AI SummaryFinancial Support Scheme for Farm Mechanization (FSSM) helps small and marginal farmers across West Bengal by offering a subsidy on the purchase of power-operated agricultural machinery. Agriculture Department, Government of West Bengal launched this scheme on 5 December 2012 under the Farm Mechanization Umbrella Scheme, and it continues to run for the 2026-27 season. The scheme focuses on raising farm productivity and cutting the cost of cultivation for eligible individuals and agricultural groups.
Under FSSM, a farmer can get back 50 to 60 percent of the indicative price of an approved machine, with the total subsidy capped at 3 lakh rupees. The subsidy is paid directly into the bank account of the beneficiary through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode. Applications are accepted online on the official FMS portal once the department publishes the advertisement.
Financial Support Scheme for Farm Mechanization (FSSM) - Introduction
Financial Support Scheme for Farm Mechanization (FSSM) is one of the four components of the Farm Mechanization Umbrella Scheme run by the Agriculture Department of West Bengal. It has been helping small and marginal farmers buy power-operated equipment like power tillers, pump sets, solar pump sets, rotavators, power weeders, rice transplanters and agricultural drones since 2012. The scheme remains open across the whole state, except the Kolkata district.
For the 2026-27 season, the department has invited farm machinery manufacturers to register afresh on the portal between 8 August 2026 and 23 August 2026. Farmers can apply online in phases after the indicative price list and the advertisement are published on the official portal. Help is available on the farm mechanization helpline number 18003455178 between 10 am and 5 pm.
Key Information
| Scheme Name | Financial Support Scheme for Farm Mechanization (FSSM) |
| Level | State |
| Beneficiary State | West Bengal |
| Category | Agriculture, Rural & Environment |
| Target Beneficiaries | Individual farmers, SHGs, FPOs, PACS and other recognized groups |
| Subsidy | 50-60% of indicative price, max ₹3,00,000 |
| Benefit Type | Cash (DBT) |
| Nodal Department | Agriculture Department |
| Launch Date | 5 December 2012 |
| Helpline | 18003455178 (10 am to 5 pm) |
Benefits
This scheme lowers the money burden of buying farm equipment for small and marginal farmers. The subsidy is given as a back ended payment, which means the farmer buys the machine first and the government later releases the subsidy into the bank account.
| Assistance Type | Subsidy Amount |
| Indicative machinery price | 50-60% of price (Maximum cap of ₹3,00,000) |
Only approved machines from the list in the scheme guidelines are covered. Large machinery like tractors, combine harvesters, or rice transplanters above 4 rows are not covered under FSSM. The list of eligible equipment with the admissible subsidy is given in Annexure-II of the official guidelines. A beneficiary can apply for only one machine under FSSM.
Machines must be bought only from approved manufacturers and dealers listed on the departmental portal. Once the purchase is complete and the claim is verified, the subsidy is released directly into the bank account. If a farmer already received a subsidy under this scheme, he or she has to wait 4 years before applying again.
Eligibility
To be eligible, a farmer should be registered under the Krishak Bandhu (Natun) scheme. Recognized agricultural groups like SHGs, FPOs, PACS, SKUS and FPCs are also eligible. The applicant or the spouse should not have taken any benefit under the farm mechanization schemes within the last 4 years.
For example, if a farmer wants to buy a power tiller or a solar water pump, he or she must own at least 0.5 acres of agricultural land. The age of the applicant must be between 18 and 70 years at the time of application. For machinery driven by a tractor, such as a rotavator, the applicant should own a tractor and submit a copy of the tractor blue book.
Exclusions
Some categories of people cannot apply for this scheme. They are not eligible if:
- They or their spouse have already received a subsidy for farm machinery within the last 4 years.
- They are current or retired employees of the state or central government, statutory bodies, panchayats, municipalities, local bodies, or government-aided institutions.
Application Process
Application for this scheme is done online through the official FMS portal once advertisements appear in local newspapers and on the department website. Farmers who find it hard to apply online can get help at the Block Agriculture Office or at a Bangla Sahayata Kendra.
STEP 1 - Visit the official FMS portal and complete the registration using the voter card (EPIC) details.
STEP 2 - Log in with the credentials and fill up the online application form carefully, selecting the approved machinery and the manufacturer from the departmental portal.
STEP 3 - After successful submission, take a print out of the application and the acknowledgement receipt. Keep the online application serial number handy for all future inquiries.
STEP 4 - Submit the physical copies, along with a recent passport-sized photograph and other required documents, to the Assistant Director of Agriculture of the concerned block within the stipulated period.
Note: For any help, call the helpline at 18003455178 between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM, or write to wbfmshelpdeskwebel@gmail.com.
Documents
The following documents are needed while filling the online application and submitting the hard copy:
- Valid identity proof (Voter ID/EPIC)
- Aadhaar card details for the applicant and the spouse
- Active bank account details
- Valid mobile number
- Land ownership records (RoR)
- Krishak Bandhu (Natun) registration number
- Details of the chosen machinery and manufacturer from the departmental portal
References
Read Official Scheme Guidelines
FAQ's
What is the primary objective of this scheme?
Financial Support Scheme for Farm Mechanization (FSSM) aims to provide a subsidy to small and marginal farmers to help them buy power-operated agricultural equipment and lower their cultivation cost.
Which department manages this scheme?
The Agriculture Department of the Government of West Bengal manages this scheme.
Who can apply?
Farmers registered under the Krishak Bandhu (Natun) scheme and recognized agricultural groups like FPOs, SHGs, PACS and SKUS are eligible.
How can I apply for the benefits?
You can apply online through the official FMS portal. After applying online, you must submit the printed documents to the Assistant Director of Agriculture in your block.
How are beneficiaries selected?
Beneficiaries are selected through a fair, randomized, GP-wise computerized lottery system.
Are there any application fees?
No, there are no fees or charges associated with the application process.
What is the age limit?
You must be between 18 and 70 years old at the time of application.
Is there any specific income criteria?
No, there is no income-based eligibility requirement for this scheme.
Are government employees eligible?
No, current or retired government employees or those from statutory and local bodies are not eligible.
How will I receive the subsidy?
The subsidy is transferred directly to your registered bank account through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode.
What is the maximum subsidy I can receive?
You can receive a subsidy between 50-60% of the equipment price, capped at a maximum of ₹3,00,000.