Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister’s Sashakt Kisan Yojana (CM-SKY)

Chief Minister’s Sashakt Kisan Yojana (CM-SKY) is a flagship agriculture and horticulture support scheme of the Department of Agriculture, Government of Arunachal Pradesh. Under the scheme, eligible APST farmers can receive Rs. 1 lakh per hectare for tea plantation and Rs. 80,000 per hectare for rubber plantation, along with seedlings, fencing materials, tools, and cultivation inputs. Applications are accepted offline through the District Agriculture Office and local Agriculture Development Officers.

Introduction of Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister’s Sashakt Kisan Yojana: A Brief Insight

Arunachal Pradesh has immense potential for commercial crops such as tea and rubber. However, converting agricultural land into a productive plantation requires significant upfront investment on land development, quality planting material, fencing, tools, and cultivation inputs. For many farmers, arranging these resources at the beginning is often the biggest challenge. To address this gap and promote commercial farming, the Government of Arunachal Pradesh launched the Chief Minister’s Sashakt Kisan Yojana (CM-SKY) in 2018-19 as part of a major agricultural development initiative.

The scheme is implemented by the Department of Agriculture, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, through the District Agriculture Development Society (DADS) at the district level. Its primary objective is to strengthen the rural economy by promoting tea plantation, rubber plantation, and double-cropping horticulture activities. Special emphasis has been placed on supporting women farmers, marginal farmers, and small farmers through sustainable self-employment opportunities and commercial agriculture.

Unlike conventional agricultural assistance programmes that focus only on subsidies or loans, CM-SKY combines direct financial assistance with practical farming support. This approach helps farmers establish plantations and improve cultivation without bearing the entire cost themselves.

Under the CM SKY of the Arunachal Pradesh Government, eligible beneficiaries receive Rs. 1 lakh per hectare for tea plantation and Rs. 80,000 per hectare for rubber plantation. In addition to cash assistance, farmers are also provided with quality seedlings, fencing materials, agricultural tools, manure, fertilizers, and plant protection inputs required for successful cultivation.

For farmers opting for double-cropping activities, crop selection is not done randomly. The Department first conducts soil testing and assesses local agricultural conditions to identify crops that are most suitable for the particular land. This ensures better productivity, higher survival rates, and improved income generation for beneficiaries.

One of the most important features of CM-SKY is that it is a grant-based support scheme. The financial assistance and inputs provided under the programme do not have to be repaid by the farmer. The scheme is designed to reduce the initial investment burden and encourage long-term agricultural entrepreneurship across the state.

Progressive farmers belonging to the Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribe (APST) community, who possess properly certified cultivable land and are willing to undertake tea, rubber, or double-cropping activities, can apply for assistance. The application process is conducted entirely offline through the local Agriculture Department machinery.

Interested farmers can approach their nearest Agriculture Development Officer (ADO), Agriculture Field Assistant, Circle/Block Officer, or District Agriculture Office for guidance, eligibility verification, and submission of required documents.

Farmers can also explore the Central Government’s PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, providing Rs. 6,000 annually in direct income support to eligible farmer families, and the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), offering crop insurance against yield loss from natural calamities, a valuable safety net for tea, rubber, and double-cropping investments made under CM-SKY. Women farmers in Arunachal Pradesh can additionally look at the NAMO Drone Didi Scheme, which trains Self-Help Group members to operate agricultural drones, opening up an additional income stream alongside traditional farming.

Farmers and anyone looking for more agriculture, horticulture, and welfare schemes available under the Arunachal Pradesh Government can explore all available programmes on our Arunachal Pradesh Government Welfare Schemes page.

Benefits Provided to Eligible Beneficiaries

The Department of Agriculture, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, extends both financial assistance and agricultural inputs under the Chief Minister’s Sashakt Kisan Yojana (CM-SKY) to promote tea cultivation, rubber plantation, and double-cropping activities across the state.

Financial Assistance for Plantation Development

• Tea Plantation: Financial assistance of Rs. 1.00 lakh per hectare
• Rubber Plantation: Financial assistance of Rs. 80,000 per hectare

The assistance is intended to help farmers meet the initial expenses associated with plantation establishment, land preparation, cultivation activities, and early-stage crop management.

Important: CM-SKY is an assistance-based scheme. The support provided under the scheme is in the form of grants and inputs, and beneficiaries are not required to repay the amount received.

