The Bihar government is offering subsidies of up to 80% on 86 types of agricultural implements under the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) scheme. Farmers interested in availing these benefits can apply online on the Agriculture Department's Farm Mechanization Portal (OFMAS) by September 30. The scheme aims to reduce cultivation costs, decrease dependence on manual labor, and help farmers complete farming operations like sowing and harvesting on time.

The list of eligible machinery includes essential tools such as tractors, power tillers, cultivators, seed drills, happy seeders, combine harvesters, threshers, reapers, mulchers, shredders, straw reapers, spray machines, and pump sets. Notably, new technologies like mulchers, straw reapers, and drones have been added this year to promote crop residue management and precision farming.

Recognizing the prevalence of small landholdings in Bihar, the government is emphasizing both individual purchases and community-use models. Farmer groups and cooperative societies are also eligible for the scheme. Subsidies are available for establishing Custom Hiring Centers (up to 40% of cost, max ₹4 lakh), Agricultural Machinery Banks (up to 80%, max ₹8 lakh), and Special Custom Hiring Centers (max ₹12 lakh). Assistance is also provided for Drone Custom Hiring Centers to make drone services for pesticide and fertilizer spraying available at the village level.

To apply, farmers need to upload their Aadhaar card, land documents or self-declaration, and bank account details on the portal. Selection is done through a lottery system, and chosen farmers receive a 15-day permit to purchase the machinery. Farmers must first pay the full cost of the implement, after which the subsidy amount is directly transferred to their bank account via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). This transparent process ensures fair distribution of benefits.