Small farm mechanization: Need, policies of Central and State governments

In Odisha, the small and marginal holdings constitute around 90% of the total landholdings, which is supposed to increase in the future. The small and marginal farmers are generally unable to afford large scale mechanization. Small farm tools and implements that are manually operated, animal operated or operated by small petroleum, electric or solar-powered engines are very much useful and affordable for this large group of farmers. These small implements need popularization and location-specific modification for gaining acceptance over the traditional types of machinery. Apart from this, these machines are useful for drudgery reduction and decrease in the cost of cultivation. A good number of improved bullock drawn and manually operated farm implements have been developed for different field operations. There is huge scope for small farm mechanization mostly in the tribaldominated hilly terrain-based districts of Odisha as well in India. It also has a positive impact on the socioeconomic status of small and marginal farmers. This study revealed the need for small farm mechanization, its related policies and long-term benefits to be achieved by the farmers of the state for their socio-economic improvements.