FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)

Mechanization and Technology Division)

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• Why Mechanization?

The mechanization involves judicious application of inputs by using agricultural machinery/equipment e.g. hand tools, bullock drawn equipment, power driven machines including the prime movers for performing various operations required for crop production activities. The mechanization ensures reduction of drudgery associated with various farm operations as also economize the utilization of inputs and thereby harnessing the potential of available resources.  

• If mechanization is necessary, what are the priorities?

The mechanization is necessary to enhance productivity and conservation of energy required for various operations involved in crop production, threshing, processing, transportation, value addition, storage etc. The priorities for mechanization are to be decided as per the actual requirements of various agro climatic zones and involve land preparation equipment; crop production techniques for cereal crops, for cash crops, for oilseeds and pulses and horticultural crops etc.
    

• What are the efforts made by the Government to promote mechanization?

With a view to enhance the pace of agricultural mechanization, the Government has laid emphasis to provide financial assistance to the farmers and other target groups for purchase of different kinds of farm equipment, demonstration of new equipment among farmers for spread of new technology, human resource development in operation, maintenance/ repairs and management of agricultural machinery and the quality improvement through testing and evaluation besides institutional credit & fiscal measures. The Farm Machinery Training & Testing Institutes at Budni (M.P.), Hisar (Haryana), Garladinne (A.P.) and Biswanath Chariali (Assam) established by the Government have playing a vital role in promoting agricultural mechanization.
   

• Is there Agricultural Mechanization Promotion Law?

As of now, there is no Agricultural Mechanization Promotion Law in the country.
   

• Is there any National Policy on mechanization?

As of now, there is “SMAM” and “CRM” National Policy on Agricultural Mechanization. This is covered under RKVY. The Government promote agricultural mechanization in the following directions:-

1. Agricultural mechanization should contribute to sustainable increase in yields and cropping intensity so that the planned growth rates in agricultural production are achieved and maintained.

2. The income of agricultural workers (cultivators and labourers) should increase at a satisfactory rate so that the disparity between urban and rural incomes is contained, and the agricultural worker given his rightful opportunity to lead a dignified life.

3. The benefits of agricultural mechanization should be extended to all categories of farmers with due consideration to small and marginal ones and to all regions of the country especially the rainfed areas.

4. Agricultural mechanization should make the environment worker friendly especially for the women workers by reducing drudgery and health hazards and by improving safety in production operations.

5. Agricultural mechanization should contribute to conservation of land and water resources and to more efficient use of inputs like seed, chemicals, fertilizers and energy.

6. Agricultural produce loss, both in quality and quantity, should be reduced through timely operations and improvement in process and techniques.

7. Agricultural mechanization should lead to reduced costs of production of different commodities, to increase income of farmers and to impart a price advantage to Indian agriculture for competing in the international market.

8. Increasing the reach of farm mechanization to small and marginal farmers and to the regions where availability of farm power is low.

9. Promoting ‘Custom Hiring Centers’ to offset the adverse economies of scale arising due to small landholding and high cost of individual ownership.

10. Creating hubs for hi-tech & high value farm equipments;

11. Creating awareness among stakeholders through demonstration and capacity building activities;

12. Ensuring performance testing and certification at designated testing centers located all over the country.

• What is the progress of Agricultural Mechanization?

Over the different Plans, emphasis have been laid by the Government on selective mechanization which has resulted in increase in the total power availability on farm from 0.29 Kw/ha in 1971-72 to the level of 2.02 kW/ha in 2017-18 and 2.49 kW/ha In 2018-19. This is likely to increase to a level of about 4.0 kW/ha by 2030-31. Farm power availability per unit area is low in comparison to the developed countries of the world.    

• What is the present status of mechanization in India?

The Indian agriculture has undergone a sea change i.e. from manual and bullock farming to utilization of improved equipment and power farming and has resulted in increasing the cropping intensity. India does not need to import tractors, combine harvesters and other improved equipment, which are available within the country. Specialized equipment for cultivation of vegetables, oilseeds and other cash crops, however, need to be imported/developed to increase productivity of these crops to with the developed countries in the world.

• What are the constraints in promotion of mechanization?

The constraints in promotion of mechanization include the varied requirement of equipment for each agro climatic zone, the small and fragmented land holding, low investment capacity of the farmers, inadequate irrigation facilities, knowhow status of the farmers, repairs & maintenance facilities etc.

• Whether there is labour displacement /unemployment due to mechanization?

No, the mechanization does not necessarily displace labour rather through mechanization the labour employment particularly for paid employment is enhanced by way of increase in cropped area handling of more produce, expansion of marketing infrastructure etc.

• Whether irrigation potential is a limitation for adoption of mechanization?

