Empowering Rural Women: PoCRA Phase 2 Offers 60% Subsidy Up to ₹24 Lakh for Setting Up 'Farm Equipment Banks'
Under the World Bank-aided Nanaji Deshmukh Krishi Sanjivani Project (PoCRA) Phase 2, the Maharashtra government is providing a 60% subsidy (up to ₹24 lakh) to women's self-help groups (SHGs) to establish village-level custom hiring centers. This initiative aims to reduce women's physical drudgery in the fields and provide affordable machinery to small farmers.
The Maharashtra government has officially invited applications for one of its most ambitious women-centric agricultural projects under the Nanaji Deshmukh Krishi Sanjivani Project (PoCRA) Phase 2. Aimed at boosting rural entrepreneurship, the scheme provides a 60% matching grant, with a maximum limit of ₹24 lakh, to eligible women's groups for setting up an 'Agricultural Implement Bank'. The project focuses on 16 drought-prone and climate-vulnerable districts in Marathwada, Vidarbha, and North Maharashtra.
Who Can Apply?
The scheme is specifically tailored for registered Women's Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Village Federations. To be eligible, the group must:
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Be promoted by UMED (MSRLM) or MAVIM.
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Consist of at least 10 members from different families.
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Not have previously received a subsidy for a similar equipment bank under any other government scheme.
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If multiple applications are received from the same village, the selection will be made through an online lottery.
Equipment and Funding Details:
Groups can choose machinery based on their local crop patterns, such as tractors, BBF (Broad Bed Furrow) machines, bed makers, seed drills, and threshers. If a tractor is included in the project, the group is mandated to purchase at least three additional implements to ensure the bank offers a full range of services to farmers. For projects exceeding ₹20 lakh, securing a bank loan for the remaining portion is mandatory.
The Goal: The primary objective is twofold: to reduce the physical labor required by women in traditional farming and to provide small and marginal farmers with access to expensive machinery on a rental basis. This "Custom Hiring Center" model ensures that even farmers with less than 2 hectares of land can utilize modern technology to increase productivity and build resilience against erratic weather patterns.
How to Apply?
Interested groups must submit their applications through the FPO-DBT-Portal or the official MahaVistar AI App. Required documents include the group’s registration certificate, bank passbook, Aadhaar numbers of all members, and a resolution (Tharav) passed by the group to start the bank. The application deadline in districts like Buldhana has been set for April 5, 2026. For further assistance, farmers can visit the official website at
