Mechanization of paddy production in India- status and impact on productivity, cost of production, and farm income

This study has examined the level of mechanization in paddy farming and its impact on input use, productivity, cost of production and income. Using plot-level data, farm size-wise cost of cultivation, mechanization status, and farm business income were estimated. We find a direct relationship between mechanization and farm size. Although, the use of most of other inputs increased with farm size, the use of human and animal labour has decreased. Paddy yield increased with increase in farm size and the cost of production decreased, resulting into significantly higher net returns. Regression analysis indicated farm mechanization positively and significantly influence returns from paddy across all farm size categories.