Agricultural subsidies are necessary, as the Indian economy is largely dependent on the farming sector. Similarly, a significant chunk of farmers investment is dedicated to the pieces of machinery. As technology and machines ease the cultivation process by replacing the tedious traditional man-work with the quick and efficient machine- work. Accordingly, this could be in the form of direct subsidy (direct cash to farmer) or as indirect subsidy (agricultural income is tax-free). However, the direct subsidies are preferred as they provide direct purchasing capacity.
General Subsidies
The government of India, as well as the state governments, initiate several schemes that assist to diminish the plight of the farmers. Thus, it focuses on every segment of the agricultural scheme. Such as, each subdivision from raw material procurement to the transport and marketing of the produce, subsidies are available. Further, Haryana, the highest agricultural producer in the country is adopting modernized machinery to encourage agricultural advancements. Thus, few schemes like RKVY, crop diversification, State plan, NFSM, are ISOPOM aiding the cause.
Focusing on Machinery Subsidies
Recently, the government provided an 80% subsidy on machinery and equipment for farmers to maintain the stubble. Thus, the subsidy would help to buy paddy straw chopper, happy seedier, straw management system and so on that would otherwise cost a fortune. Besides, the government provides subsidies through state plans for purchasing mulcher, cutter, and spreader, rotavator plough, etc. Similarly, few subsidy schemes that are in favor of farmers owning the necessary machinery are herewith mentioned:
1. Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY)
In this scheme, the government offers a 100% subsidy depending on the ongoing project. Further, aims to assist the advancement of the farming sector. Additionally, this is a state plan scheme, that is the state official committee grant the subsidy are verifying the farmer’s proposal. Moreover, the governments initiated this as a part of the National Agriculture Development Programme. Despite other segments, it focuses on, it significantly works on Agriculture Mechanization. Extra information is available the schemes official portal.
2. National Food Security Mission (NFSM)
This scheme is for improving the machinery rather than their purchasing. Further, this scheme aids in maintaining machines such as tractor, tillers, and so on in good condition. Therefore, increasing the productivity on the farm. Even though, it’s main aim was to increase productivity, it assists several clusters to attain the aim. Accordingly, one such cluster that was immensely benefited from the scheme was machines that aid the cultivator. Furthermore details regarding this scheme are available at the official portal.
3. Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM)
SMAM strives to assist the small and marginal farmers by creating hubs that aid in the purchase of equipment. Further, this is initiative is in every state of the country. Moreover, this was a response to the extreme air pollution seen during stubble burning. Thus, mechanization adaptation was feasible to reduce the pollution in Haryana, Delhi, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh. Furthermore, the scheme promotes Farm Machinery Training and Testing Institutes (FMTTIs), financial assistance, and encourage farm machinery. Similarly, abundant information regarding Agriculture Mechanization is available by clicking here hosted by the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare.
4. NABARD loans in India
This scheme offers every farmer the opportunity to purchase necessary machines, importantly tractors. However, they expect a down payment of 15% of the tractors or machinery cost. Nonetheless, NABRAD provides 30% of the cost as a subsidy for tractor and 100% for other transport machinery.
Common Objectives of Subsidiary Schemes Promoting Machineries
- To adapt newer and faster machines
- Further, to facilitate machine purchasing
- Helping to decrease the cost of cultivation
- Additionally, to ensure the timeliness of cultivation timing
- Most importantly, to improve the livelihood of the farmers
5. Subsidies for Specific Machines in India
To ease the work of a cultivator, the farming machines are significant. However, the cost of the machines is fairly high and thus are unaffordable. Hence, the government must implement certain ingenuity that would encourage farmer’s participation. Also, aid them financially to buy the necessary equipment and machines. For instance, Jharkhand Land Conservation Department offers a 90% subsidy to women establishments for purchasing machines. Likewise, many machines have subsidies, namely
- Tractor
- Rotavator
- Laser Land Leveller
- Post Hole Digger
- Straw Baler
- Hey Taker
- Rotary Slasher
- Neumatic Planter
- Paddy Trans-planter
- DSR machine
6. List of Certain Subsidies in the Respective States
Tractors, a chief machine that serves well in the agricultural sector. Further, its absolute necessity as well their ability to ease the work of farmers is commendable. Hence, many states in India offer subsidiaries for the tractor. Besides, the above- mentioned machines help the cultivator achieve increased production. Accordingly, few of them are mentioned here-on:
Yantra Laxmi Scheme:
Available in Telangana offers a 50% subsidiary for buying a tractor. Further, being under Farm Mechanization Scheme, it aids the purchasing of other farm apparatuses. Additionally, provide a 100% subsidiary to SC/ST. Besides, a loan is also available from SBI if the applicant is an eligible bachelor with insurance and collateral security. Also, the agricultural loan can be short term or long term with 12% interest per annum. Nevertheless, this subsidy holds good for purchasing rotators, Mini Tractors, Power Weeders, and Trans-planters.
