Division of Agricultural Engineering, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Shalimar, Srinagar-191 121, (J&K).
Agricultural mechanization in Jammu and Kashmir state is still at a very low level as compared to other states of the country. In the present study, the trends in the availability and use of different farm power sources were assessed at different time periods. There has been a continuous increase in the stock of farm machines in the state. The tractor population increased from 4.7 tractors/1000 ha in 1990–91 to 12.1 tractors/1000 ha in 2004–05. Although, the draft animal power densities have been constantly decreasing, still, animate power plays a major role in farm power sources in the State. The unit power available for agricultural operation has been observed only 0.92 kW/ha as compared to national average of 1.50 kW/ha. The contribution of female agricultural workers has increased significantly over last one decade.
Farm power, Animate power, Tractor, Agricultural mechanization
