Do women farmers and SC ST farmers get a higher subsidy slab and how do I claim it?

Yes, most central and state subsidy schemes give a higher percentage to priority categories, which usually include women farmers, SC and ST farmers, and small and marginal farmers, compared with the general category. For drip, machinery, polyhouse and many other items the priority slab can be meaningfully higher, and some schemes also reserve a fixed quota of beneficiaries for women and SC ST applicants within the lottery, which improves your chance of selection. To actually receive the higher rate rather than the general rate, you must prove your category at application time. For SC or ST you need a valid caste certificate, for women applicants the land record or application should clearly be in your own name, and for small or marginal status your landholding size on the record decides it. The single biggest reason people lose the higher slab is applying without the supporting certificate, in which case the system defaults you to the general rate. So arrange your caste certificate and ensure the land and bank are in your own name before you apply. Confirm the exact priority percentages and any reserved quota for your category on your state agriculture or horticulture portal, as these vary by scheme and year.