Subsidies in Karnataka
Karnataka state government has three visions regarding the farming sector. That is, one to maintain the timeliness, second to increase productivity, and finally to reduce human labor. Thus, the farmer can easily achieve the goal by inculcating the mechanization of farming. Addressing the vision as well as the solution, it is speculated that, the government plans on providing all the necessary machines on a rental basis. Also, this would be under the scheme, “Uber for Agricultural Services” with an initial investment of Rs 87.5 crore to set up the idea. Further, the center in association with automobile makers (VST Tillers, John Deere, Mahindra) helps the farmers on a rental basis. Besides, loans are also available at the same interest rate as Agricultural term loans with up to 9 years repayment time
Subsidies in Tamil Nadu
The administration in Tamil Nadu is offering assistance under the Agricultural Mechanization Program. Accordingly, aids in purchasing a variety of machines namely Power tiller, Paddy Trans-planter, Rotavator, seed Drill, Zero till Seed, Fertilizer Drill, Bund Former, and Power sprayer. Besides, it also assists to buy machines that are operated by tractor- Straw Baler, Power Weeder, and Brushcutter.
Nonetheless, it provides 40% and 50% subsidy to general and SC/ST farmers respectively. Additionally, the farmer is given the option to select the machinery of their choice. Accordingly, the government allots Rs 30.75 lakhs for supporting the initiative.
Subsidies in Kerala
Despite, several schemes the Kerala government has taken a step forward by the addition of a software- Farm Mechanization System (FMS) to ensure transparency in distribution. Further, for tractors, they provide a 25% subsidy. However, in other cases like for tiller, rotavator, and other few machines only loans are available. Also, the repayment is within 5-10 years excluding the gestation period.
Subsidies in Andhra Pradesh
The distribution of tractors was under the scheme, Rythu Radham. However, it is necessary to be eligible that is must own at least one acre of land, should not own a tractor, and must have all supporting documents. Also, loans are available from ICICI bank with repayment deadline of 5 years.
Subsidies in Maharashtra
Under the Farm Mechanization Scheme, the center encourages to inculcate the use of modern machinery and techniques. Accordingly, in the case of small, marginal, and SC/St farmer, it provides a 35% subsidy for tractor and 50% for other machines. Contrarily, general categories get only 25% for tractor and 40% for other machines. Further, it assists in the purchase of a tractor, power tiller, harvesters, Threshers, vehicles, and other agricultural implants. Additionally, facility Term loans are offered with repayment of 5-9 years. Also, no margin for loans under Rs 1 lakh.
Subsidies in Madhya Pradesh
The MP government offers a subsidy for small tractors through the Macro- Management Scheme. Subsequently, this scheme is in association with the state and the union government. Accordingly, all farmers are eligible to benefit from the scheme. Also, this scheme is successful as the availability of tractor is low in Madhya Pradesh. Moreover, loans are also available to further help the cultivators.
Subsidies in Uttar Pradesh
The scheme for buying tractor in UP is the Krishi Yantra. Consequently, it provides 25% of cost aid or Rs 45,000, whichever is less. Besides, tractors loans are provided by Prathama Bank in association with Mahindra, Swaraj, and Sonalika.
Subsidies in Rajasthan and Haryana
Both states work under the Farm Mechanization scheme. Also, provide loans via Sarva Haryana Bank (Haryana) and AU bank (Rajasthan). Despite, encourage the use of modern techniques to increase production. Subsequently, the terms in this scheme follow the rest discussed above. For further information on applying for subsidy click here
Subsidies in Assam
Chief Minister Samafre Gramya Unnayan Yojana (CMSGUY) is responsible for tractor subsidy in Assam. Thus, CMSGUY offers a 70% subsidy up to Rs 5.5 lakhs. However, it necessary for the cultivator to be eligible. Accordingly, the eligible farmer must own 2 acres of land. Nevertheless, a group (8-10) of farmers could also avail the benefits of the scheme. Following approval, 70% is offered as a subsidy, 20% in the form of a loan, and 10% would be the farmer’s share. That apart, SBI also provide loan to assist in the purchase of other machines.
Subsidies in Odisha
Here in this state, the capital investment and farm Mechanisation schemes are prominent. Additionally, provides a 50% subsidy for tillers and 40% for tractors. Besides, Odisha Gramya bank offers a hassle-free loan to buy any agro- vehicle that aids cultivators. Consequently, offers 85% of the cost and other machines with a margin of just 15% of the total cost.
Subsidies in Gujarat
Similarly, government tractor Subsidy is available in Gujarat, with over 25% subsidy for the general category and 35% for special categories. Besides, training and workshops are conducted to spread awareness about the importance of machines in agriculture. Also, loans from Dena Gujrat Gramin Bank is easily attainable.
In addition to the above, Punjab uses the Kisan Dost Finance scheme along with loans from Punjab National Bank. Similarly, West Bengal offers an HDFC loan and tractor plus protection scheme. Also, in accordance with the rest, Himachal Pradesh and Meghalaya follow the farm mechanization scheme and SMAM scheme. Likewise, Arunachal-Pradesh provides loans from ICICI bank.
Information and Documents Necessary to Avail the Benefits of the Schemes
- Aadhar card
- Voter card
- Copy from the bank (statement)
- Account details
- PAN card
- Contact information
- Name and date of birth
- Application letter
- Payment receipt
In conclusion, efforts are at the full swing from the government to ease the life of farmers. Consequently, ranging from the raw material procurement to the complex marketing and infrastructure, the center assists all along the way. Additionally, all the schemes are easy to avail thereby making their life simpler. As an result, the bigger picture would be the improvement of the Indian economy.