Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) for Custom Hiring Centres / Big Farmers offers financial support to large farmers and agricultural groups in Uttarakhand. With a subsidy of up to 40% on high-value equipment, the scheme helps improve farm productivity, manage costs, and modernize agricultural practices through an easy online application process. Applications for the 2026-27 financial year open once the state receives its target allocation from the centre.
Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization for Custom Hiring Centres / Big Farmers - Introduction
Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) for Custom Hiring Centres / Big Farmers is a scheme managed by the Department of Agriculture, Government of Uttarakhand, with 90% central share and 10% state share. It is being run under the National Technical and Extension Mission since 2014-15. The scheme helps you access modern farming tools and machinery so that agricultural output improves across the region. Whether you are an individual large farmer, part of a cooperative, involved in a self-help group, or operating a custom hiring centre, you can get government support to buy essential equipment with up to 40% subsidy coverage.
The state gives special attention to setting up Farm Machinery Banks in hilly areas and Custom Hiring Centres in plain areas. This makes agricultural machinery available at low cost even in remote regions and reduces the burden of manual farm work. In the hilly areas of Uttarakhand, farm power is about 0.5 kilowatt per hectare, while in the plains it is close to 3 kilowatt per hectare. Because holdings are small and scattered with terraced fields, modern large machinery cannot be used easily, which is why this scheme matters for local farmers.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) for Custom Hiring Centres / Big Farmers |
| Level | State |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary State | Uttarakhand |
| Category | Agriculture, Rural & Environment |
| Target Beneficiaries | Individual, Self Help Groups (SHGs) |
| Benefit Type | Cash subsidy |
| Nodal Department | Agriculture Department, Government of Uttarakhand |
| Official Portal | agrimachinery.nic.in |
Benefits
Under the Custom Hiring Centre component, farmer groups, cooperatives, FPOs, self-help groups, and individual farmers can upgrade their farm infrastructure. Eligible groups and individuals can buy equipment valued within the following investment range:
| Equipment Value | Maximum Subsidy |
|---|---|
| ₹10.00 lakh to ₹100.00 lakh | 40% |
For example, if a large farmer invests in advanced machinery worth ₹20.00 lakh through a registered Custom Hiring Centre, the government provides a big subsidy benefit. The subsidy is shared by the centre and the state, and is transferred directly to the beneficiary's bank account once the bills are verified.
Eligibility
To get support under this scheme, the following criteria must be met:
- Large farmer - You must own at least 5 hectares of land, or be a registered cooperative, self-help group, or custom hiring centre based in Uttarakhand.
- Land location - Your cultivable land must be situated in Uttarakhand.
- Land records - As an individual, your name should appear in the official revenue records. For groups, the names of all group members must be listed correctly in the relevant agricultural land documents.
Application Process
The application process can be completed through the following steps:
STEP 1 - Monitor the official advertisements released by the Department of Agriculture or the District Chief Agriculture Officer's office, because applications open once the state receives its target allocation for the 2026-27 financial year from the centre.
STEP 2 - Visit the SMAM Official Portal to submit the application, or visit the nearest Common Service Centre (CSC) for help.
STEP 3 - Complete the registration by uploading the required documents, including Aadhaar details and land records. If you apply as a group, upload documents for all members and the group leader.
STEP 4 - Receive your unique registration number after submission.
STEP 5 - Purchase your equipment from a firm pre-approved by the Agriculture Department.
STEP 6 - Upload your invoice to the portal. Once officials verify your bills, the subsidy is transferred directly to your bank account through DBT.
If you face difficulty with the portal, contact your local development block-level officer for guidance. You can also visit the nearest agriculture office as per the state department's instructions.
Documents
Required documents for individual applicants:
- Aadhaar card and linked mobile number
- Bank account details
- Valid land certificate
- Caste certificate if applicable
Additional requirements for group applications:
- Official bank account of the group or Custom Hiring Centre
- Photograph of the group president
- Aadhaar cards for all members
- Land documents for all members' holdings
Note: Make sure all submitted documents match the district where your land is located.
References
SMAM Scheme - Agriculture Department Uttarakhand
View Official SMAM Guidelines PDF
FAQ's
Who is eligible to participate?
Individual farmers with landholdings of 5 hectares or more, along with cooperatives, self-help groups, and custom hiring centres based in Uttarakhand, are eligible.
What is the amount of the subsidy?
Eligible farmers can receive a maximum subsidy of 40% on the purchase cost of approved agricultural machinery.
What constitutes a Custom Hiring Centre?
It is an organized group of farmers or an entity that helps manage, rent, or trade agricultural equipment to support many farmers in the region.
What is the investment bracket for equipment?
Eligible groups and individuals can purchase machinery worth between ₹10.00 lakh and ₹100.00 lakh.
Are there specific land documentation needs?
Yes. You must provide proof of cultivable land in Uttarakhand, with individual or member names clearly documented in revenue records.
How do I apply?
Apply online through the SMAM portal during the active application window announced by your district agriculture office.
Where can I get help if I cannot apply online?
Contact the agriculture officer at your local development block, or visit the nearest agriculture office.
How is the payment processed?
After your bills are verified by the department, the subsidy is delivered directly to your bank account through the DBT system.
What if the district limit is exhausted?
Target numbers are fixed per district. If the limit is reached, you need to wait and apply in the next financial year.