ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umroi Road, Umiam-793103, Meghalaya.
Energy utilization for production of various crops from different sources was analysed in a typical village of Meghalaya representing hill ecosystem where jhum and bun cultivation are prevalent. Among the major crops, maize and potato utilized higher manual energy as compared to paddy, which required relatively more animal energy. Ginger, potato & vegetables were major cash crops with energy requirement varying from 5000 to 10000 MJ/ha while groundnut/soybean consumed only insignificant amount of energy. Among post harvest operations, milling used maximum energy (68%) followed by handling & transportation (24%). Groundnut/Soybean gave higher output-input ratio (5.14:1) followed by Maize (4.02:1) and paddy (3.89:1). Primary tillage was the highest energy consuming activity followed by land clearing, harvesting, interculture and sowing/transplanting for all crops. The utilization of machinery was at very low level. Energy input through crop production machinery was only 1–1.5%, attributing to human drudgery and delay in agricultural operations.
