Custom Hiring Scheme Boosts Agricultural Mechanization in Madhya Pradesh
| Key Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Custom Hiring Scheme | - Launched under Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) to economically empower small and marginal farmers through modern agricultural equipment and self-employment. <br> - Custom Hiring Centers (CHCs) provide rental access to equipment like tractors, harrows, rotavators, seed drills, etc. <br> - Subsidy Structure: Maximum 40% subsidy and up to 3% interest subsidy. <br> - Eligibility: 12th pass unemployed farmers aged 18-40, selected via lottery. <br> - Importance: Decentralizes mechanization, ensures timely harvesting, solves labour shortages, improves efficiency, and creates rural employment. |
| Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) | - Launched in 2014 by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. <br> - Subsidies: 40-50% for non-NER states, 100% up to Rs. 1.25 lakh for NER states. <br> - Mobile App: CHC-Farm Machinery connects farmers with local Custom Hiring Service Centres. <br> - Goal: Increase access to agricultural mechanization for small and marginal farmers in remote areas with low electricity availability. |
| Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) | - Introduced in 2008, inspired by a 2002 recommendation to amend the Companies Act, 1956. <br> - Registered Under: Companies Act, 2013, Societies Registration Act, 1860, or Indian Trusts Act, 1882. <br> - Objective: Facilitates bulk input procurement, better bargaining power, and fair price realization for small and marginal farmers. <br> - Impact: Improves market access, supports doubling farmers' income, and enables global market entry. |