The experiences have shown that rate of adoption of mechanization is certainly linked with the irrigation facilities developed in different parts of the country. The States with adequate irrigation facilities, the mechanization has progressed at faster rate in comparison to States that have scant irrigation facilities and dependent on monsoon. However, the equipment for rained areas have also been developed which could be adopted for raising crops.

• What are the priorities of mechanization in the present scenario?

With a view to spreading new technology, the demonstration of newly developed equipment has been taken up through FMTTIs, State identified institutions, ICAR institutions, ATMA institutions, KVKs under ICAR, National Innovation Foundation (NIF), PSUs of GOI, FPOs. Efforts are on to improve the quality of agricultural equipment particularly those manufactured in the small scale sector, development of human resource for promotion of new and hi-tech equipment for the benefit of small and marginal farmers. Due priority to popularize gender friendly agricultural equipment for women farmers is also being given. Emphasis is also being given on promotion of resource/residue management equipment, water and energy conservation equipment etc. Institutional credit is available to the farmers besides subsidy for the purchase of various identified equipment.

• What is the role of Farm Machinery Training & Testing Institutes (FMTTIs) in promotion of agricultural mechanization?

The Farm Machinery Training & Testing Institutes contribute in the promotion of agricultural mechanization in terms of Human Resource Development, Test and Performance evaluation of agricultural machinery to assess their functional suitability and Demonstration of Newly developed Agriculture Machinery.

• Which are the target groups of the beneficiaries for various training programmes undertaken by the Farm Machinery Training & Testing Institutes?

The target groups of the beneficiaries of various training programmes undertaken by the FMTTIs are as under: -

• What is the source of information for such training programmes?

The information on training programmes conducted by various FMTTIs can be obtained from advertisements released by the institutes in leading newspapers. The FMTTIs at Anantpur and Assam also release advertisement in regional leading newspapers. The beneficiaries can also obtain the information released by the institutions through social media and respective institute website. The information can also be obtained at the following addresses: -

1. Director, Central Farm Machinery Training & Testing Institute, Tractor Nagar,Budni (MP)-466445.
   Tel. 07564-299003,299002,
   E-mail: fmti-mp[at] nic[dot]in

2. Director, Northern Region Farm Machinery Training & Testing Institute, Tractor Nagar, Sirsa Road, HISSAR- 125 001 (HARYANA)
   Telefax : 01662-227684
   E-mail : fmti-nr[at]nic[dot]in

3. Director, Southern Region Farm Machinery Training Testing Institute, Tractor Nagar, P.O. Garladinne-515 731, Distt. Anantapur (Andhra Pradesh)
   Telefax : 08551-286441
   E-mail : fmti-sr[at]nic[dot]in

4. Director, North Eastern Region Farm Machinery Training & Testing Institute, Biswanath Chariali –784176, Dist Biswanath (Assam)
   Telefax : 03715-222094
   E-mail: fmti-ner[at]nic[dot]in

• What is the difference between the training programmes undertaken by Farm Machinery Training & Testing Institutes and by other organizations?

The basic difference between the training programmes undertaken by FMTTIs and other organizations is that the FMTTIs impart skill-oriented training on agricultural mechanization to the various groups of beneficiaries whereas most of the other organizations conduct mainly information based training programmes.

• Whether the training programmes conducted by Farm Machinery Training & Testing Institutes have been evaluated?

The training programmes conducted by FMTTIs are evaluated through regular and periodical skill tests conducted, which include information on enhancement of skill of the trainee in operation, maintenance, repairs of agricultural machinery, adoption of practice propagated during training programmes, conservation of various inputs for crop production and energy in use of agricultural machinery, the status of employment and their suggestions on training programmes etc. The training programmes have also been evaluated once by the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad and WAPCOS Ltd. which has assessed the training needs in various States and have recommended to train more trainees. However, it has not been possible to establish additional training institutes over and above the existing 4 FMTTIs located at Budni (MP), Hissar (Haryana), Garladinne (AP) and Biswanath Chariali (Assam). Under the circumstances, the requirement to augment the Human Resource development in Agricultural Mechanization is proposed to be met by adding a component of outsourcing of training activities through SAUs, Agricultural Engineering Colleges, ICAR Institutes etc.

• Is there any post-training follow up system with the trainees?

The institutions are collecting information from the trainees through postal survey on adoption of mechanization practices and skills propagated during training programmes, taking up of minor repairs themselves etc. As a result of training there is proper utilization of machines/ conservation of energy. The refresher courses are also conducted based on requests.

• Is the testing of agricultural machinery mandatory?

