Harvesting Tools Assistance for Scheduled Castes (HRT-4)

Description
The scheme “Harvesting Tools Assistance 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 FPOs Farmers Producer Organizations , FPCs Farmers Producer Companies , FIGs Farmer Interest Groups , SHGs Self-Help Groups , and Cooperative Societies for purchasing different harvesting and processing equipment.

Benefits
• The Scheduled Castes farmers will be eligible for assistance up to 50% of the cost of the harvesting tool or ₹1,00,000/-, whichever is less.
• FPO/FPC/FIG/SHG/ Cooperative Society will be eligible for assistance of 75% of the cost of the harvesting tool or ₹1,50,000/-, whichever is less.
• **Note:** Unit Cost of harvesting tool should be up to ₹2,00,000/-.

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 FPO/FPC/FIG/SHG/Co-operative society is eligible to avail benefits under the scheme.
4. The assistance will be available once in five years.
5. Equipment certified by ISO/BIS/ISI/Government recognized organizations should be purchased through an authorized dealer of that company or imported equipment.

Required Documents
• Scheduled Caste certificate issued by competent authority
• Disability Certificate from Competent Authority (only for PWDs) (if applicable)
• Copy of land details 7/12 and 8-A
• Copy of Aadhaar Card
• Copy of bank passbook or cancelled cheque
• Copy of Forest Rights letter (if applicable)
• Samanti Form (for partners holding land in joint name) (if applicable)
• In case of FPO/FPC, Co-operative Society, documents relating to registration purpose, activities, constitution, members, etc., and audit report of the last one year of the auditable entity (if applicable)
• Any other documents as required

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who can benefit from the scheme?
A: Scheduled Castes farmers as well as Farmers Producer Organizations (FPOs), Farmers Producer Companies (FPCs), Farmer Interest Groups (FIGs), Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and Cooperative Societies are eligible for assistance under this scheme.

Q: What are the benefits of the scheme for Scheduled Castes farmers?
A: Scheduled Castes farmers can receive assistance up to 50% of the cost of the harvesting tool or [?]1,00,000/-, whichever is less.

Q: What benefits are available for FPOs/FPCs/FIGs/SHGs/Cooperative Societies under the scheme?
A: These organizations are eligible for assistance of 75% of the cost of the harvesting tool or [?]1,50,000/-, whichever is less.

Q: Is there a limit on the cost of the harvesting tool eligible for assistance?
A: Yes, the unit cost of the harvesting tool should be up to [?]2,00,000/-.

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

Q: Can individual farmers and organizations both avail benefits under the scheme?
A: Yes, both individual farmers and organizations like FPOs/FPCs/FIGs/SHGs/Cooperative Societies are eligible to avail benefits under the scheme.

Q: How often can a beneficiary avail assistance under the scheme?
A: Assistance under the scheme can be availed once in five years.

Q: Are there any specific requirements for the equipment purchased under the scheme?
A: Equipment should be certified by ISO/BIS/ISI/Government recognized organizations and purchased through an authorized dealer of that company or imported equipment.

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