Agricultural Inputs and Material Support

• Quality tea, rubber, and other approved crop planting materials
• Seedlings and saplings suitable for the approved plantation activity
• Fencing materials such as barbed wire, GI angle posts, nails, and related items for crop protection
• Farm tools and implements including khurpi, spade, dao, sprayer machines, and other basic equipment
• Manure and fertilisers for crop establishment and growth
• Plant protection chemicals and cultivation support required for successful plantation development

Support for Double-Cropping Activities

• Assistance is available for approved double-cropping programmes promoted by the Agriculture Department
• Suitable crops are identified based on soil testing and local agro-climatic conditions
• Farmers receive crop-specific inputs and cultivation support according to district-level agricultural priorities
• The programme encourages better utilisation of available farmland and helps increase annual farm income

Additional Advantages for Farmers

• Encourages diversification into high-value plantation and horticulture crops
• Promotes self-employment and sustainable livelihood opportunities in rural areas
• Supports the commercialisation of agriculture and horticulture activities
• Helps improve productivity through scientific cultivation practices and input support
• Benefits are available on eligible private land after proper verification and certification

Scheme Coverage and Investment

• The scheme was launched with an overall allocation of approximately Rs. 70.70 crore
• The programme covered plantation and horticulture development activities during FY 2019-20 to FY 2021-22
• Implementation was carried out through district-level agriculture authorities across Arunachal Pradesh

What This Scheme Does Not Provide

• No agricultural loan or credit facility
• No loan waiver or interest subsidy component
• No benefit for applicants who fail to meet APST or land-document requirements
• No assistance for crops or plantation activities outside the approved categories under the scheme
• No automatic approval without field verification and document validation

Eligibility Conditions Required to be Fulfilled

The Department of Agriculture has prescribed the following eligibility conditions for farmers seeking assistance under the Chief Minister’s Sashakt Kisan Yojana (CM-SKY):

• Must be a resident farmer of Arunachal Pradesh engaged in agricultural or horticultural activities
• Must belong to the Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribe (APST) category
• Must possess suitable and cultivable land, supported by valid LPC, land allotment records, or other land documents certified by the GB/HGB/PRI and countersigned by the local district administration
• Must be willing to undertake or expand tea cultivation, rubber plantation, or double-cropping horticulture activities under the scheme
• Must be interested in adopting commercial farming practices aimed at increasing productivity and farm income

Priority Categories

While eligible APST farmers can apply, preference is generally given to the following groups:

• Women farmers
• Small and marginal farmers

The scheme places special emphasis on these categories to promote self-employment opportunities, strengthen rural livelihoods, and encourage participation in high-value horticulture and plantation activities.

Who Is Not Eligible

• Individuals who do not possess a valid APST Certificate
• Applicants unable to provide properly certified and countersigned land ownership/allotment documents
• Applicants without the required land sketch map for plantation-related proposals where applicable
• Persons who do not have suitable land or are not willing to undertake tea, rubber, or double-cropping activities under the scheme
• Applications containing incomplete, incorrect, or unverifiable land records

Documents Required to be Attached

Applicants should keep the following documents ready while applying for benefits under the Chief Minister’s Sashakt Kisan Yojana (CM-SKY):

• APST Certificate – proof that the applicant belongs to the Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribe (APST) category
• Land Ownership/Allotment Documents – such as LPC, land allotment order, or other valid land records, certified by the GB/HGB/PRI and countersigned by the local district administration
• Three recent passport-size photographs of the applicant
• Sketch Map of the Proposed Land – required for tea or rubber plantation projects, certified by the GB/HGB/PRI and countersigned by the local district administration

Depending on the nature of the project and district-level verification requirements, applicants may also be asked to submit supporting documents such as an Aadhaar Card, residential proof, bank account/passbook details, or any other document required by the District Agriculture Office.

How Beneficiaries Can Apply to Avail the Benefit of the Scheme

Applying for benefits under the Chief Minister’s Sashakt Kisan Yojana (CM-SKY) is not complicated. You do not need to visit any online portal or fill out lengthy digital forms. The entire process is handled through your local agriculture office and district administration. Here’s how it works, step by step:

Step 1: First, decide what kind of assistance you want to seek under the scheme. You can apply for tea plantation, rubber plantation, or double-cropping horticulture activities, depending on your land and farming plans.

Step 2: Visit your nearest Agriculture Development Officer (ADO), Agriculture Field Assistant, or District Agriculture Office. Tell them that you are interested in applying under CM-SKY and ask about the current year’s beneficiary selection process.

Step 3: Keep your APST Certificate ready. This is one of the most important documents under the scheme. Without a valid APST Certificate, your application cannot be considered.

Step 4: Collect your land documents, such as LPC or land allotment records. These documents must be certified by your local GB (Gaon Bura), HGB (Head Gaon Bura), or PRI representative and then countersigned by the district administration.

Step 5: If you are applying for tea or rubber plantation assistance, prepare a simple sketch map of the land where the plantation is proposed. This map must also be certified and countersigned by the concerned authorities.

Step 6: Arrange three recent passport-size photographs and attach them along with the application and supporting documents.

Step 7: Submit all documents to the District Agriculture Office or through the Agriculture Development Officer serving your area. Make sure every document is complete before submission to avoid delays during verification.

