Smartphone Sahay Yojana: Gujarat Government’s Big Help for Farmers to Go Digital
Introduction
In today’s time, smartphones are not just for making calls or using social media they are tools that help people access government services, check weather updates, watch farming tutorials, sell crops online, and more. Realising how important smartphones are, especially for farmers, the Gujarat Government has taken a big step to support them. The government has launched the Smartphone Sahay Yojana, a financial assistance scheme that gives farmers a subsidy of up to ₹6,000 for buying a smartphone. The goal is simple: to help farmers use technology in their day-to-day farming activities and stay connected with digital platforms. Let’s understand what this scheme is all about, how farmers can apply, who is eligible, and what documents are needed.
Why the Smartphone Sahay Yojana Was Launched
Farming is changing. Technology plays a big role today. From checking crop prices to getting real-time weather reports, farmers now need smartphones just like they need seeds and fertilizers.
Many farmers in rural areas still don’t own smartphones. But the government wants to change this mindset and support farmers in stepping into the digital world.
The Smartphone Sahay Yojana was started with the aim of making smartphones affordable and accessible to every farmer in Gujarat. The government believes that once farmers start using smartphones, they will be able to improve their income, learn better methods of farming, and access government schemes more easily.
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What is the Smartphone Sahay Yojana?
The government is offering a helping hand by covering up to ₹6,000 or 40% of the smartphone’s price—whichever is less. This support makes it easier for farmers to afford a phone that can do more than just make calls.
Let’s say a farmer is looking at a phone that costs ₹15,000. In that case, 40% of the price would be ₹6,000 the maximum subsidy allowed. But if the phone costs ₹10,000, the farmer would get ₹4,000 as support, since that’s 40% of the total cost.
This financial push allows farmers to buy a reliable smartphone that can run farming apps, show videos on crop techniques, and help them access government services all from their field or home.
Who Can Apply for the Scheme?
All farmers living in Gujarat can apply, provided they meet the following conditions:
- The applicant must have proof of farming, such as land ownership or lease papers.
- The applicant should not have taken benefit from this scheme earlier.
- The mobile number used for registration must be linked to the farmer’s Aadhaar card.
Women farmers are especially encouraged to take advantage of the scheme.
How Much Assistance is Given?
As mentioned earlier, the financial help provided is either:
- ₹6,000, or 40%
whichever amount is lower.
This means the scheme supports affordable smartphones but does not fully cover the cost.
The phone must be new and purchased in the name of the farmer, and the bill must include GST and the IMEI number for validation.
What is the Objective of the Scheme?
The main objective is to help farmers:
- Use government apps related to agriculture, weather, crop insurance, and soil health.
- Stay updated with market prices, weather conditions, and government schemes.
- Connect with Krishi Vigyan Kendras, Agri-tech startups, and online marketplaces.
How to Apply for the Smartphone Sahay Yojana?
The application process is completely online and can be done easily through the iKhedut portal. Here are the steps to apply:
Step 1: Visit the iKhedut Portal
Go to ikhedut.gujarat.gov.in and login using your registered mobile number and OTP.
If you’re not registered on the portal yet, fill in the required details and complete your registration first.
Step 2: Search for Smartphone Sahay Yojana
After logging in, go to the list of schemes available. Find the “Smartphone Sahay Yojana” and click on the “Apply” or “અરજી કરો” button.
Step 3: Fill the Application Form
Enter your details like:
- Name
- Aadhaar number
- Mobile number
- Bank account details
- Land ownership information
Step 4: Submit and Get Acknowledgement
You will also get a confirmation SMS with your application number.
Step 5: Purchase the Smartphone
- The bill includes your name
- The bill has the smartphone’s IMEI number
- GST is mentioned
Step 6: Submit the Bill
Upload the purchase bill along with the IMEI number on the iKhedut portal. You can also submit it at your local agriculture office.
Required Documents for the Scheme
- Caste Certificate – if applicable (especially for reserved categories).
- Land Ownership Papers – 7/12 extract or land records.
- Aadhaar Card – mandatory for identity verification.
- GST Bill of Mobile – must be in your name.
- IMEI Number of the phone purchased.
Make sure all documents are clear, valid, and uploaded in the right format.
Important Dates
The application window for 2025 has been announced:
- Start Date: 21st June 2025
- End Date: 20th July 2025
It is important to apply within this time period. Delayed applications or incomplete submissions may not be considered.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Only one smartphone per farmer is allowed under this scheme.
- Do not delay uploading the purchase bill after approval.
- Apply only from the official iKhedut portal—avoid agents or middlemen.
- Ensure the smartphone is bought after the application is approved—not before.
Real-Life Impact: How Farmers Are Benefiting
Many farmers who took the benefit of this scheme last year shared positive feedback. Some of them are now:
- Selling vegetables and grains directly via WhatsApp groups.
- Watching videos on organic farming.
- Getting alerts on rainfall and sowing times.
- Using government portals for subsidy updates and land records.
In some villages, even women farmers have started managing their family’s farming records using their smartphones.
This shows how a simple device can bring big change.
Conclusion
The Smartphone Sahay Yojana is a timely and thoughtful initiative by the Gujarat Government to push rural India towards digital empowerment. By offering financial support for smartphone purchases, the scheme encourages farmers to become a part of Digital India.