Launched on 5th December 2012 by the Agriculture Department, Government of West Bengal, the FSSM is part of the Farm Mechanization Umbrella Scheme. It provides financial support to small and marginal farmers for purchasing power-operated farm equipment/machinery, aiming to enhance mechanization, boost productivity, and reduce the cost of cultivation. The scheme is applicable throughout West Bengal, except the Kolkata district. A detailed list of eligible machinery with subsidy limits is provided in Annexure-II under SMAM guidelines. Note that large machines such as tractors, rice transplanters (above 4 rows), and combine harvesters are not eligible.
Benefits
• Subsidy: 50-60% of the indicative price of machinery, subject to a maximum of ₹3,00,000.
• Procurement: The government releases a back-ended subsidy through DBT against procurement by beneficiaries using a bank loan.
• Conditions: Equipment must be purchased from approved manufacturers/dealers; the unit cost should not exceed prescribed limits.
• Reapplication: Beneficiaries (or their spouses) cannot reapply before 4 years from the last subsidy release.
Eligibility
• For Individuals: Must be a farmer registered under the Krishak Bandhu (New) Scheme.
• For Groups: Eligible groups include SKUS, PACS, FPO, FPC, FIG, SHG, LAMPS, etc., approved by government institutions.
• Land Requirement: A minimum of 0.5 acre agricultural land (as per RoR) is required for purchasing specific equipment like power tillers or solar photovoltaic water pumping systems.
• Age: The beneficiary must be at least 18 years old.
Exclusions
• A beneficiary or their spouse who has received a subsidy under FSSM, OTA-SFI, FMB/FMH, or CHC within the past 4 years is ineligible.
• Employees/retired employees of State Government, statutory bodies, government undertakings, panchayats, municipal corporations/municipalities, local bodies, or government-aided educational institutions are not eligible.
Application Process
Online (via the FMS Portal)
• Registration Process:
– Visit the official FMS portal and click “New Registration”.
– Fill in all mandatory details in the Applicant Registration form and click “Sign Up”.
• Application Submission:
– Log in to the FMS portal using your Voter Card number, password, and select the season.
– Complete the application form with all mandatory details.
– After successful online submission, print the application along with the acknowledgement receipt, a recent passport-size photograph, and other prescribed documents (self-attested).
– Submit the hard copy to the office of the Assistant Director of Agriculture of the concerned Block within the stipulated period.
– A one-time edit option is available online before the hard copy is submitted.
– Retain the unique serial number generated for future reference.
Helpline: 8336957298 (10:00 am to 6:00 pm)
Note: Online applications are to be submitted via the Matirkatha/FMS portal after due advertisement in leading dailies and on the departmental website.
Documents Required
• Identity Proof: EPIC or Voter ID
• Aadhaar Card of the applicant and spouse (for individual application)
• Bank Account Details: Active bank account proof
• Active Mobile Number
• Land Particulars: Title Deed/ROR, Lease Certificate, or Rent Receipt
• Krishak Bandhu ID Number (check via the provided link on the portal)
• Details of the machinery/equipment/implement and the name of the manufacturer (as per the departmental portal)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the objective of the scheme?
A: To facilitate farm mechanization among small and marginal farmers by providing financial subsidies for purchasing power-operated farm equipment, thereby enhancing productivity and reducing cultivation costs.
Q: Which department has launched this scheme?
A: The Agriculture Department, Government of West Bengal.
Q: Who is eligible to apply under the scheme?
A: Individual farmers registered under the Krishak Bandhu (New) Scheme or groups (SKUS, PACS, FPO, FPC, FIG, SHG, LAMPS) with at least 0.5 acre of agricultural land, aged 18 and above.
Q: How can beneficiaries avail of the scheme benefits?
A: By applying online via the FMS portal, submitting a hard copy of the application with all required documents, and obtaining a bank loan if necessary.
Q: What is the mode of selection of beneficiaries?
A: Beneficiaries are selected as per the guidelines, with a subsidy provided once every 4 years per eligible farmer or group.
Q: Is there any fee or charge for the scheme?
A: There is no additional fee; however, the beneficiary must finance the non-subsidized portion of the Total Financial Outlay.
Q: Is there any age restriction?
A: Yes, the beneficiary must be at least 18 years old.
Q: Is there any priority for female applicants?
A: The scheme does not specify a separate priority for female applicants.
Q: Is there any income criteria for eligibility?
A: No specific income criterion is mentioned; eligibility is primarily based on land possession and registration under the Krishak Bandhu scheme.
Q: Are employees/retired employees of government bodies eligible?
A: No, such individuals are excluded from applying.
Q: How will the subsidy be released to the beneficiary?
A: The subsidy is released through DBT directly to the beneficiary’s bank account designated for the subsidy reserve fund or loan account.
Q: What is the pattern of assistance provided?
A: The scheme provides an 80% subsidy of the Total Financial Outlay (with a maximum of ₹3,00,000) for eligible machinery, with the remaining cost borne by the beneficiary via a bank loan.