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This scheme helps rural youth and entrepreneurs set up farm machinery banks to provide affordable equipment access Read More... to small and marginal farmers, aiming to boost farm power availability. Read less
Details
The West Bengal Agriculture Department has launched the 'Farm Machinery Bank (FMB)/Farm Machinery Hub (FMH)' scheme for the financial years 2023 and 2024-25. Its main goal is to create job opportunities for rural youth and entrepreneurs by establishing farm machinery hubs, especially in areas where farm power is limited.
What Is This Scheme?
The Farm Machinery Bank (FMB) or Farm Machinery Hub (FMH) scheme is designed to make essential farm machinery accessible and affordable for small and marginal farmers. It aims to provide services ranging from land preparation to managing crop residue at reasonable costs. This initiative also encourages the setting up of primary processing units like dal mills, oil mills, and seed processing units.
Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?
This scheme is primarily for individual rural youth entrepreneurs registered under the Krishak Bandhu (New) scheme. Additionally, various farmer groups like SKUS, PACS, FPOs, FPCs, FIGs, SHGs, and LAMPS, which are recognised by government institutions, can also apply. The groups must have been operating successfully for at least one year.
Why This Scheme Is Important
The scheme is crucial for increasing farm power availability from the current 2.30 KW/ha to 2.50 KW/ha, as envisioned by the Government of India. It helps offset the high cost of owning farm machinery for farmers with small landholdings. By providing access to machinery for tasks like land development and residue management, it ensures that even small farmers can benefit from modern agricultural practices.
Objective
Benefits
Sources and references
Eligibility Criteria
- For Individuals: Must be a registered Rural Youth Entrepreneur under the Krishak Bandhu (New) Scheme.
- For Groups: Groups like SKUS, PACS, FPO, FPC, FIG, SHG, or LAMPS, duly recognised by any Government institution or department.
- Group Experience: The group must have been operating successfully for at least one year.
- Project Cost: The Total Financial Outlay (TFO) must be a minimum of ₹10,00,000/-.
- Land Requirement: Applicants need sufficient land (own, leased, or hired) to set up the FMB/FMH.
- Land Category: The land must be categorized as 'commercial', 'bastu', or 'viti'.
- Age Limit: Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
How To Apply
- Keep an eye on advertisements in leading newspapers and the Departmental website for application periods.
- Eligible candidates can apply online through the Matirkatha/FMS portal at https://wbfms.matirkatha.net/applicants/sign_up.
- After successfully submitting the online application, print out the application form and acknowledgement receipt.
- Submit the hard copies of the printout, along with recent passport-size photographs and other required documents (self-attested if needed), to the office of the Deputy Director of Agriculture in your concerned District within the specified deadline.
Documents Required
- A properly filled Proforma Application Form.
- Proof of Citizenship (e.g., EPIC card).
- Krishak Bandhu ID Number (You can check your Krishak Bandhu ID here: https://krishakbandhu.net/farmer_search).
- Copy of AADHAAR card.
- PAN Card.
- Proof of financial solvency (like a self-attested bank statement for the last six months).
- Title Deed/ROR (Records of Right)/Lease Certificate/Rent Receipt for the land.
- Detailed project report for AIF (if applicable).
- Quotations for machinery.
- Vetted plan and estimate for the shed of the FMB/FMH, if applicable.
- A resolution from the organization authorising the signatory for the application.
FAQ’s
What is the main goal of the Farm Machinery Bank scheme?
The primary objective is to create self-employment for rural youth and entrepreneurs by setting up Farm Machinery Banks (FMB) or Hubs (FMH). These hubs will make farm machinery accessible to small and marginal farmers at reasonable prices, helping to increase farm power availability and support modern farming techniques.
Who is responsible for launching this scheme?
The Department of Agriculture, Government of West Bengal, has launched this scheme.
Can employees of government organisations apply for this scheme?
No, employees or retired employees of the State Government, Statutory Bodies, or Government Undertakings are not eligible to apply for this scheme.
How are the subsidies disbursed to the beneficiaries?
The subsidy is paid directly to the beneficiary's bank account (from which the machinery purchase was made) via DBT mode through PFMS/e-Billing Module of IFMS, from the respective schematic bank account or treasury.
What is the subsidy pattern under this scheme?
Beneficiaries can receive a subsidy of 80% of the Total Financial Outlay (TFO), with a maximum limit of ₹8.00 lakh. The TFO includes costs for machinery, shed, annual maintenance contract, and insurance. The remaining 20% or the balance amount needs to be covered by the beneficiary.
Are there any specific income limits for farmers to be eligible?
No, there isn't a specific income criterion mentioned for farmers to be eligible for this scheme.
What is the minimum age requirement to apply?
Applicants must be at least 18 years old when they apply for the scheme.
How can one get the benefits of this scheme?
After the scheme is advertised, eligible farmers can apply online via the Matirkatha/FMS portal. Following the online submission, hard copies of the application, along with necessary documents, must be submitted to the Deputy Director of Agriculture's office in their district.
Does the scheme favour women applicants?
The scheme details provided do not mention any specific priority or preference for female applicants.
What is the minimum project cost for setting up a Farm Machinery Bank?
The Total Financial Outlay (TFO) for setting up an FMB/FMH must be at least ₹10,00,000/-.
Are there any application fees for this scheme?
No, there are no fees or charges associated with applying for this scheme.
How does the subsidy claim process work?
Once the beneficiary buys the approved machinery (either through self-finance or bank loan), they need to submit their subsidy claim to the DDA (Admn.). This must be done within 15 days of receiving the sanction order for general machinery, and within 30 days for primary processing units, seed processing units, or solar water pumping systems that require installation.
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