Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization

SEO Title: Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM): Objectives, Benefits and Key Features

Category: Government Schemes | Agriculture | Rural Development

UPSC Notes

The Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) seeks to promote the use of agricultural machinery and modern equipment, particularly among small and marginal farmers.

Key Pointers

  • Focus: Farm mechanization.

  • Implemented through the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.

  • Aims to improve:

    • Farm productivity

    • Efficiency

    • Timeliness of agricultural operations

    • Access to machinery

  • Provides assistance/subsidy for eligible agricultural machinery.

  • Promotes Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs).

  • CHCs allow farmers who cannot afford expensive machinery to hire equipment.

  • Important for addressing labour shortages and reducing cultivation costs.

  • Special importance for small and marginal farmers.

Prelims Focus: SMAM → farm machinery → Custom Hiring Centres → small/marginal farmers.