The Centre’s Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) has provided financial assistance of ₹9,404.47 crore since its launch in 2014-15, supporting the distribution of 21.61 lakh agricultural machines to individual farmers across the country to improve productivity and promote modern farming practices.
Implemented as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), the mission aims to enhance access to farm mechanisation for small and marginal farmers, women, Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and rural entrepreneurs. Special emphasis has also been placed on North-Eastern and other underserved regions.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, the scheme has facilitated the establishment of 27,554 Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs), 25,608 Farm Machinery Banks and 646 Hi-Tech Hubs, enabling farmers to access modern agricultural equipment at affordable rates without the need for high capital investment.
The Ministry said the number of beneficiaries receiving assistance for individual ownership of farm machinery increased from 2.07 lakh in 2020-21 to 2.32 lakh in 2024-25, reflecting the growing reach of the scheme.
SMAM provides financial assistance through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism, covering 40 per cent of the cost of agricultural machinery for general category farmers and 50 per cent for small and marginal farmers, SC/ST beneficiaries and farmers in North-Eastern states. The scheme also supports mechanised services through CHCs, SHGs and FPOs.
To improve access to farm equipment, the scheme offers financial support for the establishment of Custom Hiring Centres and Farm Machinery Banks, enabling farmers, particularly those with small landholdings, to rent machinery for various agricultural operations.
The scheme also promotes the adoption of advanced technologies, including agricultural drones. Between 2023-24 and 2025-26, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), in collaboration with State Agricultural Universities and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), conducted 40,928 Kisan Drone demonstrations covering 40,918 hectares with financial support of ₹52.5 crore.
These demonstrations showcased the use of drones for the application of fertilisers, nutrients and crop protection chemicals, encouraging the adoption of precision farming techniques.
To support drone-based agriculture, eligible institutions such as ICAR institutes, KVKs and State Agricultural Universities receive financial assistance of up to ₹10 lakh per drone.
The Ministry said SMAM also prioritises women farmers by earmarking 30 per cent of the scheme’s funds for their participation, with the objective of improving access to mechanised farming and reducing labour-intensive agricultural practices.
The scheme follows a 60:40 funding pattern between the Centre and states for most states, 90:10 for North-Eastern and Himalayan states, and 100 per cent Central assistance for Union Territories.
Leave a comment