farmerCentral Scheme

Small Farmers Development Agency (SFDA)

लघु कृषक विकास अभिकरण

Ministry of Agriculture

iAbout This Scheme

Established in 1970 in 45 selected districts, SFDA was designed to provide comprehensive support to small farmers (holding 1-2.5 hectares) and help them upgrade their farming practices and productivity. It arranged supervised credit, subsidised inputs, and marketing linkages. SFDA was discontinued and merged into the Integrated Rural Development Programme (IRDP) in 1980 when IRDP was universalised.

🎁Key Benefits

Supervised agricultural credit at concessional rates
Subsidised inputs (seeds, fertilisers, pesticides)
Minor irrigation support for small holdings
Marketing and post-harvest support
Technical guidance from subject-matter specialists

✅Eligibility Criteria

1
Scheme discontinued — historical archive only

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📝How to Apply

Historical Scheme — No Active Application

This scheme has been discontinued. It has been superseded by newer programmes. Visit the successor scheme page or contact your district collector for current alternatives.

❓Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for farmer schemes?

Most farmer schemes are open to small and marginal farmers owning cultivable land up to 2 hectares. Specific schemes may have additional criteria. Aadhaar linkage with bank account is mandatory for DBT schemes.

How is the money transferred in DBT schemes?

Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) sends money directly to the beneficiary's Aadhaar-linked bank account, eliminating middlemen and ensuring timely delivery of financial assistance.

What documents are needed for farmer scheme registration?

Generally: Aadhaar card, land ownership documents (Khatauni/Khasra), bank passbook, mobile number linked to Aadhaar, and passport-size photograph.

Can tenant farmers apply for PM-Kisan?

No, PM-Kisan is only for landholder farmer families. Tenant farmers or sharecroppers do not qualify for PM-Kisan but may be eligible for other schemes like Fasal Bima.

Required Documents

This is a historical/discontinued scheme — no active application required
For research reference: consult Planning Commission archives or National Archives of India
Scheme records available at archive.india.gov.in

Editorial note: This page is researched, written, and regularly reviewed by the Aditya Raj Hirve using official government sources and notifications. Information is verified against the originating ministry or department portal before publication. Last reviewed: July 2026.

Always verify critical details directly from the official government portal before applying.

Required Documents

Small Farmers Development Agency (SFDA) — Eligibility, Documents & Apply 2026 | Sarkaari Saathi

Small Farmers Development Agency (SFDA)

iAbout This Scheme

🎁Key Benefits

✅Eligibility Criteria

📝How to Apply

❓Frequently Asked Questions

Required Documents

Required Documents

Quick Info

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