Sub Mission on Agricultural Mechanization - Aim, Objectives, Elements, Advantages & Disadvantages

The Indian Government launched a scheme called SMAM (SMAM full form is Sub-Mission on Agriculture Mechanization) to promote the use of machines in farming. Its goal is to make farming more efficient and productive by using modern equipment. The scheme covers different areas like buying machines, encouraging their use, showing how they work, and providing training. It is managed by the Department of Agriculture.

Source: Department of Agriculture, Govt. of Philippines

Sub-Mission on Agriculture Mechanization (SMAM) is one of the most important topics for the UPSC IAS exam. It covers a significant part of the General Studies paper-2(Mains)  syllabus and current events for the UPSC prelims exam.

In this article, we shall study the complete overview of the Sub-Mission on Agriculture Mechanization (SMAM) for UPSC and Important facts regarding it.

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What is Sub-Mission on Agriculture Mechanization (SMAM)?

Sub-Mission on Agriculture Mechanization (SMAM) is a scheme launched by the Government of India under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare. This scheme aims to promote the use of agricultural machinery and equipment to enhance the productivity and efficiency of agriculture in India.

Aims and Objectives of SMAM 

The main objectives of Farm Mechanization are as follows:

• To promote the use of agricultural machinery and equipment for various farming operations such as land preparation, sowing, planting, irrigation, harvesting, and post-harvest management.
• To provide financial assistance to farmers and entrepreneurs for the purchase of new agricultural machinery and equipment.
• To encourage the adoption of modern technologies in agriculture and promote sustainable agriculture practices.
• To improve the efficiency and productivity of agriculture by reducing the dependence on manual labor.
• To create employment opportunities in the agricultural sector and improve the livelihoods of farmers.

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Elements of Sub-Mission on Agriculture Mechanization

The key elements of SMAM are as follows:

Financial help for the purchase of agricultural machinery and equipment

The scheme provides financial help to farmers and entrepreneurs for the purchase of agricultural machinery. The subsidy amount varies depending on the type of machinery and equipment being purchased.

Promotion of custom hiring centers (CHCs)

The scheme promotes the establishment of CHCs. They provide farmers with access to agricultural machinery and equipment on a rental basis. CHCs are typically established by private entrepreneurs or farmer cooperatives.

Training and capacity building of farmers and entrepreneurs

The scheme provides training and capacity-building programs for farmers and entrepreneurs. These programs are typically conducted by agricultural research institutions or farmer cooperatives.

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The Strategy of the SMAM Scheme 

The strategy of the SMAM scheme involves the following steps:

• Identification of potential areas for the adoption of agricultural machinery and equipment.
• Creation of awareness among farmers and entrepreneurs about the benefits of agricultural mechanization.
• Identification of the needs and requirements of farmers and entrepreneurs for agricultural machinery and equipment.
• Development of a database of agricultural machinery manufacturers and suppliers.
• Selection of appropriate machinery and equipment for specific farming operations.

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Eligibility for SMAM Scheme

Here are the eligibility criteria for the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) scheme:

• The applicant must be a farmer. The following categories of farmers are eligible for SMAM:
  • Farmers with landholdings of up to 2 hectares.
  • Female farmers, who are the heads of their households.
  • Farmers who belong to a Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, or Other Backward Class.
• The applicant's annual income must not exceed ₹2 lakhs.
• The applicant's name must be registered on the ration card.
• The applicant must have an Aadhaar card.
• The applicant must belong to an SC/ST/OBC category.

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Advantages of SMAM

The SMAM scheme has many advantages, including:

• The SMAM scheme provides farmers with access to modern agricultural machinery and equipment. This can help them to increase their productivity.
• Agricultural machinery can help farmers reduce their labor costs by automating tasks such as:
  • plowing, 
  • sowing, 
  • harvesting, and 
  • threshing.
• Modern agricultural machinery can help farmers to produce higher-quality agricultural products. This is by reducing crop damage and increasing the efficiency of post-harvest handling.
• Some agricultural machinery and equipment can help farmers to reduce their environmental impact. This is by reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
• By increasing their productivity and reducing their costs, the SMAM scheme can help farmers to increase their income.

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Disadvantages of SMAM 

While there are several advantages of submission on agricultural mechanization, there are also some potential disadvantages that should be considered:

• Purchasing agricultural machinery can be expensive. This can be a challenge for small-scale farmers with limited financial resources.
• Reliance on technology can lead to breakdowns, power outages, and technical problems. This can cause delays and disruptions in farming operations.
• Some farmers may not have access to modern agricultural machinery. This may limit their ability to adopt mechanization practices.
• Operating and maintaining modern machinery requires specialized skills and training. Small-scale farmers may lack this.
• The use of heavy machinery can have negative environmental effects. This includes soil compaction, erosion, and water pollution. It's important to manage these impacts for sustainable agricultural practices.

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Other Initiatives related to SMAM

Other related initiatives in the context of SMAM include:

Farm Machinery Banks 

FMBs provide farmers with access to agricultural machinery and equipment on a rental basis. FMBs are typically established by state governments or farmer cooperatives.

Custom Hiring Centers (CHCs)

CHCs are similar to FMBs. They also provide farmers with access to a range of other services. This includes training on how to use agricultural machinery and equipment. CHCs are typically established by private entrepreneurs or farmer cooperatives.

Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers Associations

AMMAs represent the interests of manufacturers of agricultural machinery and equipment. AMMAs work with the government to promote the use of agricultural machinery and equipment in India.

Agricultural Research Institutions

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) plays an important role in developing new agricultural machinery and equipment. ICAR also works with farmers and manufacturers to promote the adoption of new technologies.

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Conclusion

The Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) scheme in India is an effective government initiative that promotes agricultural productivity. It provides financial support to farmers for the acquisition of advanced farm machinery and equipment. By embracing mechanization, farmers can increase their efficiency and reduce labor costs. The scheme encourages the adoption of new technologies, leading to sustainable agricultural development. Overall, the SMAM scheme has significantly transformed the agricultural sector, improving the lives of farmers and ensuring a prosperous future for them.

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