Introduction to SMAM
The SMAM scheme was launched with the primary objective of promoting agricultural mechanization across the country. Recognizing the significance of mechanized farming in boosting agricultural output, reducing manual labor, and improving overall efficiency, the scheme aims to facilitate the widespread adoption of modern agricultural equipment and machinery among farmers.

The SMAM scheme has both centrally sponsored and central sector scheme components. In the centrally sponsored scheme components, the Government of India funds 60% of the cost and the states’ share is 40% in all states except north-eastern and Himalayan states where the ratio is 90:10 wherein GOI funds 90%. In UTs, the central share is 100%.
Mission Strategy
To achieve the above objectives, the Mission will adopt the following strategies:
- Conduct performance testing for various farm machinery and equipment at the four Farm Machinery Training and Testing Institutes (FMTTIs), designated State Agricultural Universities (SAUs), and ICAR institutions.
- Promote farm mechanization among stakeholders by way of on-field and off-field training and demonstrations.
- Provide financial assistance to farmers for procurement of farm machinery and implements.
- Establish custom hiring centers of the location and crop-specific farm machinery and implements.
- Provide financial assistance to small and marginal farmers for hiring machinery and implements in low-mechanized regions.
Mission Components
- Promotion and Strengthening of Agricultural Mechanization through Training, Testing and Demonstration.
- Demonstration, Training and Distribution of Post-Harvest Technology and Management (PHTM).
- Financial Assistance for Procurement of Agriculture Machinery and Equipment.
- Establish Farm Machinery Banks for Custom Hiring.
- Establish Hi-Tech, High Productive Equipment Hub for Custom Hiring.
- Promotion of Farm Mechanization in Selected Villages.
- Financial Assistance for Promotion of Mechanized Operations/hectare Carried out Through Custom Hiring Centres.
- Promotion of Farm Machinery and Equipment in the North-Eastern Region.
Objectives of SMAM
- Increased Productivity: One of the primary goals of the SMAM scheme is to increase agricultural productivity by introducing and promoting the use of modern machinery. Mechanization helps in timely farm operations, which directly contributes to higher yields.
- Reduced Drudgery: By reducing the dependence on manual labor-intensive tasks, the scheme aims to alleviate the physical strain on farmers. This is particularly crucial in an agrarian society where the majority of labor comes from the farming community.
- Resource Optimization: Mechanization enables better utilization of resources like water, seeds, fertilizers, and energy. Modern machinery allows for precise application and distribution, minimizing wastage and improving resource efficiency.
- Enhanced Quality: Mechanization often leads to more consistent and higher-quality produce. From planting to harvesting, the use of modern equipment ensures better control over processes, resulting in improved quality standards.
- Sustainable Agriculture: The scheme also focuses on promoting sustainable agricultural practices by encouraging the use of eco-friendly machinery and techniques that reduce environmental impact.
Components of SMAM
The SMAM scheme encompasses various components and initiatives to achieve its objectives:
- Financial Assistance: It provides financial support to farmers for the purchase of machinery and equipment. Subsidies and grants are often offered to make these technologies more accessible and affordable.
- Training and Awareness: Alongside providing machinery, the scheme emphasizes educating farmers on the proper use and maintenance of these tools. Training programs help in maximizing the benefits of mechanization.
- Technology Dissemination: The scheme facilitates the dissemination of information about modern agricultural technologies, best practices, and innovative techniques among farmers through workshops, demonstrations, and extension services.
- Research and Development: Encouraging research and development in agricultural machinery is another crucial aspect. The scheme supports initiatives aimed at developing and promoting advanced, efficient, and context-specific agricultural equipment.
Impact of SMAM
The SMAM scheme has shown promising results since its inception. It has contributed significantly to improving agricultural practices, enhancing farm productivity, and reducing post-harvest losses. The adoption of modern machinery has not only increased efficiency but has also transformed the socio-economic condition of many farming communities.
Eligibility
All landholding farmers’ families, Self Help Groups (SHGs), User Groups, Cooperative Societies, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and Entrepreneurs. The farmer must be a native of India. Women farmers can also take advantage of this scheme. They will be given priority in this scheme. The benefit of this scheme will be given by the central government to those farmers who are financially weak. The benefit of this scheme will be given to those farmers who have not taken the benefit of subsidy from any other central scheme earlier.
Details required from FPOs:
- PAN NO
- Registration number
- Registration year
- Registration place
- FPO Name
- FPO address
- Authorised person details
- Bank details
Application form: https://agrimachinery.nic.in/Index/Index
Conclusion
In essence, the SMAM scheme stands as a cornerstone in India’s efforts towards agricultural transformation. By promoting mechanization and technological advancements in farming practices, it not only boosts productivity but also aims to uplift the lives of farmers, making agriculture a more sustainable and profitable venture. This scheme continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of agriculture in India.
References
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). (2021). Strategies for Sustainable Oil Palm Cultivation. ICAR Publications.
- National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm (NMOOP). (2019). Annual Report: Enhancing Oil Palm Cultivation in India. Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.
- Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India. (2020). National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm: Policy Guidelines. Government Printing Office. Retrieved from https://nmeo.dac.gov.in/