AI SummaryOne Time Assistance to Small and Marginal Farmers for Purchase of Small Farm Implements (OTA-SFI) offers cash support to small and marginal farmers in West Bengal for buying manually operated farm tools. Under this scheme, a farmer can get up to ₹10,000 or 50 percent of the equipment price, whichever is lower, as a subsidy.
West Bengal Agriculture Department runs this scheme under the Farm Mechanization Umbrella Scheme, and it continues to accept applications under the Farm Mechanization Scheme 2026-27. The scheme covers tools such as sprayers, paddy threshers, weeders, drum seeders, solar light traps, chaff cutters, seed bins, seed trays, seeders, battery operated sprayers and PVC pipes for water transport.
One Time Assistance to Small and Marginal Farmers for Purchase of Small Farm Implements - Introduction
One Time Assistance to Small and Marginal Farmers for Purchase of Small Farm Implements (OTA-SFI) is a state level scheme launched on 12 February 2013 by the Agriculture Department, Government of West Bengal. It helps small and marginal farmers buy manually operated farm implements so that daily agricultural work becomes easier and more efficient.
The scheme is one of the four components of the Farm Mechanization Scheme of the state. Farmers can apply online through the official Farm Mechanization portal and the subsidy is paid directly to the bank account through DBT. Support under this scheme is available across the state, excluding Kolkata district.
Key Information
| Scheme Name | One Time Assistance to Small and Marginal Farmers for Purchase of Small Farm Implements (OTA-SFI) |
| Level | State |
| Scheme For | Infra |
| Beneficiary States | West Bengal |
| Category | Agriculture, Rural & Environment |
| Target Beneficiaries | Individual, Business Entity |
| Sub Category | Mechanization, Farming Systems, Financial Assistance, Entrepreneurship Development |
| Benefit Type | Cash |
| DBT Scheme | Yes |
| Nodal Department | Agriculture Department |
| Open Date | 12 February 2013 |
Benefits
Under this scheme, a farmer can receive a maximum of ₹10,000 or up to 50 percent of the total price of the machinery, whichever amount is lower. For example, if a farmer buys a manual weeder costing ₹8,000, the subsidy comes to ₹4,000. A combination of equipment can be chosen from the approved list, with a limit of two units per item.
The subsidy amount differs from tool to tool. Battery operated sprayers get up to ₹1,900, solar light traps up to ₹2,600, manual seed drills up to ₹1,250, manual chaff cutters up to ₹6,400, manual threshers up to ₹2,750, and PVC water carrying pipes up to 100 metres get up to ₹1,250.
The government does not buy the machines for the farmer. Equipment must be purchased from approved manufacturers listed on the official portal, and the subsidy is credited directly to the bank account through DBT. A farmer can apply for this subsidy only once every 4 years for any type of machinery.
Eligibility
An individual farmer registered under Krishak Bandhu (New) scheme can apply. Organized groups such as SKUS, PACS, FPO, FPC, FIG, SHG and LAMPS that are recognized by government institutions are also welcome to apply. The applicant should be at least 18 years of age at the time of application.
Exclusions
A farmer is not eligible if the applicant or the spouse has already received a subsidy for farming machinery under any state scheme (such as FSSM, OTA-SFI, FMB/FMH or CHC) within the past 4 years. Employees or retired staff of state government departments, statutory bodies, panchayats, municipalities or government aided institutions cannot take part in this scheme.
Application Process
Applications are now made online through the official Farm Mechanization portal of West Bengal. The steps to register and apply are given below.
STEP 1 - Go to the official Farm Mechanization portal at West Bengal Farm Mechanisation portal and click on New Registration to create a profile.
STEP 2 - Fill in all the required details in the applicant form and complete the Sign Up process.
STEP 3 - Log in using the Voter Card number and password to open the application.
STEP 4 - Select the OTA-SFI scheme, choose the machine from the approved list, enter land details and upload the required documents.
STEP 5 - After submitting the application online, print the hard copy, attach a recent passport sized photograph with the other documents, and submit it to the Assistant Director of Agriculture office in the block.
STEP 6 - Keep the serial number generated online for all future references.
For help, call the helpline at 18003455178 between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm, or the technical support number 8336957298 between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm.
Documents
Keep the following documents ready while applying:
- Identity proof such as the EPIC or Voter ID card.
- Aadhar card of both the applicant and the spouse.
- Active bank account details for the DBT payment.
- An active mobile number.
- Land records with the mouza, JL and khatian number.
- Krishak Bandhu ID number, if available.
- Details of the machinery to be purchased, selected from the official departmental portal.
References
For the latest scheme details and operational guidelines, visit the official Farm Mechanization page of the Agriculture Department and the West Bengal Farm Mechanisation portal. Farmers registered under the Krishak Bandhu scheme can apply for this support.
FAQ's
What is the objective of this scheme?
One Time Assistance to Small and Marginal Farmers for Purchase of Small Farm Implements (OTA-SFI) helps farmers in West Bengal buy affordable manual farm equipment to improve agricultural efficiency.
Which department manages this scheme?
The Agriculture Department of the Government of West Bengal operates this scheme.
Who qualifies for the assistance?
Farmers registered under the Krishak Bandhu (New) scheme and recognized agricultural groups such as FPOs or SHGs are eligible, provided the applicant is at least 18 years old.
How do I get the subsidy?
After the online application is verified, the physical copy is submitted to the block's Assistant Director of Agriculture. Once approved, the subsidy is transferred to the bank account through DBT.
Are there any application fees?
No, the application process is completely free.
How is the beneficiary selected?
Beneficiaries are selected through a computerized lottery or first come first served system to keep the process clear and give equal opportunity to all applicants in each Gram Panchayat.
What is the financial support limit?
A farmer can receive up to ₹10,000 or 50 percent of the equipment price, whichever is lower.