Hindu Editorial Analysis : 17-August-2024

Farm mechanisation is crucial for the growth and efficiency of agriculture in India. Recent discussions in Parliament revealed that the average level of mechanisation for crops in the country is only 47%. With projections indicating it could take up to 25 years to reach 75-80% mechanisation, it’s clear that immediate action is needed.

Understanding Farm Mechanisation

Farm mechanisation refers to the use of machinery and technology in agriculture. This shift is vital for several reasons:

  • Increased Productivity: Machinery can enhance yields and improve farming practices.
  • Reduced Manual Labour: It lessens the physical strain on farmers, allowing them to focus on other important tasks.
  • Timely Operations: Mechanisation ensures that farming activities are completed on time, which is critical for crop health.

Key Areas of Mechanisation

  1. Seed-Bed Preparation: This process is already well mechanised (over 70%) for staple crops like rice and wheat, which is essential for good soil conditions.
  2. Sowing and Planting: While wheat sowing is quite mechanised, rice and sugarcane planting still depend heavily on manual labour, with only about 40% mechanisation.
  3. Weeding and Inter-Culture: Mechanisation here is low, at only 32%.
  4. Harvesting and Threshing: This phase is also under-mechanised at 34%, particularly for crops other than rice and wheat.

Factors Influencing Mechanisation

Several factors affect the level of mechanisation in Indian agriculture:

  • Socio-Economic Conditions: Farmers’ financial situations can limit their ability to invest in machinery.
  • Geographical Challenges: Variations in terrain and climate affect the type of machinery that can be used.
  • Crop Diversity: Different crops require different approaches to mechanisation.
  • Irrigation Facilities: Availability of water can dictate the extent to which mechanisation is feasible.

Benefits of Mechanisation

The advantages of increasing mechanisation are substantial:

  • Cost Savings: Farmers can save 15-20% on seeds and fertilisers.
  • Improved Germination: Mechanisation can enhance seed germination by 7-25%.
  • Time Efficiency: It can save farmers 20-30% of their time.

Given that 86% of Indian farmers own less than 2 hectares, machinery designed for small farms is especially important.

Challenges to Overcome

Despite its benefits, farm mechanisation faces several challenges:

  • Skills Gap: Many farmers lack knowledge about modern technology.
  • Small Landholdings: The prevalence of small farms makes it difficult for farmers to afford expensive machinery.
  • Rainfed Agriculture: Half of India’s farmland relies on rain, requiring tailored solutions for mechanisation.

Government Initiatives

The Indian government has launched several initiatives to promote farm mechanisation:

  • Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation (SMAM): This scheme supports the purchase of machinery and the establishment of Custom Hiring Centres.
  • Financial Investment: Over ₹4,556.93 crores have been allocated from 2014-2021 to boost mechanisation.
State-Specific Initiatives

States like Rajasthan and Karnataka have also introduced measures:

  • Rajasthan: Offers subsidies for equipment targeting small farmers.
  • Karnataka: Plans to create Harvester Hubs to enhance mechanisation efforts.

Moving Towards Higher Mechanisation

To achieve 75-80% mechanisation in India, several steps can be taken:

  • Financial Support: Offering subsidies for machinery can encourage adoption.
  • Indigenous Solutions: Focus on developing machinery suited to local conditions.
  • Precision Farming: Invest in technologies like GPS-guided tractors to optimise resource use.

Why In News

Recent replies in Parliament revealed that the overall average mechanisation level for crops in India stands at 47%, indicating significant room for improvement, and projections suggest it may take another 25 years to achieve a target of 75-80% mechanisation, underscoring the urgent need for focused policies and investments in agricultural technology.

MCQs about The Importance of Farm Mechanisation in India

  1. What is the current average mechanisation level for crops in India?
    A. 60%
    B. 47%
    C. 75%
    D. 80%
    Correct Answer: B. 47%
    Explanation: Recent replies in Parliament indicate that the overall average mechanisation level for crops in India stands at 47%.
  2. Which agricultural operation currently has the highest level of mechanisation in India?
    A. Weeding and Inter-Culture
    B. Harvesting and Threshing
    C. Seed-Bed Preparation
    D. Sowing and Planting
    Correct Answer: C. Seed-Bed Preparation
    Explanation: Seed-Bed Preparation is highly mechanised, with over 70% mechanisation for major crops like rice and wheat.
  3. What is one of the major benefits of farm mechanisation mentioned in the essay?
    A. Increased manual labor
    B. Improved germination rates
    C. Higher dependence on rainfed agriculture
    D. Limited access to technology
    Correct Answer: B. Improved germination rates
    Explanation: The essay states that mechanisation can boost seed germination by 7-25%, which is a significant benefit for farmers.
  4. Which government initiative aims to promote farm mechanisation in India?
    A. Make in India
    B. Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation (SMAM)
    C. Krishi Bhagya Scheme
    D. National Agriculture Policy
    Correct Answer: B. Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation (SMAM)
    Explanation: SMAM is a centrally sponsored scheme that supports the purchase of agricultural machines and the establishment of Custom Hiring Centres to promote mechanisation.

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