Sri Vijaya Puram, May 11: The Department of Agriculture has urged farmers, rural entrepreneurs and farming organisations in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to avail subsidies under various horticulture and farm mechanization schemes being implemented to promote sustainable agriculture and improve farm productivity.
Officials stated that horticulture has emerged as an important sector contributing significantly towards agricultural growth and the economy of the Islands.
Subsidies are being provided under the National Horticulture Mission (NHM), a sub-scheme of the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), and under the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) implemented through the PM-Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY).
According to the Agriculture Department, the schemes are aimed at promoting modern agricultural machinery and reducing labour dependency while improving efficiency and productivity in farming operations.
Under the Aatma Nirbhar Bharat and Food Security initiatives, the MIDH programme is being implemented by the High Value Agriculture Development Agency (HVADA) in collaboration with the Agriculture Department.
Officials stated that the programme focuses on encouraging horticulture mechanization and modern farming techniques in the Islands.
The Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM), another important component of PM-RKVY, seeks to extend mechanization benefits to small and marginal farmers, especially in areas where farm power availability remains limited.
Under the horticulture mechanization component of MIDH, farmers can avail 50 per cent subsidy on several agricultural machines and equipment. The scheme provides assistance of up to Rs 2 lakh per beneficiary for purchase of tractors up to 20 PTO HP with two-wheel drive configuration.
Similarly, a subsidy of 50 per cent of the cost limited to Rs 1 lakh is available for purchase of power tillers above 8 HP.
Farmers can also avail subsidy support for plant protection equipment such as power-operated knapsack sprayers and Taiwan sprayers with assistance up to Rs 3,000 per unit.
Under the SMAM scheme, higher subsidy benefits are available for Scheduled Tribe farmers, small and marginal farmers and women farmers.
Officials stated that eligible beneficiaries under these categories can avail 50 per cent subsidy for tractors, trailers, chaff cutters, ladders, harvesters, dehuskers, shredders, packing machines and dryers.
For tractors between 20 and 40 HP, subsidy support of up to Rs 3 lakh is available for eligible categories, while tractors between 40 and 50 HP can receive subsidy support up to Rs 4.5 lakh.
The scheme also covers support for land development and tillage equipment, arecanut and coconut harvesters, trailer trolleys, wood chippers, farm waste shredders, grass cutters and various horticulture processing equipment.
Officials stated that farmer cooperatives, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), Panchayats, Day-NRLM Self Help Groups and registered farmer societies are also eligible to apply for benefits under the schemes.
The Agriculture Department said the initiatives are intended to improve farm efficiency, reduce production costs and encourage adoption of modern agricultural practices in the Islands.
Authorities stated that mechanization plays an important role in addressing labour shortages and improving productivity in horticulture and agricultural activities.
The Department has advised interested farmers and eligible organisations to contact the respective Zonal Officers of the Agriculture Department or extension staff in their areas for application forms, technical guidance and assistance in availing subsidies.
Officials added that the schemes are expected to support sustainable livelihoods and strengthen agricultural development in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
