Farmer Schemes in Punjab: Subsidies, Machinery Support and How to Apply
Updated: 29 September 2026 · Last Verified: 29 September 2026 · By: Akshay Kumar, Editor
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Quick Answer
Farmers in Punjab can draw on two sets of support: central schemes that apply across India (such as PM-KISAN and the Soil Health Card), and programmes run through the Punjab Department of Agriculture & Farmer Welfare — most importantly subsidies on farm machinery, help with managing paddy straw, and support for crop diversification. The department’s official website is agri.punjab.gov.in, and farm-machinery subsidies have been applied for online through agrimachinerypb.com. One thing to check before you rely on it: Punjab was not among the states implementing PMFBY crop insurance in the Government’s list, so confirm its current status with the department before planning around it.
Key Highlights
| Scheme / Programme | Type | What it offers |
|---|---|---|
| PM-KISAN | Central | ₹6,000 a year in three installments to eligible land-holding farmer families |
| Farm mechanisation subsidy | Punjab Agriculture Department | Subsidy on machines such as DSR seed drills, paddy transplanters and rotavators (in 2024: 40%, or 50% for small and marginal farmers, women and SC farmers) |
| Crop Residue Management (CRM) | Central scheme, implemented in Punjab | 50% assistance to farmers for paddy-straw management machinery; 80% for cooperative societies, FPOs and panchayats setting up custom hiring centres |
| Crop Diversification Programme | Punjab Agriculture Department | Support for moving to alternative crops; guidelines published by the department |
| Soil Health Card | Central, via states | Free soil test on 12 parameters with fertiliser recommendations |
| Kisan Call Centre | National helpline | Toll-free 1800-180-1551 |
Last Verified: 24 September 2026
What Support Is Available in Punjab?
The Punjab Department of Agriculture & Farmer Welfare lists the following programmes on its official site: Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), the Crop Diversification Programme, Crop Residue Management, the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), the National Food Security Mission (NFSM), PM-KISAN, the Soil Health Card, farm mechanisation, and subsidies on DSR (direct-seeded rice) and seed. Its Farm Machinery Solutions platform and a public grievance system are also listed. Not every one of these is a cash payment — several are subsidies on machinery or inputs that open for applications in set windows each year.
Farm mechanisation subsidy
In July 2024 the Punjab government invited online applications for subsidy on a list of machines including the pneumatic planter, potato planter and digger, paddy transplanter, DSR seed drill, rotavator, tractor-operated boom sprayer, bund former, nursery seeder and forage harvester. Individual farmers, farmer groups, cooperative societies, panchayats and FPOs were offered a 40% subsidy, and individual SC farmers, women farmers, and small and marginal farmers were offered 50%. Applications were made on agrimachinerypb.com, with the subsidy paid by Direct Benefit Transfer. That was the 2024 round with a closing date in August 2024, so treat it as an example of how the scheme works, and check the portal and your District Agriculture Office for the current year’s machines, rates and dates.
Paddy straw management (Crop Residue Management)
Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi are covered by a central sector scheme, running since 2018-19, that subsidises machinery for managing crop residue and reducing stubble burning. It gives 50% financial assistance to farmers for buying machines, and 80% to cooperative societies, FPOs and panchayats for setting up custom hiring centres. Machines supported include the Happy Seeder, Super Seeder, Super Straw Management System, mulcher, paddy straw chopper, reaper binders, and balers and rakes for collecting straw. If you do not want to buy a machine, the custom hiring centres let you rent one. The central guidelines are published on agrimachinery.nic.in; ask your District Agriculture Office how to apply in Punjab.
Crop diversification and other programmes
The department’s Crop Diversification Programme supports farmers in moving to alternative crops, and its guidelines are published on the department website. For organic farming, the central Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) is being implemented in Punjab. Ask your District Agriculture Office which of these are open in your block.
Crop insurance in Punjab: check before you assume
PMFBY is voluntary for states. In Government replies in Parliament, Punjab was not on the list of states implementing the scheme, and the state had announced its intention to re-join. The department’s website lists PMFBY among its programmes, but availability can change from season to season. Confirm with your District Agriculture Office or on pmfby.gov.in before assuming you can enrol. Our PMFBY guide explains how the scheme works where it is available.
Eligibility
Who Can Apply?
