VIJAYAWADA, 21 June 2025: In a major boost to smallholder agriculture, the Andhra Pradesh government has distributed farm machinery worth ₹60.53 crore to 25,192 small and marginal farmers under the Farm Mechanisation Scheme 2024–25, offering a 50% subsidy on the equipment.
The programme was officially launched in Amaravati on Wednesday by Agriculture Director Dilli Rao, who presided over the ceremonial cheque release event. The scheme aims to encourage the adoption of modern agricultural tools to improve productivity, reduce manual labor, and support genuine cultivators across the state.
The disbursement was conducted following the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) guidelines and was marked by strict transparency. Farmer selection was facilitated via the Karshak portal, with land ownership and cropping data verified using Webland and e-Crop databases. Tribal beneficiaries were verified through the Giri Bhoomi portal. Priority was given to farmers who had not received implements in the last five years.
District Collectors supervised the initiative in their respective regions. Equipment was handed over to farmers at local Rythu Seva Kendras (RSKs), with beneficiary lists publicly displayed to ensure accountability.
Director Dilli Rao praised the efforts of the district officials and emphasized the role of the scheme in raising awareness about farm mechanisation. “This is a vital step toward transforming smallholder farming in Andhra Pradesh. Access to tools at subsidized rates will not only boost efficiency but also improve incomes,” he said.
With the 2024–25 agricultural season underway, this initiative aligns with the state's broader vision of modernizing agriculture and empowering rural communities through technology and support-driven reforms.
