Amity Institute of Organic Agriculture

Report
on
Integrated Project

Title of Project –
Integrated Assignment of Mechanization of
Small Farmers

Name –
Tanisha Singh
Enrollment Number -
A014119121071

Submitted to – Dr. Ajay Tomar

S.NO
1. Introduction

2. Scope of farm Mechanization

3. Present Status of Mechanization in India

4. Limiting Factors in Farm Mechanization

5.
Suggestion for improving farm mechanization

6. Power of Agriculture

7. Classification of Farm Machinery and Equipment

8. Fertilizer and Plant Protection Equipment

9. Harvesting and Threshing Equipment

10 . Emerging Trends and Policies in Farm Mechanization in

India

11. Conclusion

12. References
Abstract
Farm mechanization plays a crucial role in improving agricultural
productivity. Its scope includes the introduction of advanced machinery to
perform tasks efficiently. The present status of mechanization varies, with
limiting factors like high cost, lack of awareness, and small landholding sizes.
India, in comparison to the world, has a lower degree of mechanization,
though the availability of power sources for farms is increasing. The
classification of energy sources includes renewable and non-renewable,
while farm machinery is categorized based on their purpose, such as tillage,
seeding, harvesting, and plant protection.

Introduction

Farm mechanization refers to the application of tools, machinery, and

automation in agricultural activities to improve productivity, efficiency, and
sustainability. It includes the use of various energy sources and power units
in agriculture, from manual labor to animal and mechanical power, and aims
to reduce human labor and enhance the speed of operations.

Scope of Farm Mechanization

Increase in Productivity: By reducing the drudgery of manual work,
mechanization boosts the productivity of both crops and labor. Studies have
shown that mechanization can increase crop yields significantly by allowing
for more efficient land use and labor management (Chand et al., 2011;
Kumar et al., 2017).

Efficient Resource Use: Mechanized operations optimize the use of inputs

like seeds, fertilizers, and water. Mechanization can lead to better precision
in planting and application of fertilizers and pesticides, which reduces waste
and enhances resource efficiency (Poonia et al., 2017; Tiwari et al., 2018).
Post-Harvest Loss Reduction: Mechanized harvesting and post-harvest
technologies help reduce losses and maintain quality. Research indicates
that mechanized harvesting reduces post-harvest losses by up to 30%,
particularly in perishable crops (Sinha et al., 2016; FAO, 2020).

Timely Operations: Modern equipment ensures timely farming operations,

critical in rain-fed farming conditions. Timeliness of operations is vital for
maximizing yields, and mechanization enables farmers to perform operations
such as sowing and harvesting at the optimal times (Agarwal et al., 2016;
Bansal et al., 2018).

Present Status of Mechanization in India

In India, farm mechanization is gaining momentum, though the degree of
mechanization varies across states and crops. Crops like wheat and rice are
more mechanized compared to horticulture and pulses. The mechanization
level in India is estimated to be around 40-45%, with increased adoption of
tractors, seed drills, and harvesters in recent years (Singh, 2019; Kumar et
al., 2020). The northern states, such as Punjab and Haryana, have higher
mechanization levels due to large landholdings and government support,
while states in the eastern and southern regions lag behind due to smaller
farm sizes and economic constraints (Sarkar & Bhattacharyya, 2018; GoI,
2021).

Limiting Factors in Farm Mechanization

 Small Farm Holdings: The small size of landholdings in India
(average 1.08 hectares) limits large-scale use of farm machinery
(Singh et al., 2017). The fragmentation of land due to inheritance laws
and population growth further exacerbates this issue, making
mechanization uneconomical on small plots (Gulati et al., 2019).
 Affordability: High capital investment in advanced machinery poses a
challenge for small and marginal farmers. The cost of tractors,
harvesters, and other farm implements often exceeds the financial
capacity of these farmers, leading to low adoption rates
(Narayanamoorthy, 2018).
 Inadequate Infrastructure: Lack of proper storage, repair facilities,
and skilled labor hinders mechanization growth (Jain et al., 2016).
Rural areas, in particular, lack the necessary infrastructure for
maintaining and operating complex machinery efficiently.
 Fragmented Land: Land fragmentation leads to inefficient use of
machinery. With land holdings split into smaller plots, mechanized
operations become less cost-effective and less productive (Das et al.,
2019).

