Implemented by the Directorate of Horticulture, Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Co-operation Department, Government of Gujarat, this scheme provides financial assistance to Scheduled Castes farmers, farmer groups, and cooperative societies for purchasing various tools and equipment. This includes sorting/grading machinery, plastic crates with weights, packing materials, and other Post-Harvest Management (PHM) equipment to enhance the quality and efficiency of post-harvest operations.
Benefits
• Scheduled Castes Farmers: Assistance up to 75% of the cost of tools/equipment or a maximum of ₹3,750/-, whichever is lower.
• Farmer Groups/Cooperative Societies: Assistance up to 90% of the cost or a maximum of ₹7,50,000/- for installation of PHM equipment.
Eligibility
• Must be a permanent resident of Gujarat.
• The applicant must belong to the Scheduled Caste category.
• Both individual farmers and farmer groups/cooperative societies are eligible.
• The equipment must be purchased from an authorized dealer of an empanelled manufacturer as per the department’s notifications.
Application Process
Online
Application Procedure:
• Step 01: Visit the I-Khedut Portal: https://ikhedut.gujarat.gov.in/
• Step 02: Click on ‘Schemes’ and then ‘Horticulture Schemes’.
• Step 03: Select the relevant scheme and read the instructions for HRT-4.
• Step 04: Click on the ‘Apply’ button; the application page will open.
• Step 05: Click on “Apply New” to submit a new application.
• Step 06: Click on “Update Application” to make corrections if needed.
• Step 07: Confirm the application once completed.
• Step 08: Take a printout of the confirmed application.
• Step 09: Submit the printed application along with the necessary documents to the office address mentioned on the application or upload the signed copy via the “Upload Signed Copy of Application Print” option.
– Note: The portal allows uploading a scanned copy of the caste certificate via the “Other Document Upload” menu.
– Note: No need to submit the application in person if the scanned copy is uploaded.
– Note: Scanned copies in PDF format should not exceed 200 KB.
Application Tracking:
• Applicants can check application status/view/print/upload details at: https://ikhedut.gujarat.gov.in/public/frm_Applicant_Corner.aspx
Documents Required
• Scheduled Castes Certificate issued by a competent authority
• Disability Certificate (if applicable for PWDs)
• Copy of land details (7/12 and 8-A)
• Copy of Aadhaar Card
• Copy of Bank Passbook/Cancelled Cheque
• Copy of Forest Rights Letter (if applicable)
• Any other documents as required
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Who is eligible to benefit from the scheme?
A: Eligible beneficiaries include individual Scheduled Castes farmers as well as farmer groups/cooperative societies in Gujarat.
Q: What financial assistance is available for Scheduled Castes farmers?
A: Assistance is provided up to 75% of the cost of the tools/equipment or a maximum of ₹3,750/-, whichever is lower.
Q: What assistance is available for farmer groups/cooperative societies?
A: They can receive assistance up to 90% of the cost or a maximum of ₹7,50,000/- for installing PHM equipment.
Q: What types of equipment are covered under the scheme?
A: Equipment for post-harvest management including sorting/grading machinery, plastic crates with weights, packing materials, and other related tools.
Q: What are the eligibility criteria for beneficiaries?
A: Beneficiaries must be permanent residents of Gujarat, belong to the Scheduled Caste category, and the tools/equipment must be purchased from an authorized dealer as per the department’s notifications.
Q: Can farmer groups and cooperative societies avail benefits?
A: Yes, both individual farmers and farmer groups/cooperative societies are eligible.
Q: Are there any specific purchasing guidelines for the tools/equipment?
A: Yes, purchases must be made from authorized dealers of empanelled manufacturers as notified by the department.
Q: How can one apply for the scheme?
A: Applications are submitted online through the I-Khedut Portal following the steps provided above.
Q: Can applicants track their application status online?
A: Yes, application status can be tracked at the designated applicant corner on the I-Khedut Portal.