Farm Machinery Bank (FMB)/Farm Machinery Hub (FMH) is a state-led scheme by the Agriculture Department of West Bengal that helps small and marginal farmers get affordable, end-to-end access to farming equipment. It supports rural youth and entrepreneurs in setting up machinery hubs with a big subsidy, and the scheme is open for the 2026-27 financial year under the Farm Mechanization Schemes (FMS).
The scheme runs under the Farm Mechanization Umbrella Scheme of the West Bengal Agriculture Department. It focuses on creating steady work for rural youth and local entrepreneurs by helping them build machinery hubs, mainly in areas where farm power is still limited.
Farm Machinery Bank (FMB) or Farm Machinery Hub (FMH) - Introduction
By giving low-cost access to modern equipment, this scheme closes the gap for small farmers who find it hard to pay for machinery on their own. It raises farm power across the state and works toward the targets set by the Government of India.
Main aims of this scheme are:
- Creating self-employment work for rural youth and new entrepreneurs.
- Making sure small and marginal farmers can use machinery for every need, from land development to crop residue management, at fair prices.
- Cutting the money burden of owning farm equipment on small holdings.
- Supporting primary processing units like dal mills, oil mills, and seed processing units.
- Raising the daily farm power available so farm output improves.
The scheme runs across all districts of West Bengal except the Kolkata district.
Key Information
Scheme Name: Farm Machinery Bank (FMB)/Farm Machinery Hub (FMH) | Level: State | Target Sector: Infra | State: West Bengal | Beneficiary Type: Individual, Self Help Groups (SHGs) | Nodal Department: Agriculture Department | Start Date: 2024-01-01
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Farm Machinery Bank (FMB)/Farm Machinery Hub (FMH) |
| State | West Bengal |
| Beneficiaries | Rural youth, entrepreneurs, SHGs, FPOs, PACS |
| Subsidy | 80% of Total Financial Outlay, capped at ₹8.00 lakh |
| Minimum Project Cost | ₹10,00,000 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | wbfms.wb.gov.in |
| Helpline | 18003455178 |
Machinery Selection Guide
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Equipment List | Machinery can be chosen from the registered list available on the official farm mechanization portal. |
| Primary Processing | For units like dal mills or seed processors, machinery with a minimum project cost of ₹10,00,000 can be chosen. |
| Flexibility | If suitable machinery is not on the official list, approval can be sought from the SPMT using current SMAM rules. |
Benefits
This scheme gives a subsidy of 80% of the Total Financial Outlay (TFO), capped at a maximum of ₹8.00 lakh. The project cost must be at least ₹10,00,000 to qualify. The TFO covers machinery cost, shed construction, annual maintenance contracts (AMC), and insurance.
Financial Requirements:
| Item | Maximum Limit |
|---|---|
| Open Shed Cost | 5% of TFO |
| Ancillary Costs | 10% of TFO |
Important Reminders:
- Margin money of at least 25% of the total project cost must be deposited with the financing bank before the local Deputy Director of Agriculture releases the subsidy.
- The government does not buy the equipment. Machinery is purchased through bank loans, and the subsidy is paid later through DBT into the loan account.
- Equipment must be bought only from manufacturers and dealers registered on the official departmental portal.
- If a subsidy was already received under this scheme, the applicant or spouse must wait at least 4 years before applying again.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants are rural youth entrepreneurs registered under the Krishak Bandhu (New) Scheme, or formal groups such as SKUS, PACS, FPO, FPC, FIG, SHG, or LAMPS recognized by a government body.
Specific Eligibility Rules:
- The group must be actively operating for at least 1 year.
- The total project cost must meet the minimum of ₹10,00,000.
- Legal possession of land (owned, leased, or hired) is required to host the machinery hub.
- The land must be officially categorized as commercial, bastu, or viti land.
- The applicant must be at least 18 years old.
Exclusions
Applicants are not eligible if they or their spouse have already received benefits from similar schemes like FSSM, OTA-SFI, FMB, or CHC. Current or retired employees of the State Government, Panchayats, or any government-aided educational and statutory institutions cannot apply.
Application Process
Applications are submitted online. STEP 1 - Visit the official farm mechanization portal of West Bengal at wbfms.wb.gov.in and check the latest FMS 2026-27 notification and guidelines in the notification box.
STEP 2 - Register on the portal and log in to fill out the application form for the Farm Machinery Hub component.
STEP 3 - Print the filled form, attach a recent passport-sized photo, and submit the hard copy along with the acknowledgement receipt to the office of the Deputy Director of Agriculture in the district.
STEP 4 - Keep the generated serial number for all future references. The online application can be edited only until the hard copy is submitted to the district office.
For any help, contact the helpline at 18003455178 between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., or write to wbfmshelpdeskwebel@gmail.com.
Documents
- Filled-in Proforma Application Form.
- Citizenship proof such as EPIC or voter card.
- Krishak Bandhu ID.
- Copy of AADHAAR card.
- PAN Card.
- Bank statement for the last six months as proof of solvency.
- Land ownership documents (Title Deed, ROR, or valid Lease Agreement).
- Detailed Project Report if AIF support is requested.
- Price quotations and vetted plans for building the machinery shed.
- Official resolution from the group authorizing the designated signatory.
References
FAQ's
What is the primary objective of this scheme?
The scheme gives small and marginal farmers affordable, end-to-end access to farm machinery by supporting machinery hubs across rural areas.
Which department oversees this project?
The Department of Agriculture, Government of West Bengal, runs this scheme.
Who can apply for these benefits?
Individual rural youth registered under Krishak Bandhu or recognized groups like SHGs, FPOs, and PACS can apply.
How do I apply for the scheme?
Apply online through the official portal at wbfms.wb.gov.in and then submit the physical hard copies to the district Deputy Director of Agriculture office.
When do I receive the subsidy?
The subsidy is released as a back-ended payment into the loan account after the machinery is purchased using own funds or a bank loan.
Are there any application fees?
No, there are no charges or fees to apply for this scheme.
Is there a minimum age to participate?
Yes, the applicant must be at least 18 years old.
Is income proof required?
No, there is no specific income eligibility criteria for this scheme.
Can government employees apply?
No, retired or current employees of the State Government, Panchayats, or government-aided bodies are not eligible.
How is the subsidy amount calculated?
The subsidy is 80% of the total project cost, capped at ₹8.00 lakh, provided the total financial outlay is at least ₹10,00,000.