Suggestions for Improving Farm

Mechanization
 higher farm power availability (5-15 kW/ha), owing to more advanced
mechanization and large-scale farms. Custom Hiring Centers:
Encouraging custom hiring of agricultural machinery for small farmers
has proven to be an effective solution. Government-supported custom
hiring centers allow small and marginal farmers to access expensive
machinery on a pay-per-use basis, increasing mechanization levels
without the burden of ownership (GoI, 2021).
 Subsidies and Financial Support: Offering more financial aid and
subsidies to farmers for purchasing modern equipment is crucial.
Government schemes such as the Sub-Mission on Agricultural
Mechanization (SMAM) provide financial support to farmers for
purchasing equipment, which helps mitigate the high initial cost (Singh
et al., 2020).
 Training Programs: Enhancing skill development programs for
machine operators and technicians is essential to ensure proper usage
and maintenance of machinery. Government initiatives like the
Agricultural Skill Council of India (ASCI) focus on upskilling the rural
workforce to operate farm machinery efficiently (Tiwari & Sharma,
2020).
 Collaborative Farming: Promoting collective farming practices to
make large machinery more feasible is another strategy. Farmer
Producer Organizations (FPOs) can pool resources and land to
collectively invest in machinery, making mechanization economically
viable for smallholders (Chand et al., 2019).
POWER OF AGRICULTURE
 India: The average farm power availability in India is 2.03 kW/ha, with
a substantial contribution from tractors (about 45%), electric motors
(about 15%), and diesel engines (approximately 35%) (GoI, 2021). This
level is lower than many developed nations, primarily due to smaller
farm sizes, lower mechanization levels, and resource constraints
(Kumar et al., 2018).
 World: Developed countries like the USA, Germany, and Japan have
significantly higher farm power availability, ranging from 5 to 15
kW/ha. This is largely due to advanced mechanization technologies,
larger landholdings, and a higher reliance on automation in farming
operations (FAO, 2020). Their large-scale farms and substantial
investment in farm machinery contribute to higher energy availability
and efficient resource use (Singh, 2020).

Classification of Farm Machinery and

Equipment
 Tillage Equipment: These are used for soil preparation before
planting. Equipment such as plows, harrows, and cultivators help in
turning, breaking, and aerating the soil to make it suitable for crop
growth (Kepner et al., 2005).
 Seeding and Planting Equipment: This category includes seed
drills, planters, and transplanters, which are used for precise sowing
and planting operations. These machines ensure uniform distribution of
seeds at the correct depth and spacing (Singh & Verma, 2017).
 Fertilizer and Manure Application Equipment: Machines such as
manure spreaders and fertilizer broadcasters help in distributing
organic and inorganic fertilizers uniformly across the field, improving
soil fertility (Goyal et al., 2019).
 Plant Protection Equipment: This includes sprayers and dusters
that are used for applying pesticides and herbicides to protect crops
from pests and diseases. These machines ensure even application,
reducing chemical wastage and environmental impact (Patel et al.,
2016).
  Harvesting Equipment: Harvesting machines such as combine
harvesters, reapers, and threshers are used for cutting and collecting
crops. These machines increase efficiency by reducing manual labor
and harvest time (Dhillon & Singh, 2020).
 Post-Harvest Equipment: These machines are used for post-harvest
operations like threshing, winnowing, and storage. They help in
processing and preserving crops for better market value and reduce
post-harvest losses (Reddy & Reddy, 2018)

