The “Harvesting Tools Assistance for General Category (HRT-2)” scheme is implemented by the Directorate of Horticulture, Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Co-operation Department, Government of Gujarat. The scheme provides financial assistance for purchasing harvesting and processing equipment to individual General Category farmers as well as to FPOs (Farmers Producer Organizations), FPCs (Farmers Producer Companies), FIGs (Farmer Interest Groups), SHGs (Self-Help Groups), and Cooperative Societies. Assistance is given to help farmers enhance productivity by facilitating better harvesting and processing practices. The subsidy is directly credited to the farmer’s bank account via DBT.
Benefits
• General Category Farmers: Up to 50% of the cost of the harvesting tool or ₹1,00,000, whichever is less.
• FPO/FPC/FIG/SHG/Cooperative Society: Up to 75% of the cost of the harvesting tool or ₹1,50,000, whichever is less.
• Note: The unit cost of the harvesting tool should not exceed ₹2,00,000.
Eligibility
• The beneficiary must be a permanent resident of Gujarat.
• The beneficiary should belong to the General Category.
• Individual farmers or FPO/FPC/FIG/SHG/Cooperative Societies are eligible to avail of the scheme benefits.
• The assistance can be availed once in five years.
• Equipment purchased must be certified by ISO/BIS/ISI or a Government recognized organization and acquired through an authorized dealer or as imported equipment.
Application Process
Online via the I-Khedut Portal
• Step 1: Visit the portal at https://ikhedut.gujarat.gov.in/ and click on ‘Schemes’, then ‘Horticulture Schemes’.
• Step 2: Select the ‘Harvesting Tools’ scheme and read the instructions for HRT-2.
• Step 3: Click on ‘Apply’ and then ‘Apply New’ to submit a new application.
• Step 4: If corrections are needed, click on ‘Update Application’.
• Step 5: Confirm the application and print the confirmed application copy.
• Step 6: Upload the scanned signature/fingerprint copy by clicking on “Upload Signed Copy of Application Print”.
• Step 7: Applicants can track their application status from the link: https://ikhedut.gujarat.gov.in/public/frm_Applicant_Corner.aspx.
Documents Required
• Copy of Aadhaar Card
• Disability Certificate (if applicable, from a competent authority)
• Copy of Land Details (7/12 and 8-A)
• Copy of Bank Passbook or Cancelled Cheque
• Copy of Forest Rights Letter (if applicable)
• Samanti Form (for partners holding land in joint name, if applicable)
• For FPO/FPC/Cooperative Society: Documents relating to registration, activities, constitution, members, etc., and the audit report of the last year.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Who can benefit from the scheme?
A: General Category farmers, FPOs, FPCs, FIGs, SHGs, and Cooperative Societies in Gujarat can benefit.
Q: What are the benefits for General Category farmers?
A: They are eligible for assistance up to 50% of the harvesting tool cost or ₹1,00,000, whichever is less.
Q: What benefits are available for FPOs/FPCs/FIGs/SHGs/Cooperative Societies?
A: They can receive up to 75% of the cost or ₹1,50,000, whichever is less.
Q: Is there a cost limit for the equipment?
A: Yes, the unit cost must be up to ₹2,00,000.
Q: What are the eligibility criteria?
A: The beneficiary must be a permanent resident of Gujarat and belong to the General Category, either as an individual farmer or as part of an organization, and can avail assistance once in five years.
Q: Can individual farmers and organizations both avail of the benefits?
A: Yes, both individual farmers and registered organizations like FPOs, FPCs, FIGs, SHGs, and Cooperative Societies are eligible.
Q: How often can a beneficiary avail of assistance?
A: Assistance is available once in five years per beneficiary.
Q: Are there any specific requirements for the equipment?
A: The equipment must be certified by ISO/BIS/ISI or a Government recognized organization and purchased through an authorized dealer or as imported equipment.
Q: How can one apply for the scheme?
A: By registering and applying online on the I-Khedut Portal following the steps mentioned above.
Q: Can applicants track their application status online?
A: Yes, applicants can check their status at https://ikhedut.gujarat.gov.in/public/frm_Applicant_Corner.aspx.