- Farmers in Punjab, subject to the conditions in each machinery and input scheme’s own guidelines
- For PM-KISAN, land-holding farmer families verified by the state government, subject to the scheme’s exclusions
- Cooperative societies, FPOs and panchayats for custom hiring centre assistance under CRM
Who Cannot Apply?
Eligibility for each programme is set in its own guidelines, including which farmers are prioritised and which machines qualify. Check the guidelines for the current year before you buy any machine, because subsidy generally applies only to approved machines bought through the scheme’s process.
Documents Required
| Document | Why it’s needed |
|---|---|
| Aadhaar | Identity verification and Direct Benefit Transfer |
| Bank account details | Subsidy is paid into your bank account |
| Land record (Jamabandi / Fard) | Proves your landholding; Punjab’s official portal is jamabandi.punjab.gov.in |
| Caste or category certificate (if claiming a higher subsidy rate) | For the higher rate offered to SC farmers |
The exact list varies by scheme and year, so confirm it on the portal or with your District Agriculture Office.
How to Apply
- Visit the department website, agri.punjab.gov.in, and open the Schemes section to see which programmes are currently open.
- For farm machinery subsidy, register and apply on the state’s online portal, agrimachinerypb.com, during the application window.
- Get your land record (Jamabandi or Fard) from jamabandi.punjab.gov.in.
- Follow the scheme’s sequence carefully: subsidy generally applies only to approved machines bought through the scheme’s process, so do not buy a machine before you have the required approval.
- For questions, contact your District Agriculture Office or the Kisan Call Centre on 1800-180-1551.
Application Mode
Mostly online through the state portals, with District Agriculture Offices available for help.
Important Dates
Machinery and input subsidies open for applications in set windows each year, and the budget, rates and closing dates change every year. For example, the 2024 farm mechanisation round closed on 13 August 2024. Check the department website for the current dates.
Official Source
- Punjab Department of Agriculture & Farmer Welfare: agri.punjab.gov.in
- Farm machinery subsidy portal: agrimachinerypb.com
- Punjab land records: jamabandi.punjab.gov.in
- Central agricultural mechanisation guidelines: agrimachinery.nic.in
- Kisan Call Centre (toll-free): 1800-180-1551
Important Notes
- JanAvsara is not a government website and does not take applications. Apply only on the official portals or through your District Agriculture Office.
- Subsidy rates, machine lists and closing dates change every year. The figures here for farm mechanisation are from the 2024 round.
- Never pay an agent to “guarantee” a subsidy, and be careful with machinery dealers who promise approval.
- Punjab’s programme list changes over time; confirm any programme is currently open before you plan around it.
Related Schemes
- Best Government Schemes for Farmers — central schemes and which fits you
- Schemes for Small and Marginal Farmers — benefits designed around small holdings
- PM-KISAN Samman Nidhi — direct income support
- Soil Health Card — free soil testing
- Documents Required for Farmer Schemes — one checklist
- Farmer Schemes — browse all farmer-related articles on JanAvsara
FAQs
What schemes are available for farmers in Punjab?
Central schemes such as PM-KISAN and the Soil Health Card, plus programmes run by the Punjab Department of Agriculture & Farmer Welfare, including farm machinery subsidies, crop residue management, crop diversification, ATMA, RKVY and the National Food Security Mission.
How do I apply for farm machinery subsidy in Punjab?
Through the state’s online portal, agrimachinerypb.com, during the application window. In 2024, individual farmers, groups, cooperatives, panchayats and FPOs got 40% subsidy, and SC, women, and small and marginal farmers got 50%. Check the current year’s rates and dates before applying.
Is there a subsidy for paddy straw management machines?
Yes. Under the central Crop Residue Management scheme, farmers get 50% assistance for buying machines, and cooperative societies, FPOs and panchayats get 80% for custom hiring centres. Ask your District Agriculture Office how to apply.
Is PMFBY crop insurance available in Punjab?
Not necessarily. Punjab was not on the Government’s list of states implementing PMFBY, and it had announced an intention to re-join. Confirm the current status with your District Agriculture Office or on pmfby.gov.in.
Where do I get my land record in Punjab?
From Punjab’s official land records portal, jamabandi.punjab.gov.in, where Jamabandi and Fard copies are available.
Who do I call for help?
Your District Agriculture Office, or the toll-free Kisan Call Centre at 1800-180-1551.