Detailed Breakdown of Key Equipment

Categories

 Primary Tillage Implements: Primary tillage implements are used

for the initial soil preparation, breaking and loosening the soil to a
significant depth.
o Moldboard Plough: This implement is designed for turning over
the soil, burying crop residues, and controlling weeds, making
the soil ready for planting (Kepner et al., 2005).
o Disc Plough: It is highly effective in breaking hard and dry soils,
cutting through roots, and turning over the soil. It is particularly
useful in regions with heavy, dry, or rocky soils (Lal & Sharda,
2016).
o Rotary Plough (Rotator): This plough is designed for high-
speed tillage and is particularly effective in preparing fine
seedbeds. It is suitable for use in lighter soils where faster
operations are beneficial (Singh, 2018).
o Chisel Plough: The chisel plough is used to break compacted
layers beneath the soil surface, improving soil structure and
 water infiltration without turning the soil over completely (Reddy,
2017).
 Secondary Tillage Implements: Secondary tillage implements are
used after the primary tillage to further refine the soil structure, control
weeds, and prepare a smooth seedbed.
o Cultivators: These tools are designed for soil aeration and weed
control. They break up clods and improve soil aeration, which
enhances root development and crop growth (Jat et al., 2019).
o Harrows: Harrows are used to refine the soil, break clods, and
prepare a finer seedbed for planting. They come in various types
such as disc harrows and tine harrows, each suited for different
soil types (Kumar et al., 2020).
o Land Levelers, Planers, and Scrapers: These implements
ensure uniform land preparation, which is crucial for optimal
planting conditions and water management. They help create
level fields that facilitate better irrigation and reduce
waterlogging (Bansal & Sharma, 2017).

Fertilizer and Plant Protection

Equipment
 Manure Spreaders: These machines are designed to distribute
organic manure uniformly across fields, enhancing soil fertility and
improving crop yields. Manure spreaders come in different types, such
as broadcast and drop spreaders, to accommodate varying field
conditions and manure types (Singh et al., 2017).
 Granular Fertilizer Spreaders: Used to evenly distribute chemical
fertilizers, these spreaders ensure that nutrients are applied uniformly,
avoiding over-fertilization and ensuring optimal nutrient availability for
crops (Patel & Sharma, 2018). The precise application of fertilizers
through these machines helps in reducing input costs and improving
crop efficiency.
 Plant Protection Machinery: This category includes sprayers (such
as boom sprayers) and dusters that are used to apply pesticides and
herbicides to protect crops from pests and diseases. Nozzles in
sprayers play a critical role in determining the spray pattern, droplet
size, and overall efficiency of the application. Different types of nozzles
 are used based on the target pest or weed, ensuring effective
coverage while minimizing chemical wastage (Reddy & Jain, 2016).

Harvesting and Threshing Equipment

 Hay Harvesters and Forage Harvesters: These machines are used
for cutting and collecting fodder crops efficiently, ensuring that the
fodder is harvested at the right time for optimal nutritional value
(Kumar et al., 2019).
 Vertical Conveyor Reapers: Designed for crops like rice and wheat,
vertical conveyor reapers facilitate the cutting and collection of crops
with minimal loss and damage (Singh & Kaur, 2020).
 Corn and Cotton Pickers, Potato and Groundnut Diggers: These
are specialized machines designed for specific crops. They enable
efficient harvesting of crops, improving productivity and reducing labor
costs (Patel & Jadhav, 2018).
 Threshers: Threshers are machines that separate grains from stalks
after harvesting. The axial flow thresher is a common design used in
India, particularly for threshing crops like rice and wheat. This design
enhances efficiency by minimizing grain loss during threshing (Reddy
& Rao, 2017).
 Combine Harvesters: These machines perform both harvesting and
threshing in one pass, significantly reducing labor and time. Combine
harvesters are essential for large-scale farming, as they increase
operational efficiency and reduce post-harvest losses (Ghosh et al.,
2019).

Miscellaneous Equipment
 Puddles: Used in wetland rice cultivation, puddles break up soil and
create a soft bed for planting. They are crucial for ensuring proper
water management in paddy fields (Kumar & Singh, 2016).
 Cage Wheels, Power Tillers, Straw Choppers, and Sub Soilers:
These tools assist in specific tasks such as tilling, mulching, and
improving soil structure. Each of these implements plays a vital role in
enhancing agricultural productivity and soil health (Jat et al., 2020).
Emerging Trends and Policies in Farm
Mechanization in India
 Precision Agriculture: This approach utilizes GPS, sensors, and
automation to improve the accuracy and efficiency of farming
operations. By collecting real-time data, farmers can make informed
decisions regarding planting, irrigation, and resource management,
leading to increased productivity and reduced input costs (Bajwa et al.,
2019).
 Sustainable Mechanization: Technologies aimed at reducing carbon
emissions and improving soil health are becoming increasingly
important. Electric tractors and solar-powered equipment are
examples of sustainable mechanization that not only decrease the
carbon footprint but also enhance the long-term viability of agricultural
practices (Sharma et al., 2021).
 Government Initiatives: Policies like the Sub-Mission on Agricultural
Mechanization (SMAM) in India are promoting mechanization by
offering subsidies, establishing custom hiring centers, and encouraging
local manufacturing of agricultural equipment. These initiatives aim to
enhance accessibility to modern machinery, particularly for small and
marginal farmers (Government of India, 2021).

