Agricultural mechanization is a key driver for improving farm productivity, reducing drudgery, and ensuring timely farm operations^[1]. Recognising this, the Government of India launched the Sub‑Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) in 2014‑15 as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY). The scheme is designed to extend the benefits of mechanization to small and marginal farmers, women, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other underserved sections of the farming community^[2]. According to official data, the scheme has facilitated the distribution of more than 21.61 lakh agricultural machines to individual farmers across the country^[2]. Based on our extensive experience in assisting farmers in Kasaragod District with various government initiatives, we have observed that SMAM provides a structured pathway for smallholders to access advanced equipment that would otherwise be unaffordable.

SMAM is implemented across all States and Union Territories of India^[1]. One of its primary objectives is to increase the reach of farm mechanization in regions where farm power availability is low and among small and marginal farmers who are often unable to afford costly machinery^[3]. Under the scheme, financial assistance is provided to farmers for purchasing agricultural machinery on an individual ownership basis. The subsidy rates range from 40% to 50% of the cost of the equipment for general category farmers, while for crop residue management (CRM) machinery, the assistance is @ 50% for individual farmers and @ 80% for rural entrepreneurs, cooperative societies, and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) establishing Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs) under the CRM component^[1]. In our practical engagement with farmers, we have found that understanding these tiered subsidy structures is crucial for maximising the benefits of the scheme.

The SMAM scheme pursues its goals through a comprehensive strategy as outlined in its operational guidelines^[4]:

• Performance testing and certification of agricultural machinery and equipment at designated testing centres spread across the country, ensuring that only quality‑assured products are promoted under the scheme^[3].
• Training, demonstration, and capacity building activities to create awareness among farmers and stakeholders about the benefits of mechanization and the proper usage of equipment^[3].
• Financial assistance for procurement of agricultural machinery and equipment on individual ownership basis through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, which ensures transparency and timely disbursement of funds^[5].
• Establishment of Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs) and Farm Machinery Banks (FMBs) to provide machinery and equipment to farmers on rental basis, thereby addressing the challenges posed by small landholdings and high capital costs^[1].

The scheme is structured into several distinct components as per the official guidelines^[5]:

• Promotion and Strengthening of Agricultural Mechanization through Training, Testing and Demonstration: This component focuses on ensuring performance testing of agricultural machinery, capacity building of farmers and end‑users, and promoting farm mechanization through hands‑on demonstrations^[3].
• Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs): These are units equipped with a set of farm machinery, implements, and equipment that are available for hire by farmers at affordable rates. CHCs are particularly beneficial for small and marginal farmers who cannot afford to purchase expensive equipment outright^[2].
• Financial Assistance for Procurement: This component provides subsidy support for individual ownership of agricultural machinery, with funds directly transferred to the beneficiary’s bank account through the DBT system^[6].
• Promotion of Farm Mechanization in North‑Eastern Region: To address regional disparities, the scheme extends additional financial assistance and support to high‑potential but low‑mechanized states in the North‑East of India, enabling them to catch up with more developed regions^[2].