Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) Background: Since the scheme's inception, 21.61 lakh agricultural machines worth ₹9,404 crore have been provided to individual farmers across India. About the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Year of Launch: 2014–15 Scheme Type: Centrally sponsored scheme implemented under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY). Objectives To increase the use of agricultural machinery to enhance agricultural productivity. To reduce the strenuous physical labor of farmers and lower cultivation costs. To make modern agricultural machinery accessible to small and marginal farmers, women farmers, SC/ST farmers, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and rural entrepreneurs. Key Features Financial Assistance Subsidies are provided to farmers through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode. General category farmers: 40% subsidy. SC/ST farmers, small and marginal farmers, and beneficiaries from the North-Eastern region: 50% subsidy. Support for Mechanized Services Small and marginal farmers are provided ₹2,000 per hectare to utilize mechanized farming services. This includes services provided through Custom Hiring Centers (CHCs), FPOs, SHGs, and drone-based agriculture. Machinery Centers Financial assistance is provided for setting up: Custom Hiring Centers (CHCs) Farm Machinery Banks Hi-tech Equipment Centers These centers enable farmers to access modern agricultural machinery at affordable rates. Training and Demonstrations Farmers are provided training on the proper use of agricultural machinery. The scheme also supports: Machinery testing Field demonstrations Post-harvest mechanization Crop residue management Special Support for the North-Eastern Region Subsidies of up to 100% are provided for small agricultural machinery. Financial assistance of 95% is provided for setting up Custom Hiring Centres (Agricultural Machinery Banks). Support for Women Farmers To encourage the participation of women farmers in mechanized agriculture, 30% of the scheme's funds are earmarked for them. Promoting the Use of Kisan Drones Promotes the use of Kisan drones in agriculture. Up to…
