2024, Vol. 7, Issue 6, Part J

author(s)
Srikanthnaik J

abstract
Agricultural mechanization plays a pivotal role in transforming traditional farming into a more productive, efficient, and sustainable practice. In India, the need for mechanization has intensified due to rising food demand, labor shortages, declining productivity, and the imperative to improve farmers' livelihoods. This study examines the current state of farm mechanization in India, identifying key challenges such as limited farmer awareness, inadequate access to machines, and insufficient land holdings that hinder widespread adoption. Despite agriculture contributing approximately 14% to India’s GDP, nearly 48% of the population remains dependent on this sector for their livelihood. Encouragingly, there has been a year-on-year increase in the demand and sales of tractors, power tillers, and other farm equipment indicating a growing recognition of mechanization benefits. This paper discusses the technological advancements, policies, and support systems required to bridge the mechanization gap. It also outlines various farm machinery types currently in use and explores their developmental trends. The findings emphasize the importance of inclusive strategies, such as training programs, subsidy models, and shared equipment access schemes, to accelerate the mechanization process and empower farmers across diverse regions of India.