The AGR 3 (Farm Mechanization) Scheme for ST Farmers was launched by the Department of Agriculture, Farmers Welfare & Co-operation, Government of Gujarat to enhance agricultural productivity and improve the livelihoods of Scheduled Tribe (ST) farmers. Under this scheme, subsidized inputs—including seeds of higher production/hybrid varieties, fertilizers, and various agricultural equipment (such as plant protection tools, tarpaulins, micronutrients, water carrying pipelines, pump sets, pesticides, and even accidental insurance schemes)—are provided to Adivasi farmers in Tribal Areas under the Tribal Area Sub Plan (TASP). The scheme is fully sponsored by the state government and aims to promote scientifically recommended practices to boost crop production.
Benefits
• Subsidized Inputs & Equipment:
– Financial assistance for purchasing agricultural equipment components such as plant protection equipment, tarpaulin, micronutrients, water carrying pipelines, pump sets, and more.
– Distribution of seeds (of high production/hybrid varieties) and fertilizers at a subsidized rate to Adivasi farmers in tribal areas.
Eligibility
• Must be a permanent resident of Gujarat.
• Eligible farmers are those belonging to the Scheduled Tribe category.
• The scheme applies in the 208 talukas where the SMAM scheme is not implemented, as well as in areas under the Agriculture Support Program in Tribal Area Sub Plan & Dispersed Tribes (TASP).
• Beneficiaries must purchase equipment only from authorized manufacturers listed on panels disclosed periodically by the Agriculture Department.
Application Process
Online via I-Khedut Portal:
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Step 01: Visit the I-Khedut Portal at https://ikhedut.gujarat.gov.in/iKhedutPublicScheme/Public/frm_Public_SchemeDetails.aspx.
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Step 02: Click on “Click here for details” in the Farming Schemes Section.
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Step 03: Select the desired scheme component. (The Apply button appears automatically for currently open components.)
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Step 04: Carefully read the instructions and choose ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ for “Are you a registered applicant?” then click “Click to proceed”.
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Step 05: Click on “Click to Apply Newly” to submit a new application.
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Step 06: Use the “Click to Update Application” option to make corrections if needed, before finalizing.
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Step 07: Click “Click to confirm the application” to finalize; confirmation is required within the stipulated time, or the application won’t be considered.
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Step 08: Take a printout of the confirmed application for your records.
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Step 09: For further processing, contact the District Agriculture Officer (contact details available on the iKhedut portal: https://ikhedut.gujarat.gov.in/Public/frm_Public_Contacts.aspx).
Documents Required
• Government-approved Photo ID: Aadhaar Card or Voter ID Card
• Land Documentation: Evidence of land ownership (if applicable)
• Caste Certificate: Issued by the competent authority
• Disability Certificate: (if applicable)
• Ration Card: (if applicable)
• Bank Account Details
• Beneficiary’s Undertaking/Consent Form
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the objective of the scheme?
A: The scheme aims to boost agricultural productivity among ST farmers by providing subsidized inputs and agricultural equipment to promote mechanized and scientifically driven farming practices.
Q: Which department launched this scheme?
A: It was launched by the Department of Agriculture, Farmers Welfare & Co-operation, Government of Gujarat.
Q: Who is eligible for the scheme?
A: Eligible beneficiaries are farmers from Gujarat who belong to the Scheduled Tribe category, particularly in areas under the Tribal Area Sub Plan (TASP) or where the SMAM scheme is not implemented.
Q: Can a farmer of the general category apply under this scheme?
A: No; only Scheduled Tribe farmers are eligible.
Q: What benefits does the scheme provide?
A: The scheme provides subsidized inputs and equipment (such as seeds, fertilizers, and various mechanization components) at rates set by the state, aiming to increase crop productivity.
Q: What is the full form of TASP?
A: TASP stands for Tribal Area Sub Plan.
Q: Is this a state-sponsored scheme?
A: Yes, it is 100% sponsored by the Government of Gujarat.
Q: Is it mandatory to purchase equipment from an authorized manufacturer?
A: Yes, beneficiaries must purchase agricultural equipment from manufacturers listed on the authorized panel.
Q: How can a beneficiary apply under the scheme?
A: Applicants must apply online via the I-Khedut Portal, following the detailed instructions provided.
Q: What should I do if I upload wrong or incomplete documents?
A: If incorrect documents are uploaded, the application will not be processed online. In such cases, you must submit the correct or remaining documents to the concerned office within seven days.
Q: Where can I find details of the District Agriculture Officer?
A: Contact information for the District Agriculture Officer is available on the i-Khedut portal at https://ikhedut.gujarat.gov.in/Public/frm_Public_Contacts.aspx.