AGR 3 (Farm Mechanization) Scheme for ST Farmers is a state-sponsored scheme of the Gujarat government that provides subsidized seeds, fertilizers, plant protection equipment, pump sets and other farm inputs to Adivasi farmers. Applications for the scheme are accepted online through the i-Khedut portal, and the Agriculture Department opens fresh windows for eligible tribal farmers each season.
Department of Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Co-operation, Government of Gujarat handles this scheme. It is 100% funded by the state government and covers Scheduled Tribe farmers living in the Tribal Area Sub Plan (TASP) regions, apart from the 208 talukas where the central SMAM scheme is already in place.
Under this scheme, eligible farmers get money help to buy plant protection equipment, tarpaulins, water carrying pipelines, pump sets, micronutrients, organic fertilizers and 100% water soluble fertilizers. The scheme also covers accidental insurance and supports field demonstrations and participation in agriculture fairs, so that tribal farmers can take up scientific farming and get better crop output.
In 2026, the scheme continues to be listed among the state sponsored agriculture schemes of Gujarat. Farmers need to apply online on the i-Khedut portal and wait for pre-approval before buying any equipment from empaneled manufacturers.
Agr 3 (Farm Mechanization) Scheme for St Farmers - Introduction
AGR 3 (Farm Mechanization) Scheme for ST Farmers was started to distribute seeds of high production and hybrid varieties along with fertilizers at subsidized rates to Adivasi farmers. The main aim is to raise the crop production of Scheduled Tribe farmers and tribal cultivators living outside tribal areas, and to improve their income.
The scheme helps farmers buy and use plant protection equipment, tarpaulins, micronutrients, water carrying pipelines, pump sets, organic fertilizers, pesticides and 100% water soluble fertilizers. Premium support for accidental insurance is also included so that farmers get basic safety cover while working on the farm.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | AGR 3 (Farm Mechanization) Scheme for ST Farmers |
| Level | State |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| State | Gujarat |
| Category | Agriculture, Rural and Environment |
| Benefit Type | In Kind |
| Implementing Agency | Directorate of Agriculture, Government of Gujarat |
Benefits
Farmers who apply and get approval under this scheme receive direct money help and subsidized inputs. Main benefits are given below.
- Money help for equipment: Subsidy support for plant protection equipment, tarpaulins, pump sets and water carrying pipelines.
- Subsidized inputs: High quality hybrid seeds, organic fertilizers, micronutrients, pesticides and 100% water soluble fertilizers at lower prices.
- Other support: Help for field demonstrations, agriculture fairs and accidental insurance premium.
Eligibility
To get the benefits of the scheme, a farmer needs to match the conditions given below.
- Gujarat resident: Applicant must be a permanent resident of Gujarat state.
- Scheduled Tribe category: Farmer must belong to the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category, and the benefit is meant for the 208 talukas where the central SMAM scheme is not in operation.
- TASP area: Land or farm should fall under the Tribal Area Sub Plan (TASP) or the agriculture support program for dispersed tribes.
- Empaneled manufacturers: Farm equipment must be bought only from manufacturers officially authorized by the Agriculture Department.
Application Process
Application for this scheme is made online through the i-Khedut portal of Gujarat. Steps to apply are given below.
STEP 1 - Visit the official i-Khedut Portal and open the Farming Schemes section.
STEP 2 - Select the component for AGR 3 (Farm Mechanization) Scheme for ST Farmers. The Apply button appears automatically for components that are accepting applications.
STEP 3 - New users need to register their details first. Existing users can sign in with their old credentials.
STEP 4 - Read the instructions, answer whether you are a registered applicant, and click on Click to proceed.
STEP 5 - Fill in all the required information and click on Click to Apply Newly to submit the application.
STEP 6 - Before the last date, use Click to Update Application if any changes are needed, then click on Click to confirm the application. Only confirmed applications are processed.
STEP 7 - After confirmation, take a printout of the application and keep it for records. For local help, contact the District Agriculture Officer whose details are on the official contact page of i-Khedut.
Important Points
Online applications are accepted only during the prescribed window announced on the portal. After approval, farmers get a pre-approval order and can buy the equipment within the given time. Supporting evidence and a signed copy of the application must be submitted with the support proposal.
If wrong or incomplete documents are uploaded, the application will not be taken online. In such cases, the correct documents must be submitted to the concerned office within seven days of applying.
Documents
Keep these documents ready while filling the online application.
- Government approved photo ID such as Aadhaar Card or Voter ID.
- Valid land ownership records, if applicable.
- Caste certificate issued by a competent authority.
- Disability certificate, if applying under the disability quota.
- Copy of Ration Card.
- Bank account details for subsidy payment.
- Signed beneficiary undertaking or consent form.
References
Official Agriculture Department Website | Official State Sponsored Schemes List
FAQ's
What is the main aim of AGR 3 (Farm Mechanization) Scheme for ST Farmers?
The scheme helps Adivasi farmers take up scientific farming by giving money help for machinery like pump sets, tarpaulins, pipelines and fertilizers so that crop output and income increase.
Which department runs this scheme?
Department of Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Co-operation, Government of Gujarat runs the scheme.
Can any farmer apply under this scheme?
No, the scheme is only for Scheduled Tribe farmers living in designated tribal regions, mainly the talukas where the central SMAM scheme is not in operation.
Is it required to buy equipment from a specific list?
Yes, equipment must be purchased only from manufacturers empaneled by the Agriculture Department, otherwise the subsidy claim will not be accepted.
What to do if wrong documents were uploaded?
Correct documents should be submitted to the concerned office within seven days of applying, otherwise the application will not be taken online.