Growth of Farm Mechanisation and Draught Animal Power Availability in Maharashtra: A Region-wise Analysis

The study has evaluated the changes in size, composition and availability of draught animal power in relation to mechanical power with a view to understand the extent of mechanization of agriculture in the state of Maharashtra. The assessment of factors that have facilitated the process of diffusion and adoption of advanced technology will be useful in providing insights for the development of livestock sector. Although the estimates have revealed an increase in the intensity of mechanization in Maharashtra, this did not seem to have contributed to any significant displacement of work animals per hectare of net sown area. On judging the past trend, the growth in mechanical power to have served largely as a supplementary source of animal power. The impact of tractorization in respect of displacement of work animals has been very slow in the state. Since the rate of mechanization of irrigation was faster than mechanization of tillage, the overall effect of mechanization in terms of displacement of work animals has been very slow in Maharashtra. The study has suggested that the farmers should resort to modern techniques of tilling as substitute to animal power in the face of growing farming activities. This may in turn bring opportunities for improvement in land productivity and farm income. The increasing use of mechanical equipment for cultivation will progressively increase the rural demand for energy and therefore there is need of adequate investment in power sector in the state.