Farm Power Availability on Indian Farms Singh Surendra1, Singh R S2, Singh S P3 1Ex Project Coordinator, AICRP on FIM, CIAE, Nabi Bagh, Bhopal 2Principal Scientist, CIAE, Nabi Bagh, Bhopal-462038 3Principal Scientist, Division of Agril Engg, IARI, New Delhi-110012 Online published on 13 January, 2015. Abstract Mechanization has been well received in India as one of the important elements of modernization of agriculture. It is now recognized that availability of mechanical power and improved equipment has enabled States like Punjab, Haryana and Western region of Uttar Pradesh to achieve high levels of land productivity. Tractor growth in the country in terms of production and sale was many folds. A tractor could be found after every 27 ha cultivated area in span of 53 years. The results of the so many studies confirm that in those States where agricultural mechanization has made good progress, its benefits are being shared by all farmers irrespective of the size of their operational holdings and whether they own tractors and machinery or not. During last 53 years the average farm power availability in India has increased from about 0.30 kW/ha in 1960–61 to about 2.02 kW/ha in 2013–14. Over the years the shift has been towards the use of mechanical and electrical sources of power, While in 1960–61 about 92.30% farm power was coming from animate sources, in 2013–14 the contribution of animate sources of power reduced to about 11.80% and that of mechanical and electrical sources of power increased from 7.70% in 1960–61 to about 88.20% in 2013–14. Over the years the contribution of animate source of power, especially that of draught animals, has been going down drastically. This shows that the additional need of farm power is being met through mechanical and electrical sources. Productivity and unit power availability is associated linearly. It is also evident that farm power input has to be increased further to achieve higher food grains production, the composition of farm power from different sources to be properly balanced to meet of its timely requirements for various farm operations. Mechanization of cultivation of various crops has also shown a study increase over the years as the power availability on the farm increased. Top Keywords Animate power, mechanical power, farm power availability, mechanization. Top |