Agriculture Engineering Department, North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology (Deemed University), P.O. Nirjuli -Arunachal Pradesh -791109 (India).
The study was carried out during year 1998–2008 in North Lakhimpur (Assam) in north east India. There has been participation of animal' resources in that part of country in view of rain, flood in rivers, water logged loand, humidity in environment, deficiency of organic matter in soil, small farmers, availability of green fodder, etc, while on other side, challenges in purchase, utilization, maintenance, repair, etc. of tractors and power tillers, It was found diring study that ninety per cent of farmers availed services of tractors and power tillers, It was found during study that ninety per cent of farmers availed services of tractors and power tillers on hire, only for first ploughing of their land and subee uent ploughing was done by animal resources. The tractor and power tiller could reach only 40–50 per cent of farmer's fields due to persence of water logged areas and eroded orads, whereas hebuffalos had no problems. The annual increase in number of he-buffaloes was found to be 10 times more as compared to that of tractor and power tiller. Half of tractor owners were found contractor or tea planter. He buffaloes were found engaged in farm operations throughout year, while tractor and power tiller could be utilized only for 7–8 months (210–240 days): The participation of animal resources was found essential in view of increase in number of he-buffaloes and shortage of organic matter in soil, along with improvement in agricultural implements and carts driven by them. The import of energy could be reduced and employment opporunities could be enhanced by adopting findings of this study.
