Assistance for Tools, Equipment, Shorting/Grading Equipment, PHM Equipment for General Category (HRT-2)

Assistance for Tools, Equipment, Shorting/Grading Equipment, PHM Equipment for General Category (HRT-2) gives financial support to individual farmers, farmer groups, and cooperative societies in Gujarat to buy essential agricultural tools, sorting machinery, and post-harvest management equipment. The scheme is managed by the Directorate of Horticulture under the Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Co-operation Department, Government of Gujarat, and applications are accepted online through the I-Khedut Portal.

This state-level scheme covers items like plastic crates, weighing scales, packing materials, tarpaulin, and modern sorting or grading machinery. General Category farmers can get up to 75% of the equipment cost, while farmer groups and cooperative societies can get up to 90% for post-harvest management equipment.

Assistance for Tools, Equipment, Shorting/Grading Equipment, PHM Equipment for General Category (HRT-2) - Introduction

This scheme helps farmers in the General Category, along with farmer groups and cooperative societies, to buy modern agricultural tools and equipment. The main aim is to improve post-harvest management and reduce losses after harvest. By giving cash support, the scheme makes it easier for farmers to afford good quality equipment without bearing the full cost.

The scheme is implemented by the Directorate of Horticulture, Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Co-operation Department, Government of Gujarat. It is a state-level scheme and the benefit is given directly to the eligible people after the application is approved.

Key Information

Benefits

The scheme offers financial relief to support agricultural productivity. The benefit amount depends on the type of beneficiary and the cost of the equipment purchased.

Covered items include plastic crates with weights, packing materials, sorting and grading machinery, weighing equipment, and tarpaulin. This support helps farmers handle their produce better and get a fair price in the market.

Eligibility

To qualify for this support, the applicant must meet a few simple conditions. The scheme is open to permanent residents of Gujarat who belong to the General Category.

• Applicant should be a permanent resident of Gujarat.
• Applicant should belong to the General Category (open category).
• Applicant can apply as an individual farmer, as a member of a farmer group, or through a registered cooperative society.

There are also some purchase rules. All tools and equipment must be bought only from authorised dealers of empanelled manufacturers. This makes sure the price is as per the norms notified by the Department of Agriculture. Rules regarding plastic crates and tarpaulin must be followed strictly according to government norms.

Application Process

The complete online application is done through the official I-Khedut Portal. The process is easy and can be finished from home without visiting any office.

STEP 1 - Visit the official I-Khedut Portal and go to the home page.

STEP 2 - Click on the 'Schemes' section and then select 'Horticulture Schemes'.

STEP 3 - Locate the HRT-2 scheme and read the guidelines carefully.

STEP 4 - Click on the 'Apply' button and then click on 'Apply New' to start a fresh application.

STEP 5 - Fill in the required details and use the 'Update Application' option if any correction is needed.

STEP 6 - Confirm the application and take a printout of the confirmed form.

STEP 7 - Submit the signed printout to the office address mentioned on the application, or scan the signed copy and upload it using the 'Upload Signed Copy of Application Print' menu on the portal.

All PDF uploads should stay under 200 KB in size. There is no need to visit the office in person because the whole process is online. The facility to upload a scanned copy of the caste certificate is also available in the 'Other Document Upload' menu wherever needed.

Applicants can check the application status, view, or print their documents by visiting the Applicant Corner.

Documents

Keep the following documents ready before starting the application so that the process goes smoothly.

• Aadhaar Card copy.
• Disability Certificate issued by the competent authority, if applicable for PWDs.
• Land records including 7/12 and 8-A documents.
• Bank passbook or a cancelled cheque.
• Forest rights letter, if applicable.

References

Official Website

Scheme Details (Page No. 167)

FAQ's

Who is eligible to benefit from the scheme?

Any permanent resident of Gujarat belonging to the General Category, including individual farmers, farmer groups, and cooperative societies, can apply.

What financial assistance is available for General Category farmers?

General Category farmers receive assistance covering up to 75% of the tool or equipment cost, capped at ₹3,750.

What assistance is provided to farmer groups or cooperative societies?

These groups are eligible for 90% of the equipment cost, up to a maximum of ₹7,50,000 for post-harvest management equipment.

What types of equipment does the scheme cover?

The scheme covers various essential items such as plastic crates, precision weights, packing materials, tarpaulin, and specialized sorting or grading machinery.

Are there specific rules for purchasing equipment?

Yes, equipment should be purchased only from authorised dealers listed by the empanelled manufacturers to follow the Department of Agriculture price discovery norms.

How can I track my application status?

Applicants can check, view, or print the application status through the I-Khedut Applicant Corner link provided on the portal.