Is the SMAM subsidy higher for SC, ST, women and small farmers?

Yes. SMAM is designed to push mechanisation to weaker and smaller farmers, so SC, ST, women, and small or marginal farmers usually get a higher subsidy slab than general category farmers. For general farmers the rate is often around 40 percent, while the priority categories commonly get around 50 percent or more on the same machine, depending on the state and machine type. To claim the higher slab you must prove your category: a caste certificate for SC or ST, and a land record showing small or marginal holding (small means up to about 2 hectares, marginal up to about 1 hectare). Women applicants apply in their own name. The subsidy is still calculated on the approved cost of the machine. Check the exact higher-slab percentage for your machine and category on your state agriculture or agrimachinery portal, since the gap between slabs varies by state.