Hill Agricultural Mechanization in Himachal Pradesh - A Case Study in Two Selected Districts

摘要

The present study analyses the status of agricultural mechanization in Himachal Pradesh along with in depth assessment of existing farm tools, implements and machines used by the farmers. The study was conducted in two districts Kangra and Una. For each selected district, a random sample of 40 villages was selected. Keeping in view the level and adoption of mechanization in selected village, a sample of 10 households was selected. It is clear that animate power dominates all agricultural operations in hill farming. The average annual use of animal power is 80 % and 75.71 % in Kangra and Una, respectively, mainly for land preparation (ploughing, puddling and planking). Tractor power is utilized about 60 % for transportation because of unique topographical features and small sized fields in both districts. The study shows that the farmers are still utilizing the traditional farm tools and implements. The main implements used by the farmers are Desi plough, clod breaker, soil stirring plough, wooden planker, khunti, plain sickle and Kudali in both districts. Most of the farm operations except ploughing, puddling and planking were carried out by farm women with traditional tools. Only small manufacturers of agricultural tool/ implements were identified which are fabricate only small equipment like soil stirring plough, kudali, hand rake, digging hoe and gardening hoe. It was also clear from the survey that 87.25 % and 73.5 % of the farmers in Kangra and Una, respectively, fall under the marginal group. Focus was placed on the identification of farmers' needs for different farm tools and implements. Successful implementation of farm mechanization in rural areas will require an effort to introduce suitable technology at the farmers' fields.