Farmers in Aurangabad district have a golden opportunity to purchase modern agricultural machinery under the Agricultural Mechanization Scheme. For the financial year 2026-27, a total of ₹603.77 lakh has been allocated for providing subsidies on the purchase of 86 types of agricultural implements to farmers in the district. Eligible farmers will receive subsidies ranging from 40% to 80% on the purchase of these machines. The last date for online application is October 31.

Under the directives of District Magistrate Abhilasha Sharma, the agriculture department is emphasizing the effective implementation of this scheme. The primary objective is to promote the use of modern technology and machinery in farming, thereby saving farmers' time and labor, reducing production costs, and increasing their income. The state government has approved a total of ₹236.58 crore for the Agricultural Mechanization Scheme (SMAM) under the agricultural roadmap for FY 2026-27, with a portion allocated to Aurangabad district.

The scheme is divided into five main components. The first component allows farmers to purchase agricultural machinery at subsidized rates. The second component provides a maximum subsidy of ₹4 lakh for establishing Custom Hiring Centers, enabling farmer groups to rent out machinery. The third component offers up to ₹12 lakh for Special Custom Hiring Centers. The fourth component provides up to 80% (maximum ₹8 lakh) subsidy for establishing Agricultural Machinery Banks for groups. The fifth component includes the establishment of Farmer Drone Custom Hiring Centers. These provisions aim to increase access to modern machinery for farmers who cannot afford expensive equipment due to economic constraints.

The scheme covers a wide range of modern agricultural implements, including straw reapers, straw balers, paddy transplanters, super seeders, mini tractors, solar paddy threshers, rotary disc harrows, power tillers, laser land levelers, zero tillage machines, rotavators, and reaper-cum-binders. Subsidies are also available for processing units like mini rice mills, pulse mills, and oil mills. These machines will simplify tasks from field preparation to harvesting and processing, ensuring timely completion of farming activities, reducing dependency on manual labor, and controlling production costs. Farmers cultivating paddy, wheat, pulses, oilseeds, and horticultural crops stand to benefit.

The entire process, from application to subsidy disbursement, is online and transparent. Farmers can obtain detailed information on eligibility, subsidy rates, and scheme conditions from the Deputy Director (Agricultural Engineering) at the District Agricultural Engineering Office, Aurangabad. The district administration and the agriculture department urge farmers to apply before the deadline to avail the benefits of this scheme.