Farm mechanisation refers to the use of machinery and equipment in agricultural processes to boost efficiency, decrease manual labor, and elevate overall productivity. This transition from traditional farming methods to mechanised practices is essential for modern agriculture.
Farm mechanisation brings numerous advantages to farmers. Among them are:
The recent parliamentary committee report addresses the government's approach to farm mechanisation. It highlights a significant lack of clarity and comprehensive research on the influence of mechanisation on agricultural policies, productivity, and farmers' income.
The report indicates that the government has failed to conduct a nationwide assessment to identify gaps in farm mechanisation, especially concerning small and marginal farmers. This oversight has hampered these farmers' access to appropriate machinery, leading to increased investment costs and diminished productivity.
Small and marginal farmers, who constitute a critical segment of the agricultural community, encounter significant barriers in obtaining suitable machinery due to limited resources. This situation has resulted in higher costs for inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and labor, adversely affecting their income and overall productivity.
The report advocates for a nationwide study to evaluate the needs and gaps in farm mechanisation, particularly for small and marginal farmers. It also calls for the development of a comprehensive strategy to bridge these gaps and promote mechanisation in agriculture.
India's level of agricultural mechanisation stands at 47%, which is notably lower than that of countries like China (59.5%) and Brazil (75%). This disparity highlights the potential for significant improvements in adopting modern agricultural practices.
Tackling the challenges associated with farm mechanisation can lead to several positive outcomes, including:
Ultimately, these improvements can boost farmers' productivity, income, and livelihoods.
Farm mechanisation plays a vital role in promoting sustainable agricultural growth. By enhancing efficiency and productivity, it reduces the reliance on labor-intensive methods, conserves resources, and ensures optimal input utilization. This approach leads to increased food production and economic stability.
The parliamentary committee's report emphasizes the necessity for a strategic framework surrounding farm mechanisation in India. By addressing the challenges faced by small and marginal farmers and proposing viable solutions, the report seeks to enhance agricultural productivity, increase farmers' income, and foster overall rural development.
Q1. What is farm mechanisation?
Answer: Farm mechanisation involves using machinery and equipment in agriculture to improve efficiency, reduce manual labor, and boost productivity.
Q2. How does farm mechanisation benefit farmers?
Answer: It offers benefits like faster operations, better resource use, improved crop yields, lower labor costs, and enhanced farmer livelihoods.
Q3. What are the report's key findings regarding farm mechanisation?
Answer: The report highlights the lack of government studies on mechanisation's impact, particularly for small farmers, affecting their access to machinery and productivity.
Q4. How does farm mechanisation affect small farmers?
Answer: Small farmers struggle to access suitable machinery due to limited resources, leading to higher input costs and reduced productivity, negatively impacting their incomes.
Q5. What recommendations does the report provide for improving farm mechanisation?
Answer: It suggests conducting a nationwide study on mechanisation needs and formulating a comprehensive plan to address the identified gaps, especially for small farmers.
Question 1: What is the main purpose of farm mechanisation?
A) Reduce the use of fertilizers
B) Enhance efficiency and productivity
C) Increase manual labor
D) Decrease crop yields
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: What percentage of mechanisation does India's agriculture currently have?
A) 30%
B) 50%
C) 47%
D) 60%
Correct Answer: C
Question 3: Who is primarily affected by the lack of farm mechanisation?
A) Large farmers
B) Government officials
C) Small and marginal farmers
D) Agricultural researchers
Correct Answer: C
Question 4: Which country has a higher level of agricultural mechanisation than India?
A) USA
B) Brazil
C) Canada
D) France
Correct Answer: B
Kutos : AI Assistant!
