AI SummaryHarvesting Tools Assistance for Scheduled Castes (HRT-4) is a Gujarat state scheme that gives financial support to scheduled caste farmers, FPOs, FPCs, FIGs, SHGs and cooperative societies to buy modern harvesting and processing equipment. The scheme covers a big part of the tool cost so that eligible farmers can bring in better technology without putting too much pressure on their own money.
This scheme is run by the Directorate of Horticulture under the Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Co-operation Department, Government of Gujarat. Applications are accepted online through the official I-Khedut portal, and the whole process is handled digitally.
Harvesting Tools Assistance for Scheduled Castes (HRT-4) - Introduction
Harvesting Tools Assistance for Scheduled Castes (HRT-4) is a dedicated scheme for the scheduled caste community in Gujarat. Its main aim is to help farmers and farmer groups buy certified harvesting and processing equipment at a lower cost. By covering a share of the purchase price, the scheme makes modern machinery more reachable for small and marginal farmers.
Whether you are an individual farmer or part of a group such as an FPO, FPC, FIG, SHG or cooperative society, you can take part in this scheme if you meet the eligibility conditions. The support amount depends on your category, and the money is paid as cash support.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Harvesting Tools Assistance for Scheduled Castes (HRT-4) |
| Level | State |
| Beneficiary States | Gujarat |
| Category | Agriculture, Rural and Environment |
| Target Beneficiaries | Individual, Registered Societies, Self Help Groups |
| Sub Category | Mechanization |
| Benefit Type | Cash |
| DBT Scheme | No |
| Nodal Department | Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Cooperation Department |
| Implementing Agency | Directorate of Horticulture, Government of Gujarat |
| Application Mode | Online (I-Khedut Portal) |
Benefits
The scheme offers cash support to help you manage the cost of buying harvesting and processing equipment. The support amount is different for individual farmers and for farmer groups. Here are the details:
| Beneficiary Category | Assistance Amount |
|---|---|
| Scheduled Caste Farmers | Up to 50% of the tool cost or ₹1,00,000, whichever is less. |
| FPO/FPC/FIG/SHG/Cooperative Society | Up to 75% of the tool cost or ₹1,50,000, whichever is less. |
Note: The unit cost of the harvesting tool should be up to ₹2,00,000 to be eligible for support.
Eligibility
Before applying, make sure you meet the basic conditions. The scheme is open to scheduled caste farmers and to farmer groups with scheduled caste members. The key points are given below:
- You must be a permanent resident of Gujarat.
- You should belong to the Scheduled Caste category.
- Individual farmers, FPOs, FPCs, FIGs, SHGs and cooperative societies are eligible.
- You can get this support only once in a span of five years.
- The equipment you buy must be certified by ISO, BIS, ISI or another government-recognised body, and it should be purchased from an authorised dealer.
Application Process
You can apply online through the official I-Khedut portal. The steps are simple and the whole process is done digitally. Follow the steps given below:
STEP 1 - Go to the official I-Khedut Portal and open the home page.
STEP 2 - Click on the 'Schemes' section and then select 'Horticulture Schemes'.
STEP 3 - Choose the 'Harvesting Tools' scheme and read the instructions for HRT-4 carefully.
STEP 4 - Click on the 'Apply' button to open the application page.
STEP 5 - Click on 'Apply New' to submit a fresh application, or use 'Update Application' if you need to make corrections.
STEP 6 - Fill in your details and confirm the application once everything is correct.
STEP 7 - Take a printout of the confirmed application, sign it, scan it and upload it through the 'Upload Signed Copy of Application Print' menu on the portal.
Note: You do not need to visit any office in person. Make sure any scanned document is in PDF format and does not exceed 200 KB in size. You can also track your application status anytime at the Application Tracking Portal.
Documents Required
Keep the following documents ready before you start the application. Having them handy makes the process smooth:
- Caste certificate issued by a competent authority.
- Disability certificate, only if you are a PWD applicant.
- Land records, including 7/12 and 8-A documents.
- A copy of your Aadhaar Card.
- Bank passbook copy or a cancelled cheque for payment purposes.
- Forest Rights letter, if applicable.
- Samanti form, if you are a partner holding land in a joint name.
- For FPO, FPC or cooperative societies: registration documents, activities, constitution, member details and the audit report of the last one year.
References
You can find more details about this scheme through the official links given below:
FAQ's
Who can benefit from this scheme?
Individual farmers belonging to the Scheduled Caste category, as well as FPOs, FPCs, FIGs, SHGs and cooperative societies, are eligible for support under this scheme.
What are the benefits for individual farmers?
Scheduled caste farmers receive support of up to 50% of the tool cost, capped at ₹1,00,000.
What benefits are provided to organizations like FPOs and SHGs?
These organizations receive support of 75% of the total tool cost, capped at ₹1,50,000.
What is the maximum cost of equipment covered?
The unit cost of the tool should not exceed ₹2,00,000 to be eligible for support.
How often can I apply for this aid?
You can get this support once every five years.
Is there a need to visit the office to submit my form?
No, the entire process is handled online through the I-Khedut portal, and you can upload your signed documents digitally.