Finer
field gadgets
TA
splurge in agricultural production can be catalysed through proper
engineering inputs and widespread mechanisation of practices, says
Dr Nawab Ali
The
population of India is growing at a rate of about 2 per cent per annum
and the average land holding of farmers has decreased from 0.5 ha
in 1950-51 to about 0.15 ha in 2002-03.
To meet the demands of the growing population and to enhance agricultural
productivity, assured irrigation, integrated nutrient and pest management
are needed.
India has emerged from an era of food deficiency to that of self-sufficiency
and is poised to be a major exporter of agricultural produce. Food
grain production, which was about 50 million tonnes in 1950-51 has
risen to more than 200 million tonnes in 2002-03.
A further increase in agricultural production and productivity can
be achieved through the use of appropriate agricultural engineering
technology.
There is also a need to develop detailed methodology for soil resource
conservation, onfarm water management and appropriate agricultural
tools and equipment for mechanisation of Indian agriculture.
Factors that augment the need for mechanisation in agriculture are:
Diversification of agriculture:
The effect of intensive agricultural practices, increasing population
pressure, climatic changes, environment pollution, loss of biodiversity,
soil erosion, salinisation and water depletion are threatening the
sustainability of agriculture. Also, in view of the diversification
of agriculture towards non-traditional crops, appropriate mechanisation
has to be undertaken. In spite of high production of horticultural
crops, their exports are limited. Also, for augmenting commercial
horticulture, farmers need indigenously improved tools and equipment.
Growth in organic farming: There
is an increasing demand for organic products worldover. For successful
organic farming, recycling of organic materials such as crop residue
or straw, green manure, animal farm waste, amongst others, are needed
to maintain fertility and organic content of soil. Vermicomposting,
biofertilisers and cultures of biological nitrogen fixation, phosphorous
solubulasing bacteria and so on, have also gained importance. To meet
the increasing demands for organic products, engineering inputs are
a must.
Women in agriculture: Women contribute
50-75 per cent of the total work force required for various agricultural
operations in the developing countries.
Ergonomically designed and women friendly tools, equipment and machines
are required to increase their productivity.
FARM MECHANISATION
A large number of
indigenously manufactured, improved agricultural tools, implements
and machines are available to meet the need of the country. However,
standardisation and quality control measures still need to be applied
more rigourously in India. Even in the organised sector, the tractor
noise and vibration still continue to be a problem.
POST-HARVEST TECHNOLOGY
Contributions have also been made in the area of post-harvest technology
and agro-processing.
However, harvest and post-harvest losses continue to be excessively
high, especially in the on-farm situation, resulting in an annual
loss of about Rs 75,000 crore to the rural economy.
AGRICULTURAL ENERGY
Studies reveal that improvements
in agriculture have come largely from direct and indirect use of commercial
energies, diesel, electricity, fertilisers and chemicals, which are
not only expensive but are also sparse in rural areas. Higher specific
energy use implies higher unit cost of production, thereby reducing
profitability. As a result, special attention is needed in energy
management in agriculture....
contd...
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