Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) (Agriculture)
1. Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) (Agriculture)
Why In News: The cumulative achievements of the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) from 2014-15 to 2025-26, highlighted its expanding focus on small and marginal farmers, women farmers, and the North-Eastern states. Source: PIB Analysis, 09 July 2026 - 'Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization: Enhancing Productivity through Farm Mechanization'
What is SMAM? The Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) was launched in 2014–15 by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare to promote farm mechanisation. Aim: Expand mechanisation among small and marginal farmers and in low farm-power regions. Objectives: Promote Custom Hiring Centres & Hi-tech hubs, create awareness via demonstrations, and ensure testing & certification of farm machinery.
Features It provides subsidies on agricultural machinery- 40–50% for most States and 100% (up to 1.25 lakh) for North Eastern Region (NER) beneficiaries. A multilingual mobile app – “CHC (Custom Hiring Centres)–Farm Machinery” links farmers with nearby Custom Hiring Centres for easy access to equipment. ○ Custom Hiring Centres let farmers rent machinery instead of purchasing it, addressing affordability constraints for small holdings. ○ Farm Machinery Banks are community-level facilities that stock machinery for local farmers' shared use. 30% of SMAM funds are earmarked for women farmers, reflecting the scheme's gender-inclusive design.
Key Facts for Prelims SMAM operates under PM-RKVY (Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana), the umbrella centrally sponsored scheme for agricultural development. Drone use in agriculture is also promoted through the Namo Drone Didi scheme, which specifically targets women's SHGs for drone-based agri-services.