In a significant move to promote agricultural mechanization in the state, the Himachal Pradesh Agriculture Department will activate the Agri Machinery Portal http://agrimachinery.nic.in on July 18, 2025, at 12:00 PM. This initiative is aimed at making modern farming equipment easily accessible to farmers across the state, enabling them to apply for subsidies on agricultural machinery under a first-come, first-served basis.

Agriculture Minister Chander Kumar informed that the department’s objective is to increase productivity and reduce manual labor in farming activities through the adoption of modern and efficient farming tools. He emphasized that mechanization not only enhances the work efficiency of farmers but also leads to better quality output and increased farm income. With the rising demand for precision and time-saving equipment in agriculture, the government is focusing on encouraging the use of updated and region-appropriate technology.

Considering the small landholdings and hilly terrain of Himachal Pradesh, the department is particularly promoting machinery that is suitable for such geographic conditions. Through the Agri Machinery Portal (http://agrimachinery.nic.in), farmers will be able to apply for various subsidized equipment such as tractors, power tillers, power weeders, and other essential farming tools.

The state government has also announced a 50% subsidy on agricultural machinery specifically for small and marginal farmers, as well as those belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and women farmers. This move is expected to reduce the economic burden on these groups while supporting the adoption of efficient farming practices.

Chander Kumar also urged farmers to ensure that they purchase only those machines and equipment that are approved by the central government and listed on the portal. This is to avoid any inconvenience during or after the application process. Only registered firms and authorized models will be eligible under the subsidy scheme, and farmers are advised to verify these details before making any purchase.

This initiative is a step forward in transforming agriculture in Himachal Pradesh by making it more sustainable, efficient, and aligned with modern practices. The portal is expected to benefit a large number of farmers across the state and contribute to the overall development of the agriculture sector.