Assistance for Tools, Equipment, Shorting/Grading Equipment, PHM Equipment for Scheduled Castes (HRT-4)

Description
The scheme “Assistance for Tools, Equipment, Shorting/Grading Equipment, PHM Equipment for Scheduled Castes HRT-4 ” is implemented by the Directorate of Horticulture, Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Co-operation Department, Government of Gujarat. Under the scheme, financial assistance is provided to farmers belonging to the Scheduled Castes category as well as to farmer groups and cooperative societies for purchasing various tools, equipment, sorting/grading equipment, and Post-Harvest Management PHM equipment. This includes plastic crates with equipment such as weights, packing materials, sorting/grading machinery, etc.

Benefits
• The Scheduled Castes farmers will be eligible for assistance up to 75% of the cost of the Tools/Equipment or ₹3,750/-, whichever is less.
• Farmer groups/cooperative societies will be eligible for assistance of 90% of the cost of equipment or up to ₹7,50,000/-, whichever is less, for the installation of Post-Harvest Management (PHM) Equipment.

Eligibility Criteria
1. The beneficiary should be a permanent resident of Gujarat.
2. The beneficiary should belong to the Scheduled Caste category.
3. The individual farmer or farmer groups/Cooperative Societies are eligible to avail benefits under the scheme.
4. **Note 01:** The tool/equipment has to be purchased from the authorised dealer of the empanelled manufacturer for the purpose of price discovery as notified by the Department of Agriculture from time to time.
5. **Note 02:** Companies empanelled by the Department of Agriculture for tarpaulin seats and their regulations will have to be implemented as per the norms.
6. **Note 03:** Companies empanelled by the Department of Agriculture for plastic crates and their regulations will have to be implemented as per the norms.

Required Documents
• Scheduled Castes Certificate issued by competent authority
• Disability Certificate issued by Competent Authority (only for PWDs) (if applicable)
• Copy of land details 7/12 and 8-A
• Copy of Aadhaar Card
• Copy of bank passbook/ cancelled cheque
• Copy of forest rights Letter (if applicable)
• Any other documents as required

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is eligible to benefit from the scheme?
A: Permanent residents of Gujarat belonging to the Scheduled Castes category, as well as individual farmers and farmer groups/cooperative societies, are eligible to avail benefits under the scheme.

Q: What financial assistance is available for Scheduled Castes farmers under the scheme?
A: Scheduled Castes farmers are eligible for assistance up to 75% of the cost of the tools/equipment or [?]3,750/-, whichever is less.

Q: What assistance is available for farmer groups/cooperative societies under the scheme?
A: Farmer groups/cooperative societies are eligible for assistance of 90% of the cost of equipment or up to [?]7,50,000/-, whichever is less, for the installation of Post-Harvest Management (PHM) Equipment.

Q: What types of equipment are covered under the scheme?
A: The scheme covers various tools, equipment, sorting/grading equipment, and Post-Harvest Management (PHM) equipment, including plastic crates with equipment such as weights, packing materials, sorting/grading machinery, etc.

Q: What are the eligibility criteria for beneficiaries under the scheme?
A: Beneficiaries must be permanent residents of Gujarat and belong to the Scheduled Castes category.

Q: Can farmer groups and cooperative societies avail benefits under the scheme?
A: Yes, farmer groups and cooperative societies are eligible to avail benefits under the scheme along with individual farmers.

Q: Are there any specific purchasing guidelines for the tools/equipment under the scheme?
A: The tools/equipment must be purchased from authorized dealers of empanelled manufacturers to ensure price discovery as notified by the Department of Agriculture.

Q: How can one apply for the scheme?
A: Applicants can apply online through the I-Khedut Portal: https://ikhedut.gujarat.gov.in/

Q: Can applicants track their application status online?
A: Yes, applicant can also check their Application Status/View/Print/Upload Application details from the below link: https://ikhedut.gujarat.gov.in/public/frm_Applicant_Corner.aspx