Karnataka Govt Launches 91 Farm Machinery Hubs Offering Substantial Subsidies to Tackle Harvest Labor Shortages

Addressing the persistent problem of labor shortage during harvest season, the Karnataka government has taken a positive step by issuing guidelines for setting up farm machinery hubs across the state. This initiative empowers farmers' groups and even individual farmers to establish hubs where they can rent out agricultural machinery like harvesters for short periods, making mechanization more accessible and affordable.

The program plans to establish 91 hubs, strategically distributed across all districts with an average of 2-10 hubs per district. This ensures accessibility for farmers in various regions, catering to their diverse needs and crop patterns.

Rural entrepreneurs, youth groups, farmer cooperatives, and producer organizations are all eligible to set up these hubs. This inclusive approach encourages community participation and empowers local stakeholders to drive the initiative forward.

To make the hubs financially viable, the government offers substantial subsidies. Individual beneficiaries can receive up to 50% of the cost, while institutions can claim up to 70%. This significantly reduces the initial investment burden, boosting the program's appeal. Recognizing the diverse farming practices across the state, the hubs will be categorized based on their primary function. Hubs focusing on combo harvesters, combined harvesters, or sugarcane harvesters will receive targeted support, ensuring optimal resource allocation.

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Transparency and accessibility

To prevent exploitation and ensure fair pricing, a district committee will oversee the setting of hiring tariffs and maintenance operations. This safeguard guarantees that even small and marginal farmers can benefit from the hubs without facing financial pressures.

This initiative complements the central government's Sub Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) scheme, providing additional support for smaller projects with costs under ₹1 crore. This comprehensive approach offers a wider range of options for farmers seeking access to mechanization solutions.

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By tackling the labor shortage issue and promoting mechanization, these farm machinery hubs hold immense potential to improve agricultural productivity, reduce reliance on manual labor, and ultimately, enhance the income and well-being of farmers across Karnataka.

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