Context: Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization
The Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization aims to promote farm mechanisation, improve productivity and make modern agricultural equipment accessible to farmers.
Objective
To increase the reach of farm machinery among farmers, especially:
- Small farmers
- Marginal farmers
- Women farmers
- Rural communities
Key Features
1. Financial Assistance
Provides subsidies for:
- Agricultural machinery
- Equipment purchase
- Custom Hiring Centres
2. Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs)
Provide machinery services to farmers who cannot afford expensive equipment.
3. Support for Farm Machinery Banks
Helps create shared access to equipment.
4. Promotion of Modern Technology
Encourages:
- Drones
- Precision farming tools
- Advanced agricultural machinery
Benefits
1. Increased Productivity
Mechanisation improves:
- Timeliness of farming operations
- Efficiency
- Crop output
2. Reduced Labour Dependence
Helps address labour shortages during peak agricultural seasons.
3. Lower Cost of Cultivation
Efficient machinery reduces operational costs.
4. Women Empowerment
Improves access to suitable tools for women farmers.
Challenges
- High cost of machinery.
- Small land holdings.
- Lack of awareness.
- Maintenance issues.
- Limited access in remote areas.
Way Forward
- Expand Custom Hiring Centres.
- Promote affordable machinery.
- Encourage drone-based agriculture.
- Improve farmer training.
- Support indigenous agricultural machinery manufacturing.
Significance
SMAM supports:
- Agricultural productivity
- Rural income growth
- Modernisation of Indian agriculture
- Sustainable farming practices
- Inclusive agricultural development