The testing of agricultural machines and implements is not mandatory. The major equipment like tractors, power tillers, self-propelled combine harvesters, Sugar cane Harvester, power operated equipment, irrigation, plant-protection equipment , manual, bullock operated and tractor/power tiller operated etc. are being tested by FMTTIs at Budni, Hissar, Garladinne (A.P.) and Biswanath Charali ( Assam ) & 38 SAUs authorized testing institute on regular basis.

• Why testing?

The Testing of agricultural machinery is essential with a view to assess their functional performance, suitability under varying field conditions, establish performance data as per specifications for marketing and extension services and assist financial institutions/banks etc. The information developed by way of testing of machines may be of interest to the agricultural machinery users, research institutes manufacturers etc.

• • Who can request for testing of agricultural machines?

Application for test of agricultural machinery/equipment can be made by the manufacturers/accredited importers, ICAR Institutes, State Governments, Agro Industries Corporation and by any interested individual/group.

• What are the pre-requisites for the testing of agricultural equipment?

Pre-requisites for testing of agricultural equipment at FMTTI’s includes submission of application and specifications for each equipment in a prescribed format, an undertaking to abide by the Rules & Regulations for testing of agricultural machinery at FMTTIs, to provide any additional information which is considered necessary by the Testing Institute/Govt. and payment of Test Fee as fixed by Government.

• • What types of tests do FMT&TIs undertake?

The types of tests undertaken by FMTTIs are as under: -

1. Commercial Tests are for establishing performance characteristics of machines that are in or ready for commercial production. The following types of commercial tests will be undertaken:

1. Initial Commercial Tests on indigenous or imported proto-type machines ready for commercial production.
     

2. Batch Test on machines, which have already undergone Initial Commercial Test and /or are being manufactured commercially in the country.

3. Test in accordance with OECD Standard Test Code shall be undertaken on machines on the specific request of the manufacturer/applicant, exclusively for export purposes.

2. Confidential Tests are for providing confidential information on the performance of machines, whether ready for commercial production or not or to provide any special data that may be required by the manufacturer/applicant.

• Are there any regulations to be followed during the course of test?

The Regulations for testing of agricultural machinery at FMTTIs has approved by Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India and should be essentially followed during the course of test of various types of equipment.

• What is the schedule of Test Fee for various types of equipment?

The schedule of test fee for the equipment is as under: -

• What is tentative time involved in testing of various types of agricultural equipment?

The tentative time involved in testing of various types of agricultural equipment is as under: -

• Which of the agricultural equipment require CMVR certification?

The agricultural equipment requiring CMVR certification includes agricultural tractors, power tillers, combine harvesters and Sugarcane Harvester as of now.

• What are the pre-requisites for getting the road-worthiness certificates as per CMVR?

The pre-requisites for getting the road worthiness certificate as per CMVR require submission of the machine/equipment for verification of requirements to CMVR (1989 as amended from time to time) for Tractor, Power Tiller, Combine Harvester and Sugar cane Harvester at Central Farm Machinery Training & Testing Institute, Tractor Nagar, Budni (MP)-466445) , for Combine Harvester and Sugar cane Harvester at Northern Region Farm Machinery Training & Testing Institute,Tractor Nagar, Sirsa Road, HISAR- 125 001 (HARYANA)

• What is the system of the evaluation of the Test Reports and recommending them for institutional financing?

In order to streamline the system of evaluation of Test Reports on tractors , power tillers, Combine Harvester an Sugarcane harvester the criteria of Minimum Performance Standards mentioned under BIS code. Subsequently, Critical technical specifications for the 50 agricultural machinery has been framed by the Ministry for the recommendation of institutional financing.

• Which are the various Indian Standards applicable for testing of different types of equipment and their source of availability?

The Bureau of Indian Standards has published the various Indian Standards applicable for testing of different types of equipment. The same are available at Bureau of Indian Standards Manak Bhawan, 9 Bhadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi-110002 and at their regional offices in the country at Kolkata, Chandigarh , Chennai, Mumbai. Also available on https://law.resource.org/ The Indian Standards applicable for testing of different types of Indian Standards are as under:-

• Name the Plan Schemes under which the subsidy is available to the farmers for the purchase of agricultural implement and machines.

The following specific interventions with a special emphasis on ‘reaching the unreached’ will bring small and marginal farmers’ at the core. With this aim the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Mechanization and Technology Division has formulated a dedicated scheme “Sub Mission on Agricultural Mechanization� with following components;

• Promotion and Strengthening of Agricultural Mechanization through Training, Testing and Demonstration

Aims to ensure performance testing of agricultural machinery and equipment, capacity building of farmers and end users and promoting farm mechanization through demonstrations

• Demonstration, Training and Distribution of Post-Harvest Technology and Management (PHTM):

Aims at popularizing technology for primary processing, value addition, low cost scientific storage/transport and the crop by-product management through demonstrations, capacity building of farmers and end users. Provides financial assistance for establishing PHT units.

