Economic Potential of Small Farm Mechanization

Mechanization is an important factor in agriculture that supports in flawless utilization of inputs and, it also helps in increasing productivity. Manual labor reduction is also a result of Farm mechanization. Since Independence in India, food grain production has grown by more than five times, now, led by technology and improved farming theories and practices. However, the population has grown experiential, creating more challenges to making India “food secure.”

Since Independence in India, food grain production has grown by more than five times, now, led by technology and improved farming theories and practices. However, the population has grown experiential, creating more challenges to making India “food secure.”

Usually, we see many mechanization practices introduced in India in the recent past had been suitable for a certain category like a medium and large-scale farmers. Increasing the scope of mechanization is important in view of fading acreage under agriculture and the ever-increasing population, coupled with the stubbornness of farmer income.

Impact of agricultural schemes in India

The Government of India has introduced many schemes and policy measures with a mission to improve a lot of farmers' issues and increase their income as well, the sub-mission on Agricultural Mechanization is one of the most important measures in this mechanization and development, with the potential to double farmers’ income. Directed at small farmers, the scheme was introduced in 2014 with an aim to boost farm productivity through mechanization. Substantial budgetary appropriations have been made over the years, and the vision is still in the process.

Structural Challenges of India

Farm mechanization in India faces structural challenges, such as fragmented land holdings, a skewed ratio of small farmers, subsistence farming, and, above all, expensive and irrelevant farm technology. However, it remains an accepted fact that mechanization is the way forward in agriculture. Besides improved yields, mechanization increases farmer profitability addresses labor shortage issues, and leads to self-sufficiency and food security. The economic benefits are there to see, but farm mechanization still faces a lot of challenges.