How to start a custom hiring centre for farm machinery?

A custom hiring centre (CHC) rents out farm machinery to farmers who cannot afford to own it, and it can be a good business if you plan demand carefully. Steps to begin: first survey the crops and operations in your area to see which machines are in real demand and short supply, such as rotavator, seed drill, laser leveller, harvester or sprayer. Government schemes (like SMAM and state schemes) offer subsidy support and the Centres can also be set up by FPOs, SHGs and rural youth, so check your state agriculture department or portal for the application and subsidy process. Buy machines that stay busy across multiple seasons and crops rather than one seasonal item. Keep clear rate cards, maintain the machines well (downtime in peak season kills earnings), and keep simple records of bookings and income. Start with two or three high demand machines and expand as you learn. Confirm the current subsidy and registration process with your district agriculture office.