SMAM Scheme: Farmers Receive 50-80% Subsidy on Agricultural Machinery Purchase

Under the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) scheme, the Central Government is providing farmers with a subsidy of 50% to 80% on the purchase of agricultural machinery. These machines play a crucial role in timely sowing and enhancing productivity. This scheme will be implemented in all Indian states, with the Government of India funding 60% of the costs. The SMAM scheme has been promoting agricultural mechanization since 2014-15.

Objectives of the SMAM Scheme:

Performance Testing: Conduct performance tests for various agricultural machinery and equipment at four Farm Machinery Training and Testing Institutes (FMTTIs), designated State Agricultural Universities (SAUs), and ICAR institutions.
Mechanization Training: Promote training in agricultural mechanization for stakeholders.
Financial Assistance: Provide financial assistance to farmers for purchasing agricultural machinery and equipment.
Support for Small and Marginal Farmers: Offer financial aid to small and marginal farmers for renting machinery and equipment in less mechanized areas.

Benefits of the SMAM Scheme for Farmers:

1. Access to Machinery: Provide agricultural machinery to poor and economically weaker farmers.
2. Increased Mechanization Reach: Expand the reach of agricultural mechanization to small and marginal farmers and areas with low agricultural power availability.
3. Custom Hiring Centers: Promote 'Custom Hiring Centers' to reduce the high costs of ownership for small landholders.
4. High-Tech Equipment Centers: Develop centers for high-tech and high-value agricultural equipment.
5. Testing and Certification: Ensure performance testing and certification at specified testing centers.
6. Subsidy: Offer farmers a subsidy of 50% to 80% on the purchase of agricultural machinery under the SMAM scheme.
7. Priority to Women Farmers: Give priority to women farmers under this scheme.
8. Reduced Cost: Farmers can benefit from the subsidy to get agricultural machinery at lower prices.
9. Ease of Purchase: Facilitate easy purchase of agricultural equipment for farmers.
10. Increased Productivity: Help farmers complete farming tasks in less time using equipment, thereby increasing yield and income.

Eligibility:

1. All landholding farmer families, self-help groups, cooperative societies, farmer producer organizations, and entrepreneurs are eligible.
2. Each farmer must be a native of India.
3. Women farmers can also benefit from this scheme.
4. Economically weaker farmers are eligible.
5. Farmers who have not previously benefited from any other central subsidy scheme are eligible.

Required Documents:

1. Aadhaar Card
2. Passport-size photo of the farmer
3. Land records (RoR) while adding land details
4. Bank passbook with beneficiary details
5. Copy of any ID proof (Aadhaar Card / Driving License / Voter ID Card / PAN Card / Passport)
6. Caste certificate in case of SC/ST/OBC

Online Application Process: The SMAM scheme provides a subsidy of 50% to 80% for purchasing agricultural machinery. To benefit from this scheme, farmers need to visit the official SMAM website at [https://agrimachinery.nic.in/Index/Index](https://agrimachinery.nic.in/Index/Index). After opening the homepage, click on the "Registration" option. The registration form will appear, where farmers can fill in their details to apply.