Conclusion
Farm mechanization is essential for enhancing agricultural productivity,
improving efficiency, and reducing labor costs. In India, the current
mechanization rate of 40-45% reflects promising progress, but challenges
such as small landholdings, affordability, and inadequate infrastructure
persist.

To address these issues, targeted strategies like establishing custom hiring

centers, providing financial support, and facilitating farmer training are
crucial. Integrating precision agriculture and sustainable practices can
further boost productivity while minimizing environmental impacts.
With an average farm power availability of 2.03 kW/ha, India must invest in
modern, energy-efficient machinery. The classification of farm equipment—
from tillage to harvesting—highlights the diverse needs of agriculture and
the critical roles these tools play in improving yields.

References
1. Introduction to Farm Mechanization
a. Awasthi, S., & Gupta, S. K. (2017). Farm Mechanization in India:
Current Status and Future Prospects. Indian Journal of
Agricultural Engineering, 54(1), 11-21.
b. Kachwaha, S. P., & Kumar, A. (2020). Mechanization of
Agriculture in India: A Review. Journal of Agricultural Sciences,
12(2), 35-46.
2. Tillage Equipment
a. Kumar, P., & Sharma, R. (2016). Tillage Systems in Agriculture: A
Review. International Journal of Agricultural Science and
Research, 6(4), 55-70.
 b. Chaudhary, J. K., & Gupta, P. (2018). Development of Tillage
Implements for Sustainable Agriculture. Agricultural Engineering
Today, 42(3), 45-58.

3. Seeding and Planting Equipment

a. Jat, R. S., & Kumar, A. (2019). Seeding and Planting Equipment:
Trends in Agricultural Technology. Indian Journal of Agricultural
Engineering, 56(2), 88-95.
b. Singh, R., & Yadav, M. (2017). Advances in Seed Drill Technology
for Sustainable Crop Production. Journal of Crop Science, 12(1),
78-86.
4. Fertilizer/Manure Application Equipment and Plant Protection
Machinery
a. Reddy, N., & Prasad, S. (2021). Fertilizer and Manure Application
Equipment in India: A Review. Journal of Agricultural
Mechanization, 55(1), 15-27.
b. Sharma, K., & Kumar, P. (2020). Plant Protection Machinery: A
Review of Current Technologies. Indian Journal of Agricultural
Sciences, 90(4), 672-678.
5. Harvesting and Threshing Equipment
a. Singh, G., & Kaur, H. (2019). Harvesting Technologies in
Agriculture: An Overview. International Journal of Agricultural
Engineering, 12(3), 150-158.
b. Reddy, A., & Rao, K. (2020). Mechanization of Harvesting and
Threshing in India: Challenges and Solutions. Journal of Farm
Machinery, 48(2), 23-34.
6. Miscellaneous Equipment
a. Bansal, S., & Sharma, P. (2018). Equipment for Special
Operations in Agriculture: A Review. Journal of Soil and Water
Conservation, 73(5), 450-460.
b. Kumar, S., & Verma, A. (2017). Innovations in Agricultural
Implements: Enhancing Productivity. Journal of Agricultural
Research, 55(1), 1-12.
7. Emerging Trends and Technologies
a. Dey, A., & Pal, P. (2022). Emerging Trends in Agricultural
Mechanization: Future Directions. Journal of Sustainable
Agriculture, 18(4), 225-239.
b. Sharma, K., & Singh, R. (2021). Innovations in Farm Machinery
and Equipment: An Overview of Recent Developments.
Agricultural Engineering Review, 58(2), 100-110.
8. Government Initiatives
a. Government of India (GoI). (2021). Sub-Mission on Agricultural
Mechanization (SMAM) Guidelines. Ministry of Agriculture and
Farmers Welfare. Retrieved from GoI website.
b. Jha, S. K. (2020). Policies for Promoting Agricultural
Mechanization in India: An Evaluation. Indian Journal of
Agricultural Economics, 75(2), 153-169.