Launched on 12 February 2013 by the Agriculture Department, Government of West Bengal, the “One Time Assistance to Small and Marginal Farmers for Purchase of Small Farm Implements (OTA-SFI)” scheme is part of the Farm Mechanization Umbrella Scheme. This initiative is designed to support small and marginal farmers in acquiring manually operated small farm implements that are essential for various agricultural operations. The scheme covers tools such as sprayers, manually operated paddy threshers, weeder implements (cono weeder, weeder), drum-seeders, solar light traps, chaff cutters, seed bins, seed trays, seeder, battery-operated sprayers, and PVC pipes for water transport.
Features and Area of Operation
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Manually Operated Implements:
Financial support is primarily for manually operated tools. -
Battery Operated Components:
Includes battery-operated sprayers and PVC pipes. -
Geographical Coverage:
The scheme is uniformly applicable throughout West Bengal, except in Kolkata district.
Benefits
Pattern of Assistance
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Subsidy Limit:
The assistance is capped at a maximum of ₹10,000 or 50% of the total indicative price of the purchased manually operated machinery/implement—whichever is lower. -
Equipment List:
A comprehensive list of eligible implements is provided in Annexure-III (Page No. 37). The list includes various models and their indicative prices, which are published on the Matirkatha portal by the SPMT before the online application process begins. -
Combination Purchase:
Beneficiaries may choose a combination of different implements within the subsidy limit, though they are restricted to purchasing a maximum of two units of the same item. -
Subsidy Disbursement:
The subsidy is released as a back-end subsidy through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) after the beneficiary procures the equipment with a bank loan under the FSSM.
Eligibility
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Eligible Applicants:
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Individual farmers registered under the Krishak Bandhu (New) Scheme.
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Farmer groups such as SKUS/PACS/FPO/FPC/FIG/SHG, duly graded and recognized by any government institution or department.
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Age Requirement:
The beneficiary must be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
Exclusions
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Reapplication Restriction:
A beneficiary or their spouse cannot apply for a new subsidy under any Farm Mechanization scheme (including FSSM, OTA-SFI, FMB/FMH & CHC) before completing four years from the release of the last subsidy. -
Ineligible Occupations:
Employees or retired employees of the State Government, statutory bodies, government undertakings, panchayats, municipal corporations/municipalities, local bodies, and government-aided educational institutions are not eligible.
Application Process
Online Registration Process
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New Registration:
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Visit the official FMS portal and click on “New Registration.”
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Fill in all the mandatory details in the “Applicant Registration” form and verify the information.
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Click on “Sign Up.”
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Online Application:
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Visit the official FMS portal and click on “Log in.”
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Enter your Voter Card number, Password, and select the Season, then click on “Log In.”
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Complete the mandatory details in the application form.
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After successful online submission, print the application along with the acknowledgement receipt, attach a recent passport-size photograph, and any other prescribed documents (self-attested, if required).
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Submit the hard copies to the office of the Assistant Director of Agriculture of the concerned Block within the stipulated period.
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Note: One-time edit option is available after online submission but before the hard copy submission. Once the hard copy is submitted, no further edits are allowed.
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Keep the generated serial number from the online application for all future references.
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Helpline Desk: 8336957298 (10:00 am to 6:00 pm)
Note:
The online application for beneficiary farmers/entrepreneurs must be completed on the Matirkatha/FMS portal following due advertisement in leading dailies and on the departmental website.
Documents Required
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Identity proof (EPIC/Voter ID card)
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Aadhaar Card of the applicant & spouse (for individual application)
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Active bank account details
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Active mobile number
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Land particulars
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Krishak Bandhu ID number (check your Krishak Bandhu ID online)
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Details of the machinery/equipment/implement to be purchased (as selected from the departmental portal, including manufacturer name)
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the objective of the scheme?
To aid small and marginal farmers in procuring essential manually operated small farm implements to enhance farm mechanization. -
Which department has launched this scheme?
The scheme is launched by the Agriculture Department, Government of West Bengal. -
Who is eligible to apply under this scheme?
Individual farmers registered under the Krishak Bandhu (New) Scheme or recognized farmer groups (e.g., SKUS, PACS, FPO, FPC, FIG, SHG) who meet the age and other criteria. -
How can the benefits of the scheme be availed?
Benefits are availed through a back-end subsidy, released via DBT once the beneficiary purchases the eligible implements using a bank loan under the FSSM. -
What is the mode of selection of beneficiaries?
Beneficiaries are selected based on the eligibility criteria, including registration under the Krishak Bandhu Scheme or recognized farmer groups, and compliance with the application process. -
Is there any fee or charges to apply for this scheme?
No, there are no charges for applying under this scheme. -
Is there any age restriction?
Yes, the beneficiary must be at least 18 years old at the time of application. -
Is there any priority for female applicants?
The guidelines do not specify any priority for female applicants. -
Is there any income criteria for the farmers to be eligible?
The scheme targets small and marginal farmers; however, specific income criteria are not mentioned in the guidelines. -
Are employees/retired employees of government bodies eligible?
No, employees or retired employees of the State Government, statutory bodies, government undertakings, and similar institutions are not eligible. -
How will the subsidy be released to the beneficiary?
The subsidy is released through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to the beneficiary’s bank account after procurement of the equipment. -
What is the pattern of assistance?
The assistance is provided as a maximum of ₹10,000 or 50% of the total indicative price of the purchased implements—whichever is lower.