The scheme “Harvesting Tools Assistance for Scheduled Tribes (HRT-3)” is implemented by the Directorate of Horticulture, Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Co-operation Department, Government of Gujarat. It provides financial assistance for purchasing harvesting tools to Scheduled Tribes farmers as well as to FPOs (Farmers Producer Organizations), FPCs (Farmers Producer Companies), FIGs (Farmer Interest Groups), SHGs (Self-Help Groups), and Cooperative Societies. The assistance covers various harvesting tools, including plastic crates, weights, packing materials, and sorting/grading machinery, essential for efficient post-harvest management.
Benefits
• Scheduled Tribes Farmers: Assistance up to 50% of the cost 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 must not exceed ₹2,00,000/-.
Eligibility
• Must be a permanent resident of Gujarat.
• The beneficiary must belong to the Scheduled Tribe category.
• Both individual Scheduled Tribe farmers and farmer groups/cooperative societies are eligible.
• Equipment must be purchased from an authorized dealer of an empanelled manufacturer (or imported equipment) as per department guidelines.
• Assistance Frequency: Available once every five years.
Application Process
Online
Application Procedure:
• Step 01: Visit the I-Khedut Portal: https://ikhedut.gujarat.gov.in/
• Step 02: Click on ‘Schemes’ then ‘Horticulture Schemes’.
• Step 03: Select the scheme ‘Harvesting Tools’ and read the instructions for HRT-3.
• Step 04: Click ‘Apply’ to open the application page.
• Step 05: Click on “Apply New” to submit a new application.
• Step 06: Click on “Update Application” to correct any errors.
• Step 07: Confirm the application once completed.
• Step 08: Take a printout of the confirmed application and submit it along with the necessary documents to the office address mentioned, or upload the signed copy via the “Upload Signed Copy of Application Print” menu on the portal.
– Note: Upload a scanned copy of the caste certificate using the “Other Document Upload” menu wherever applicable.
– Note: No need for physical submission if the scanned copy is uploaded.
– Note: Scanned copies must be in PDF format and not exceed 200 KB.
Application Tracking:
• Check application status/view/print/upload details at: https://ikhedut.gujarat.gov.in/public/frm_Applicant_Corner.aspx
Documents Required
• Scheduled Tribes 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 partners holding land jointly, if applicable)
• For FPO/FPC/Cooperative Society: Documents related to registration, activities, constitution, members, and the audit report for the last year
• Any other documents as required
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Who can benefit from the scheme?
A: The scheme benefits individual Scheduled Tribe farmers as well as FPOs, FPCs, FIGs, SHGs, and Cooperative Societies in Gujarat.
Q: What benefits are available for Scheduled Tribes farmers?
A: Scheduled Tribes farmers can receive assistance up to 50% of the cost of harvesting tools, capped at ₹1,00,000/-.
Q: What benefits are available for farmer groups/cooperative societies?
A: They can receive assistance up to 75% of the cost, capped at ₹1,50,000/-.
Q: Is there a limit on the cost of the harvesting tool?
A: Yes, the unit cost of the harvesting tool must not exceed ₹2,00,000/-.
Q: What are the eligibility criteria for beneficiaries?
A: Beneficiaries must be permanent residents of Gujarat, belong to the Scheduled Tribe category, and can be either individual farmers or organized groups such as FPOs, FPCs, FIGs, SHGs, or Cooperative Societies.
Q: Can individual farmers and organizations both avail benefits?
A: Yes, both individual Scheduled Tribe farmers and farmer groups/cooperative societies are eligible.
Q: How often can a beneficiary avail of the assistance?
A: Assistance is available once every five years.
Q: Are there any specific requirements for the equipment?
A: Yes, equipment must be certified by ISO/BIS/ISI or a Government-recognized organization and must be purchased from an authorized dealer.
Q: How can one apply for the scheme?
A: Apply online through the I-Khedut Portal by following the detailed application steps.
Q: Can applicants track their application status online?
A: Yes, you can track your application at the designated applicant corner on the I-Khedut Portal.