and improve productivity. By bridging the gap in mechanization, the scheme aims to transform farming into a more efficient and profitable occupation.
For detailed information and application procedures, visit the nearest agriculture department or the official government website.
What is the eligibility criteria for Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM)?
Farmers and groups can benefit from the SMAM scheme if they meet the following criteria:
- Eligible Beneficiaries
- All landholding farmer families.
- Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
- User Groups.
- Cooperative Societies.
- Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs).
- Entrepreneurs involved in agricultural activities.
- Indian Citizenship
- The applicant must be a native of India to qualify for the scheme.
- Special Priority for Women Farmers
- Women farmers are prioritized under the scheme to promote their participation in agricultural mechanization.
- Financially Weaker Farmers
- The scheme is designed to support farmers who are economically weak and unable to afford high-cost farming equipment.
- First-Time Beneficiaries
- Farmers who have not previously availed of subsidies under any other central government scheme are eligible for SMAM benefits.
Why This Eligibility Matters
These criteria ensure that the SMAM scheme reaches those who need it most, promoting equitable access to modern agricultural tools and empowering farmers across the country.
For more details on eligibility and how to apply, visit your local agricultural office or the official government website.
How to apply for Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM)?
Applying for the SMAM scheme is simple and can be done online. Follow these steps to get started:
- Visit the Official Portal
- Go to the official SMAM website: agrimachinery.nic.in.
- Choose Registration Option
- On the homepage, click on the “Registration” dropdown menu.
- Select the appropriate option based on your category (e.g., farmer, cooperative society, or entrepreneur).
- Complete the Registration Form
- Fill out the registration form with all the required details, including personal and farm-related information.
- Double-check the information provided and submit your application.
Once registered, you can explore the benefits of the scheme, check your eligibility, and apply for subsidies on agricultural machinery.
For more assistance, visit your nearest agriculture office or refer to the official portal.
What are the documents required to apply for Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM)?
Farmers need to submit the following documents to apply for the SMAM scheme:
- Aadhar Card
- For verifying the identity of the beneficiary.
- Passport-Sized Photograph
- A recent photograph of the farmer.
- Land Records (RoR)
- Record of Right (RoR) of land, required during land detail submission.
- Bank Passbook
- A copy of the first page of the bank passbook showing the beneficiary’s account details.
- ID Proof
- A copy of any government-issued ID, such as:
- Aadhar Card
- Driving License
- Voter ID
- PAN Card
- Passport
- A copy of any government-issued ID, such as:
- Caste Certificate (if applicable)
- Required for farmers belonging to SC/ST/OBC categories.
Important Notes
- Accuracy of Information: Ensure all details match your Aadhar card and other documents. Incorrect or false information may result in rejection of the application.
- District and Farmer Details: While registering on the DBT portal, select the correct District, Sub-District, Block, and Village from the dropdown menu.
- Farmer Classification: Provide accurate information about farmer category (SC/ST/General), type (Small/Marginal/Large), and gender (Male/Female).
Providing correct and complete details is essential to avoid disqualification during physical verification. For detailed guidance, visit the official portal or contact your local agriculture office.
