In a significant move to support farmers, Custom Hiring Centres are now offering modern farming equipment, such as rotavators and cultivators, at a rental rate of just ₹50 per day. This initiative is part of a government scheme aimed at assisting economically weaker farmers from Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST).
What is the Custom Hiring Scheme:
The government has established Custom Hiring Centres in villages across the country to provide small, marginal, and economically weaker farmers with access to modern agricultural machinery. These centres offer farming tools at affordable rental rates. The government provides an 80% subsidy for setting up these centres, with the total cost for establishing a Custom Hiring Centre set at ₹10 lakh, of which ₹8 lakh is provided as a subsidy.
Empowering Farmers with Advanced Tools:
Agricultural scientist Dr. Bhupendra Kumar Singh explained that Custom Hiring Centres are part of a broader effort by the Indian government, with significant involvement from both the public and private sectors in providing essential resources and support to farmers. Additionally, the introduction of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) has greatly helped small farmers by improving their access to markets, credit, and technology. The Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) is continually working to make agriculture more manageable and productive. Establishing Custom Hiring Centres at KVK is a crucial step toward making farming more accessible and convenient for farmers.
Who Will Benefit:
According to media reports, the Custom Hiring Centre established at Krishi Vigyan Kendra Koderma is part of the Government of India’s initiative. Dr. Singh noted that these centres are particularly beneficial for SC and ST farmers who often cannot afford to purchase expensive farming equipment. With many costly tools now available for rent, farmers can reduce their workload and increase productivity.
Affordable Rental of Farming Equipmen: KVK provides a wide range of agricultural equipment, from vegetable farming tools to paddy cultivation machines. These tools, especially beneficial for young farmers, are offered at very low rental rates. Farmers can rent these valuable machines for up to three days, with daily charges ranging from ₹50 to ₹300, depending on the machine type. KVK’s inventory includes rotavators, cultivators, grass cutters, and seed planters, ensuring that farmers have access to the tools they need to succeed.