Here is the whole scheme in one place: what you get, who qualifies, how to apply, and what to check.
| Scheme | Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation (SMAM), farm machinery subsidy |
|---|---|
| Ministry | Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture, Govt of India |
| Benefit | Subsidy on purchase of farm machines like tractors, implements, drones and harvesters |
| Who can apply | Farmers, farmer groups and custom hiring centres, as notified by the state |
| How it is paid | Subsidy through the state agriculture department, usually to the farmer's bank account |
| Apply at | State agriculture department portal, such as agriculture.up.gov.in in Uttar Pradesh |
| Cost to apply | Free |
Key points
- The subsidy is on farm machines, not on land or seeds.
- Applications open in windows set by each state, so check dates.
- Apply only through official state portals or the agriculture office.
- Keep your land papers and bank details ready before you apply.
So what exactly does a farmer get?
The scheme gives a subsidy on the purchase of farm machines.
Covered machines include tractors, implements, harvesters, plant protection equipment and farmer drones.
Custom Hiring Centres and Farm Machinery Banks can also get support for shared machines.
The exact subsidy percentage and amount differ by machine and state, so check the notice in your state.
Amounts can change, so confirm the current figure on the official site before you buy.
Who can apply, and who cannot?
In general, a farmer who owns or cultivates land can apply.
Each state sets its own list of eligible machines and any caste or category priority.
Some states give priority to small and marginal farmers, women farmers and SC, ST farmers.
Because rules differ by state, always read the notice on your state agriculture portal.
A short background: what is this scheme for?
Farm mechanisation helps raise farm productivity and reduces hard manual labour.
The Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation is run by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
It promotes modern machines so that farmers get timely and cheaper farm power.
What documents should you keep ready?
Keep your Aadhaar card and a mobile number linked to it.
Keep your land records, such as khatauni or the record of rights.
Keep your bank account passbook or cancelled cheque with the account number.
Some states also ask for a caste certificate if priority applies.
How do you apply online, step by step?
Go to your state agriculture portal. In Uttar Pradesh, the link is agriculture.up.gov.in.
Look for the machinery booking option, such as Yantra Booking under Kisan Corner.
Choose your district, the machine and the dealer or manufacturer.
Fill in your details, upload the documents and submit. Note the application number.
- 1Visit state agriculture portalGo to your state agriculture portal, for example agriculture.up.gov.in in Uttar Pradesh.
- 2Open machinery bookingLook for the machinery booking option, such as Yantra Booking under Kisan Corner.
- 3Choose district, machine and dealerSelect your district, the machine and the dealer or manufacturer.
- 4Fill details and upload documentsFill in your details and upload the documents the portal asks for.
- 5Submit and note application numberSubmit the form and note the application number for checking status later.
Graphic: News Anek, from the facts in this report
Can you apply offline as well?
Yes, many farmers apply at the district or block agriculture office.
You can also visit a Common Service Centre if your state allows it.
Ask the office for the current list of machines and the application window.
How do you check status, and what if the subsidy is stuck?
Check your application status on the same state portal using the application number.
If your subsidy is delayed, first contact the district agriculture office.
You can also write to the helpdesk at support-agrimech@gov.in for queries about the scheme.
What should you watch out for?
Never pay an agent or a middleman to get your application approved.
Buy machines only from registered dealers listed in the scheme.
Beware of anyone who promises guaranteed subsidy without documents.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a fixed subsidy amount for every farmer?
No. The subsidy depends on the machine, the state and the category of the farmer. Check the current notice on your state portal.
Can a group of farmers apply together?
Yes, through Custom Hiring Centres or Farm Machinery Banks, which can be set up by farmer groups. Each state has its own rules for these.
Are drones covered under this scheme?
Some states have included farmer drones in their list of eligible machines. Check your state notice for the current list.
Is there a last date to apply?
Yes, each state opens applications for a fixed window, such as in October. Check your state portal for the exact dates.
Is there any fee to apply?
No, applying through official portals or offices is free. Do not pay any agent for the application.
Official links
This guide is based on official scheme rules. Rules and amounts can change, so always confirm on the official website before you apply. News Anek is not a government website.