Picture a farmer in rural India working under the blazing sun using age-old tools inherited over generations. Though these practices have a long history, they often restrict earnings and efficiency. To address this, the Indian government has launched various schemes designed to promote farm mechanization aiming to make agriculture more advanced and improve farmers’ lives.
In this blog, we’ll look into major government schemes aimed at advancing farm machinery use. We’ll discuss their perks and the link they share with the agri-pharma sector. We’ll also check out how Digitize Matrix can help boost these initiatives.
1. Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM)
Introduced as part of Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), SMAM works to spread farm machinery usage to small and marginal farmers. Some main points are:
- Financial Support: Farmers can get up to 50% off when buying farming equipment.
- Custom Hiring Centers (CHCs): These centers make machines available to rent.
- Training and Demonstrations: Farmers attend hands-on and classroom sessions to learn about using modern tools. (Source: PIB.GOV)
This program helps cut down manual labor while improving crop output. It makes sure farm work happens on time.
2. Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)
PMKSY aims to bring more land under irrigation while using water . Its key goals include:
- “Har Khet Ko Pani”: Bringing water to each farmland.
- Per Drop More Crop: Teaching farmers about micro-irrigation methods like drip and sprinklers.
- Integrated Watershed Management: Helping preserve water and soil.
By using modern irrigation techniques, PMKSY works together with farming machinery improvements. This combination helps increase crop production. (Source:Wikipedia)
3. PM KUSUM Program
The PM KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan) program aims to give farmers reliable energy access. Important features include:(Source:Wikipedia)
- Solar-Powered Pumps: Farmers can install solar irrigation pumps with subsidies covering up to 60% of the cost.
- Solar Plants on Farms: Farmers are encouraged to build solar power systems on unused or unproductive land.
- Extra Income for Farmers: Selling extra electricity to the power grid helps farmers earn extra money.
This plan helps reduce reliance on diesel and electricity while encouraging sustainable energy use.
