Study on Manufacturing of Agricultural Implements in Manipur

Agricultural mechanization in Manipur is still at a very low level, as compared to other parts of the country. Most agricultural operations are done manually using traditional tools and implements; except ploughing and puddling in the valley land, where tractors and power tillers are used. Indigenous plough, animal drawn cultivators, spade, hand fork, grass slasher, sickle, thangjou, different knives are the commonly used tools and implements in the hill as well as valley lands. These implements are manufactured by the local artisans and blacksmiths. A survey was conducted to find mit the status of agricultural implements manufacturing in Manipur using a proforma. The survey revealed the existence of around 50 blacksmith/manufacturing units who are fabricating indigenous farm tools and implements as per the local demand and use. Only few manufacturers fabricate power operated improved implements. The blacksmiths mostly use anvils, small size bench drilling machine, grinding machine and arc welding set for their work. Raw materials used are discarded leaf spring of automobiles, mild steel angle, flat and,/sheet, discarded vehicle axle, etc. Animal-drawn 3-tyne or 5-tyne cultivators are fabricated using MS angle of various sizes. Manpower available varied from two to five and are from nearby area or from within the family. Only one workshop was found engaged in fabrication of improved and power operated agricultural implements using advanced and larger machinery.