Status and Utilization of Draught Animal Power in Jharkhand State

Bullocks and he-buffalos are the main draught sources for field operations in agriculture. Terrain of Jharkhand state is undulating and 85 per cent of the farmers are marginal and small. Size of animals of the state are also small and able to generate only 0.375 – 0.45 kW. Draught animal population is continuously increasing in the state by 5.05% on livestock census 2012 as compared to the livestock census 2007. Most of the farmers have small land holdings and have a pair of bullocks. Heavy operations like summer ploughing, transportation and puddling is being done by he-buffaloes in about 30% area. Farmers in this region are still using traditional tools and implements like desi plough, pata, karaha, khurpi, yokes, bullock cart etc. Design as well as dimensions of traditional tools and implements including bullock carts varies from place to place due to various factors like cultural practices, social and availability of materials.