• Financial Assistance for Procurement of Agriculture Machinery and Equipment:

Promotes ownership of various agricultural machinery & equipments as per norms of assistance.

• Establish Farm Machinery Banks for Custom Hiring:

Provides suitable financial assistance to establish Farm Machinery Banks for Custom Hiring for appropriate locations and crops.

• Establish Hi-Tech, High Productive Equipment Hub for Custom Hiring

Provides financial assistance to set up hi-tech machinery hubs for high value crops like sugarcane, cotton etc

• Promotion of Farm Mechanization in Selected Villages:

Provides financial assistance to promote appropriate technologies and to set up Farm Machinery Banks in identified villages in low mechanized states

• Financial Assistance for Promotion of Mechanized Operations/hectare Carried out Through Custom Hiring Centers:

Provides financial assistance on per hectare basis to the beneficiaries hiring machinery/equipments from custom hiring centers in low mechanized areas.

• Promotion of Farm Machinery and Equipment in North-Eastern Region

Extends financial assistance to beneficiaries in high potential but low mechanized states of northeast.

• Promotion of Drone Technology

Extends financial assistance to beneficiaries like FPOs @75 % cost of Drone up to a maximum Rs. 7.5 Lakh , for individuals Framers like SC, ST, Small, Marginal, Women and NE state Farmers @50 % cost of Drone up to a maximum Rs. 5 Lakh and for other individuals Framers @40 % cost of Drone up to a maximum Rs. 4 Lakh

SMAM will have Central Sector Schemes under component No.1 & 2 in which Government of India contributes 100%. Centrally Sponsored Schemes are covered under component No. 3 to 8 including Administrative and Flexi funds in which Government of India contributes 60% and states contribute 40% except North eastern states and Himalayan regions states where it is 90 %(Central Share) and 10% (State Share). For Union Territories, it is 100% center share. The subsidy on tractors and power tillers is available on the models approved by the department under institutional financing. Besides tractors and power tillers, combine harvesters and Sugar cane harvester are also available to the farmers as per approved pattern of subsidy. As an individual farmer may not be in a position to purchase high cost equipment on his own, Self Help Group of farmers (SHGs), user groups, cooperative societies of farmers etc are also made eligible for assistance under the programme

The interventions of the crop residue management will be implemented as a component of Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) With this aim the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Mechanization and Technology Division has formulated a dedicated scheme “crop residue management” with following components:

1. Financial assistance to farmers for procurement of crop residue management machines on individual ownership basis: The rate of financial will @ 50% of the cost of machinery.

2. Establishment of Custom Hiring Centres of Crop Residue Management Machines: Financial assistance @ 80% of the project cost for the projects of Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs) costing up to Rs. 15 lakhs will be available to Rural Entrepreneurs (Rural youth and farmer as an entrepreneur), Cooperative Societies of Farmers, Self Help Groups (SHGs), Registered Farmers Societies, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and Panchayats. The maximum permissible assistance per machine under the CHC project will be the amount arrived by multiplying the maximum permissible assistance for each machine. The maximum permissible assistance for each project should not exceed Rs. 12.00 lakhs per project.

3. Establishment of crop residue/paddy straw supply chain: The project proposal based financial assistance will be provided only on the capital cost of machinery and equipment like Higher HP Tractor, Cutters, Tedder, Medium to Large Balers, Rakers, Loaders, Grabbers and Telehandlers. The capital subsidy will be released into the bank Escrow account of beneficiary through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

4. Information, Education and Communication (IEC) for awareness on crop residue management: The machines to be demonstrated shall be identified by the implementing agencies. The implementing agencies will be provided full cost of machines to be procured and a contingency expenditure @ Rs. 6000/- per hectare will also be provided for taking up demonstrations on the farmers’ fields.

• What are the steps taken for modernization of agriculture?

In order to modernize the agricultural practices in vogue, the following actions have been taken by the Government: -

1. Identification of prototypes developed under ICAR Research Schemes, State Agricultural Universities, State Governments manufacturers and others.

2. Demonstration of newly developed equipment.

3. Human Resource Development, engaged in machinery use, repair etc.

4. Financial assistance in the farm of subsidy to the farmers for the purchase of agricultural equipment.

5. Provision of institutional credit to the farmers for the purchase of agricultural implements & machines.

6. Fiscal measure in the form of reduction/exemption of agricultural implements & machines from levy of Central Excise Duty

• What are the identified newly developed equipments?

A few newly developed equipment identified are -

Kisan Drone, Ride on Self-propelled tool bar, Surface Seeder, Happy Seeder, Smart Seeder, Super Seeder, Electric Tractor etc.