Farm mechanization: Boost to farm productivity and employment opportunities
(Relevant for General Studies Paper | Economics| Prelims/Mains)
Farm mechanization: Boost to farm productivity and employment opportunities
As per a recently published white paper by the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER), the agricultural machinery sector in India encounters notable hurdles in fulfilling the requirements of small and marginal farmers.
The agricultural machinery sector grapples with challenges on both the demand and supply fronts. Mechanization in Indian agriculture, standing at 40-45%, lags far behind global standards; for instance, the corresponding figures are 95% in the US, 75% in Brazil, and 57% in China.
Despite the suboptimal levels of farm mechanization in India, shortages in skills and a lack of awareness among farmers regarding technology and machinery management present considerable impediments to advancement.
Farm mechanizationAgricultural mechanization, commonly referred to as farm mechanization, is the utilization of machinery and equipment to either replace or support human and animal labor in diverse agricultural activities. This entails embracing technology, including tractors, harvesters, seeders, irrigation systems, and other automated tools, to execute tasks that were conventionally performed manually. The key objectives of farm mechanization encompass enhancing efficiency, productivity, and profitability in agriculture, all the while alleviating the physical strain on farmers. Moreover, mechanization has the potential to contribute positively to sustainable agricultural practices by optimizing resource utilization and mitigating the environmental impact of farming activities. Need for farm mechanization
Farm Machinery IndustryThe Agricultural Machinery Industry constitutes a sector involved in the manufacturing and provision of various machinery, equipment, and tools essential for agricultural and farming tasks like ploughing, planting, harvesting, and more. These machines are crafted to enhance productivity and efficiency in farming operations, catering to both small-scale and large-scale farming needs. Within this industry, products such as tractors, combine harvesters, irrigation systems, tillers, and more are offered to meet the diverse requirements of agricultural practices. |
Challenges with the Farm Machinery Industry
- Skills Shortage: The scarcity of skills stands as a critical challenge, creating a situation of low equilibrium for the industry. At the base of the industry hierarchy, village craftsmen constitute the largest group, mainly serving Indian farmers by providing, repairing, and maintaining farm machinery.
- Lack of Adequate Information: Insufficient information and awareness among farmers about technology and machinery management are evident. As a result, their machinery choices are often subpar, leading to wasted investments.
- Lack of Skilled Personnel: Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) grapple with a shortage of skilled personnel. Semi-skilled workers, lacking proper equipment, frequently fabricate agricultural tools and machinery. The absence of qualified supervisors in small-scale fabrication poses challenges in ensuring quality. Additionally, the task of finding qualified personnel for testing machinery is a daunting one.
- High Capital Cost: The cost of farm machinery is high, and farmers may lack the resources to invest in new equipment. This can result in limited access to the latest technology and decreased efficiency in farming operations.
- Rapidly Changing Technology: Farm machinery technology is advancing swiftly, necessitating continuous research and development investments by manufacturers. This poses a challenge for smaller manufacturers who may lack the resources for quick innovation.
- Dependence on Weather Conditions: Farm machinery is highly reliant on weather conditions, and adverse weather can lead to delays and disruptions in farming operations. This, in turn, can lead to decreased productivity and profitability.
- Maintenance and Repair: Regular maintenance and repairs are essential for keeping farm machinery running efficiently. However, this process can be both costly and time-consuming, particularly for smaller farmers who may lack the resources for proper equipment maintenance.
- Environmental Concerns: Growing concerns about the environmental impact of farming, including the use of fossil fuels in farm machinery, are prevalent. Manufacturers face pressure to develop more sustainable and environmentally friendly equipment.
What steps should be taken to leverage the benefit of farm mechanization industry
- Training Young Farmers/Owners/Operators: Responsibility for educating young farmers/owners/operators on the selection, operation, and maintenance of farm machinery should be assigned to tractor training centers, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, and the industry. Additionally, they should disseminate information on advancements in mechanization, including the availability of new and improved farm equipment for various applications.
- Strengthening Front-line Demonstration: Enhancing front-line demonstrations of farm machinery is crucial, and providing hands-on training to users of next-generation farm machinery could promote the extension and adoption of farm power.
- Addressing Skilling Shortages: The Agricultural Skills Council of India should focus on addressing skills shortages at the district level. Public-private partnerships with Custom Hiring Centres can prove especially beneficial, and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) institutes can offer short courses to tackle skills shortages on the demand side. Leveraging Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) to bridge skill gaps in repair and maintenance is essential, and promoting service centers at the regional and state levels in the private and industrial sectors is recommended.
- Provisioning Available Technical Knowledge and Skills: Collaboration between the District Industries Centre and local industrial clusters is necessary for ITIs to offer pertinent courses with the latest technical knowledge and skills. Implementing dual vocational skilling programs would greatly benefit industrial clusters in tier-II and tier-III cities. Additionally, MSMEs should take advantage of the Central Government’s Apprentices Policy.
Farm machine industry could become a golden opportunity in boosting farm productivity and generating employment .
Reference: The Hindu
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Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Question: What is the current level of farm mechanization in India compared to global standards?
Answer: Farm mechanization in India stands at 40-45%, significantly lower than countries like the US (95%), Brazil (75%), and China (57%).
2. Question: How can farm mechanization contribute to cost reduction in agriculture?
Answer: Farm mechanization can reduce input costs by approximately 20% while potentially increasing yields by up to 30%.
3. Question: What are the challenges faced by the farm machinery industry in India?
Answer: Challenges include skills shortage, lack of adequate information among farmers, high capital costs, rapidly changing technology, and environmental concerns.
4. Question: How can training and education play a role in promoting farm mechanization?
Answer: Training young farmers and operators on machinery selection, operation, and maintenance is essential. Collaboration with institutions and skill development programs can help bridge skill gaps.
5. Question: What are the key objectives of farm mechanization in Indian agriculture?
Answer: The key objectives include enhancing productivity, reducing the physical strain on farmers, promoting sustainability, and addressing labor shortages during peak seasons.
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META TAGS:
Farm mechanization, Agricultural machinery, Employment opportunities, Agricultural productivity, Challenges, Farm machinery industry, Skilled personnel, Sustainability, Training, Indian agriculture
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