The Department of Agriculture, Andaman and Nicobar Administration has announced a significant relaxation of eligibility norms for farmers seeking subsidies on the purchase of Carbon Fibre Telescopic Harvesters under the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM–RKVY). The move aims to empower small and marginal farmers cultivating coconut and arecanut by providing them access to modern, efficient, and safer harvesting tools.
The carbon fibre telescopic harvester, a lightweight and durable device, is designed to assist farmers in harvesting tall coconut and arecanut trees without the need to climb them, thereby minimizing the risks of falls and accidents that have long been associated with traditional harvesting methods. The modern tool is also expected to cut down on labour requirements and make harvesting operations faster and more cost-effective across the islands.
Under the revised scheme, farmers are eligible to receive a 50 percent subsidy, capped at Rs. 30,000 per set, for the purchase of a carbon fibre telescopic harvester. This financial assistance aims to encourage wider adoption of mechanized harvesting techniques, especially among those who face constraints in manual operations due to ageing labour forces and the physical challenges of climbing tall trees.
In a major policy change, the department has also reduced the minimum landholding eligibility from 1.0 hectare to just 0.10 hectare, a move that significantly broadens the number of farmers who can now qualify for the subsidy. The decision reflects an acknowledgment of the fragmented and small-scale nature of farming across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where many cultivators operate on limited plots of land.
By lowering the eligibility threshold, the administration seeks to extend the benefits of technological advancement to the most vulnerable segment of the agricultural community, small and marginal farmers who often face barriers in accessing equipment subsidies due to restrictive norms. The relaxation is expected to improve productivity and make harvesting operations more sustainable in the long run.
Interested farmers can directly purchase the harvesters from authorized suppliers and subsequently apply for financial assistance through their nearest Zonal Agricultural Office or Agriculture Sub-Depot. Application forms are available at all Agricultural Sub-Depots and Zonal Agricultural Offices across the islands, ensuring accessibility for farmers in both rural and remote areas.
Officials have underscored that the revised eligibility criteria align with the government’s broader objective of enhancing farm mechanization and promoting worker safety in agricultural operations. Coconut and arecanut cultivation remain vital components of the islands’ rural economy, providing livelihood and income security to thousands of farmers. By facilitating access to modern harvesting equipment, the administration hopes to address key operational challenges while promoting efficiency and reducing physical strain.
The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM–RKVY), under which this initiative falls, is a flagship central scheme that supports agricultural development through state-level projects and innovations. The inclusion of the carbon fibre telescopic harvester under its subsidy programme signals a push toward modernization and the adoption of cost-effective, user-friendly technologies suited to the region’s unique agricultural profile.
The Department of Agriculture’s decision marks a notable shift toward inclusive policy-making, ensuring that even farmers with small or scattered holdings can access government incentives. As applications open, the initiative is expected to see strong participation, paving the way for safer, more efficient, and modernized harvesting practices across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
