by Impact of Mechanization in Agriculture Equipment
Farming has traditionally been a labour intensive activity. However, the introduction of mechanized equipment and tools has significantly reduced the dependency on manpower for agricultural operations. Tractors, harvesters, tillers and other machinery have made it possible to cultivate larger areas of land with fewer workers. This has boosted productivity and made farming a more efficient business.
Advances in tractor technology have enabled activities like ploughing, seeding, spraying fertilizers and pesticides to be performed rapidly across fields. Small and marginal farmers can hire tractor services when needed for tillage and other tasks. This on-demand service model has been a boon for those with limited land holdings and capital. Trailers and attachable equipment complement the multipurpose utility of tractors. Precision farming aided by GPS and sensors is also enhancing operational efficiency.
Mechanized transplanting and harvesting saves huge amounts of time and labour compared to manual methods. Rice and vegetable transplanting machines can plant seedlings much faster than farm workers. Similarly, combine harvesters reap and thresh crops in a single pass which would require many man-days of labour otherwise. Harvesting technologies for fruits and cash crops are also becoming more automated. Post-harvest processing like grading, sorting and packaging benefit significantly from mechanization.
Role of Custom Agriculture Equipment
Unable to individually own expensive agricultural machinery, farmers can rely on custom hiring centers for access to farm equipment. Agriculture Equipment Set up by public and private initiatives, these centers maintain a fleet of tractors, tillers and harvesters that are rented out to cultivators on an hourly basis. This shared ownership model allows even smallholder farmers to utilize machinery suited for their land size and cropping pattern.
Repair and maintenance services are also provided at these centers. Spare parts and lubricants are made available. Skilled operators are deployed along with the equipment if required by farmers. Custom hiring helps optimize utilization and spreads the cost of mechanization benefiting both equipment owners and users. With appropriate policy support, these centers could play a major role in upscaling mechanization adoption across Indian agriculture.
Financing Mechanization
The high initial capital expenditure involved has deterred many farmers from mechanizing production. However, new financing options through bank credit and agricultural machinery loans are improving access. Interest subvention schemes offered at both central and state levels subsidies the rate of interest for farm mechanization loans. The maximum amount of subsidy ranges from 3-4%.
Loans are also eligible for repayment moratoriums especially during monsoon seasons. Crop loan limits have been raised specifically for purchasing threshers, harvesters and other equipment. Cooperative credit societies and financing from farm equipment manufacturers also help bridge the liquidity gap. Leasing models and pay-per-use renting backed by insurers are other alternatives gaining favor with bankers and machine suppliers. Better information dissemination around these schemes is still needed.
Technological Advances Benefiting Farmers
Precision farming technologies relying on GPS, GIS mapping, IoT sensors and drone imagery are bringing new efficiencies. Variable rate application matched to soil conditions optimizes agrochemical usage. Real-time soil moisture monitoring and automated drip irrigation save irrigation water. Soil health mapping aids balanced fertilizer application. Disease and pest prediction models trigger timely preventive spraying.
Autonomous tractors and harvesting machines guided by computer vision and AI are in testing phases. Nanotechnology based formulations and targeted spraying solutions are being researched. Solar pumps, biogas plants and biomass gasifiers ease farm power needs sustainably. Digital platforms connect machinery owners, buyers, repair shops and enable e-commerce in agricultural inputs. Digitized land records and crop advisory portals leverage these technologies for the benefit of cultivators.
Challenges and Future Outlook
While mechanization brings higher productivity and profits, its extensive spread faces barriers in India. High initial costs of modern implements remain unaffordable for marginal holdings that constitute over 80% of farms. Skilled operators are scarce, repair networks need strengthening, especially in remote areas. Manufacturers catering solely to large farmers miss the needs of smaller cultivators. Lack of standard agricultural machinery testing and certification facilities impacts quality.
In Summary, however with rapid technology advances, innovative business models, enabling policies and targeted subsidies – the future of mechanized Indian agriculture appears promising. Increasing mechanization coupled with precision practices could propel India towards its vision of doubling farmers’ incomes. Custom hiring centers assume greater significance as service providers. Small electric tools and gadgets supplement mechanized solutions in a synergistic way. Sustainable power sources and AI enabled precision tools will herald the next stages of smart, inclusive mechanization benefitting all classes of cultivators. With coordinated efforts, India can indeed reap the productivity dividends of modern agricultural equipment.
*Note:
1.Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2.We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
About Author - Money Singh
Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemicals and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc. LinkedIn Profile
