Tractor vs Power: Projections for Indian Arid Zone

摘要

An analysis of the use of tractor and animal power for agriculture in the arid region has shown that about 50% area can be sown by tractor, 18.5% by bullocks and 26.3% by camel. The coverage varies with the number of days of utilities of animals and tractors. Considering both agriculture and transportation the benefit cost ratio for tractor, camel, single bullock and pair of bullocks have been estimated at 1.39, 1.06, 0.85 and 0.86, respectively, for maximum utility. If the operator's cost is excluded, i.e., the owner himself is the operator, the benefit cost ratio for tractor, camel, bullock and pair of bullocks were 1.52, 1.43, 1.3 and 1.07, respectively. The results are indicative of the significance of the animal power in arid regions.