Cost effective improved equipment for sustainable agricultural development in northeastern hilly regions status and prospects

The farm equipment and machinery development is based on the feedback from farmers to bridge the identified farm mechanization gaps for different power sources, soils and crops specific farm implements and machinery. Popularization of farm equipment and machinery is gaining momentum in different parts of hilly regions through prototype feasibility testing (PFT) and front line demonstration (FLD) activities. These activities aim at bridging the existing farm mechanization gaps identified in different parts of the country by identifying, procuring and testing farm machinery for its feasibility in the respective regions. Successful designs of farm implements and machinery and commercial units popular in other regions are needed to be adopted, commercialized and popularized in their respective regions. Under FLD activity, the steps for large-scale demonstration of selected farm implements and machinery have resulted in expanding unit operations based on different power sources for different cropping patterns.