Step 8: If you have applied for double-cropping assistance, agriculture officials may conduct a soil test to determine which crops are most suitable for your land and local conditions.

Step 9: After submission, the Agriculture Department will verify your eligibility. Officials may inspect the land, check your documents, and confirm that the proposed activity is suitable under the scheme.

Step 10: Once your application is approved, you will be selected as a beneficiary. Depending on the component approved, you may receive cash assistance, seedlings, planting materials, fencing materials, tools, fertilisers, and other cultivation inputs.

Step 11: Start your plantation or cultivation activities using the support provided under the scheme. Agriculture officials may visit the site periodically to monitor progress and provide technical guidance whenever required.

Important: There is currently no separate online application portal for CM-SKY. Farmers should apply through the District Agriculture Office, Agriculture Development Officer, or other local agriculture authorities. If you are unsure about eligibility, eligible crops, or required documents, visit your nearest Agriculture Office before submitting the application, as district-specific priorities may vary from time to time.

Important Links Available of the Scheme

• Chief Minister’s Sashakt Kisan Yojana District West Siang Official Page
• Government of Arunachal Pradesh Official State Portal

Contact Details in Case of Help Needed

• Nodal Department: Department of Agriculture, Government of Arunachal Pradesh
• Implementing Structure: District Agriculture Development Society (DADS)
• District Level: Contact your Deputy Commissioner (via DADS) or District Agriculture Officer
• Local Level: Contact your nearest Agriculture Development Officer (ADO), Agriculture Field Assistant, or Circle/Block Officer

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. What is Chief Minister’s Sashakt Kisan Yojana (CM-SKY)?

Ans. Chief Minister’s Sashakt Kisan Yojana (CM-SKY) is an agriculture and horticulture development scheme of the Department of Agriculture, Government of Arunachal Pradesh. The scheme supports eligible APST farmers through financial assistance and agricultural inputs for tea plantation, rubber plantation, and double-cropping activities, with the broader objective of improving farm productivity and increasing farmers’ income.

Q. Who can apply for CM-SKY?

Ans. APST farmers of Arunachal Pradesh who possess cultivable land with properly certified land documents and are willing to undertake tea cultivation, rubber plantation, or approved double-cropping activities can apply under the scheme.

Q. Are women and small farmers given any preference?

Ans. Yes. The scheme gives special emphasis to women farmers, small farmers, and marginal farmers to encourage self-employment and strengthen rural livelihoods.

Q. What financial assistance is available under the scheme?

Ans. Eligible beneficiaries can receive Rs. 1.00 lakh per hectare for tea plantation and Rs. 80,000 per hectare for rubber plantation, subject to approval and scheme guidelines.

Q. Does the scheme provide any support other than cash assistance?

Ans. Yes. Beneficiaries may also receive seedlings, planting materials, fencing materials, farm tools, fertilisers, plant protection inputs, and other cultivation support required for the approved activity.

Q. Is CM-SKY a loan scheme?

Ans. No. CM-SKY is an assistance-based scheme. The benefits are provided as grants and agricultural inputs, and beneficiaries are not required to repay the assistance received.

Q. Is the APST Certificate mandatory?

Ans. Yes. A valid Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribe (APST) Certificate is one of the key eligibility requirements and must be submitted along with the application.

Q. Can farmers apply using private land?

Ans. Yes. Private land can be considered under the scheme, provided the land documents are properly certified by the GB/HGB/PRI and countersigned by the local district administration.

Q. Why is a sketch map required?

Ans. For tea and rubber plantation proposals, a sketch map helps the authorities identify and verify the exact land where plantation activities will be undertaken. The map must be certified and countersigned along with the land documents.

Q. How are crops selected under the double-cropping component?

Ans. The Agriculture Department generally identifies suitable crops based on soil testing, local climatic conditions, and district-specific agricultural priorities to ensure better productivity and sustainability.

Q. Is there any online application portal for CM-SKY?

Ans. No. At present, applications are processed offline through the District Agriculture Office, Agriculture Development Officers, and other field-level agriculture officials.

Q. Can an application be rejected?

Ans. Yes. Applications may be rejected if mandatory documents are missing, land records are not properly certified, eligibility conditions are not met, or the proposed activity does not fall within the approved components of the scheme.

Q. Where can I get help regarding CM-SKY?

Ans. Farmers can contact their nearest Agriculture Development Officer (ADO), District Agriculture Office, Agriculture Field Assistant, or the office of the Deputy Commissioner for guidance regarding eligibility, documentation, and application procedures.

Tabassum

Tabassum is a government schemes researcher and writer with 5 years of experience tracking Central and State welfare scheme programmes across India. She has covered 500+ schemes spanning agriculture, women welfare, education, and housing, helping lakhs of beneficiaries understand their entitlements in simple language.