The scheme “Harvesting Tools Assistance for Scheduled Castes (HRT-4)” is implemented by the Directorate of Horticulture, Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Co-operation Department, Government of Gujarat. It provides financial assistance to Scheduled Castes farmers and to farmer groups such as FPOs, FPCs, FIGs, SHGs, and Cooperative Societies for purchasing various harvesting and processing equipment. This assistance covers tools used in post-harvest management, including equipment for sorting, grading, and packaging.
Benefits
• Scheduled Castes Farmers:
– Assistance up to 50% of the cost of the harvesting tool or ₹1,00,000/-, whichever is lower.
• FPO/FPC/FIG/SHG/Cooperative Societies:
– Assistance up to 75% of the cost or ₹1,50,000/-, whichever is lower.
• Note: The unit cost of the harvesting tool should not exceed ₹2,00,000/-.
Eligibility
• Must be a permanent resident of Gujarat.
• Beneficiary must belong to the Scheduled Caste category.
• Both individual farmers and organized groups (FPOs, FPCs, FIGs, SHGs, Cooperative Societies) are eligible.
• Assistance is available once in five years.
• Equipment must be certified by ISO/BIS/ISI or by a Government-recognized organization and purchased through an authorized dealer.
Application Process
Online
Application Procedure:
• Step 01: Visit the I-Khedut Portal: https://ikhedut.gujarat.gov.in/
• Step 02: Click on ‘Schemes’ and then select ‘Horticulture Schemes’.
• Step 03: Select the scheme ‘Harvesting Tools’ and review the instructions for HRT-4.
• Step 04: Click on the ‘Apply’ button to open the application page.
• Step 05: Click “Apply New” to submit a new application.
• Step 06: Click “Update Application” to make corrections if necessary.
• Step 07: Confirm the application once completed.
• Step 08: Print the confirmed application and submit it along with the necessary documents to the office address mentioned, or upload the signed copy using the “Upload Signed Copy of Application Print” menu.
– Note: The portal allows uploading a scanned copy of the caste certificate in the “Other Document Upload” menu.
– Note: Scanned copies must be in PDF format and not exceed 200 KB.
Application Tracking:
• Check your application status/view/print/upload details at: https://ikhedut.gujarat.gov.in/public/frm_Applicant_Corner.aspx
Documents Required
• Scheduled Caste 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 or Cancelled Cheque
• Copy of Forest Rights Letter (if applicable)
• Samanti Form (for joint ownership, if applicable)
• For FPO/FPC/Cooperative Society: Registration documents, constitution, list of members, and last year’s audit report (if applicable)
• Any other documents as required
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Who can benefit from the scheme?
A: The scheme benefits Scheduled Caste farmers as well as FPOs, FPCs, FIGs, SHGs, and Cooperative Societies in Gujarat.
Q: What are the benefits for Scheduled Castes farmers?
A: Individual Scheduled Caste farmers can receive up to 50% assistance or a maximum of ₹1,00,000/- on the cost of harvesting tools.
Q: What benefits are available for farmer groups/cooperative societies?
A: They can avail assistance up to 75% of the cost or a maximum of ₹1,50,000/- for harvesting tools.
Q: Is there a limit on the cost of the harvesting tool eligible for assistance?
A: Yes, the unit cost of the harvesting tool must be up to ₹2,00,000/-.
Q: What are the eligibility criteria for beneficiaries?
A: Beneficiaries must be permanent residents of Gujarat, belong to the Scheduled Caste category, and can be either individual farmers or organized groups.
Q: Can both individual farmers and organizations avail benefits?
A: Yes, both individual Scheduled Caste farmers and organized groups (FPOs, FPCs, FIGs, SHGs, Cooperative Societies) are eligible.
Q: How often can a beneficiary avail assistance?
A: Assistance is available once every five years.
Q: Are there specific requirements for the equipment?
A: Yes, the equipment must be certified by ISO/BIS/ISI or a government-recognized organization and purchased from an authorized dealer.
Q: How can one apply for the scheme?
A: Applications must be submitted online via the I-Khedut Portal following the steps outlined above.
Q: Can applicants track their application status online?
A: Yes, applicants can track their application status using the designated portal link.