Gandhinagar, Aug 29 (IANS) Gujarat has extended the deadline for eligible farmers to purchase agricultural implements and tractor-operated equipment under the Chief Minister Mechanisation Scheme for 2026-27 by 15 days, Agriculture Minister Jitu Vaghani said on Saturday.

The extension follows representations from farmers, legislators and other public representatives who sought more time after a large number of applications were approved simultaneously, creating difficulties for manufacturers in delivering equipment within the original deadline.

Vaghani said the state government has made a provision of more than Rs 750 crore under the scheme for the current financial year.

Applications were invited through the i-Khedut portal, following which eligible farmers were approved to purchase agricultural implements and equipment within a specified period.

“An additional 15 days have been granted for the purchase period for eligible farmers who have received approval,” Vaghani said.

He said the decision was taken after manufacturers indicated that they could not deliver implements and equipment to all farmers within the prescribed period because several applications had been approved at the same time.

Representations seeking an extension were subsequently received from farmers, MLAs, MPs and other leaders. “In view of this practical difficulty, the state government has extended the purchase period by another 15 days for eligible farmers who have received approval,” Vaghani said.

Under the revised arrangement, farmers will be able to purchase the approved agricultural implements and equipment during the 15 days following the last date previously allotted to them.

The minister also appealed to manufacturers to ensure timely delivery of the equipment so that farmers can put the machinery to use in their fields without further delay.

The extension comes as Gujarat continues to increase its emphasis on farm mechanisation.

In February, Vaghani had informed the state Assembly that Rs 800 crore had been allocated for tractor assistance in 2026-27, while Rs 1,191.94 crore had been provided directly to 2,01,605 farmers for tractor purchases over the preceding five financial years.

Vaghani also urged eligible farmers to make maximum use of the assistance available under the scheme.

“Manufacturers in Gujarat are producing agricultural implements in line with the broader objectives of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives,” he said.

–IANS

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