The Gujarat government has raised financial aid for buying “Sanedo” agricultural vehicles under the ‘Kisan Parivahan Yojana’ to cut transport costs for farmers. State Agriculture Minister Jitu Vaghani announced the subsidy hike, responding to requests from farmers and agricultural groups. The assistance is for the purchase of the “Sanedo,” a three-wheeled utility vehicle widely used by farmers in the Saurashtra region.
The revised scheme offers a 40% subsidy, capped at Rs 60,000, for general category farmers, up from the previous cap of Rs 25,000. Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, small, marginal, and women farmers will now receive a 50% subsidy, up to Rs 75,000. The move aims to enhance the movement of agricultural produce, especially in rural areas, by making transportation more affordable for farmers.
Sanedo vehicles are popular among small and medium farmers for various agricultural tasks and transportation needs. The increased subsidy is expected to streamline the transport of farm produce to markets and reduce logistics costs. The state government clarified that the subsidy can be availed once every seven years by eligible beneficiaries, with the vehicle needing registration on the ‘i-Khedut’ portal.
The purchased vehicle must undergo testing by a Central government-recognized institution and can only be used for transporting agricultural produce. Selling the vehicle within two years of purchase is prohibited, and modifications for passenger transport are not allowed. Farmer groups and agricultural organizations have lauded the decision, expressing gratitude to the state government and key officials for the subsidy revision.
