A parliamentary panel has recommended that the Centre should increase its investment in the area of farm mechanization for R&D. The Indian Parliamentary Panel says that the allocation budget must be increased specifically for marginal and small farmers. The panel emphasizes that farm mechanization is crucial for boosting agriculture production and productivity.
However, there has been a reduction in funds allocated for farm mechanization in recent years, which needs to be addressed urgently. The overall agriculture mechanization level in India is currently 47%, lower than other developing countries like China and Brazil that has 59.5% and 75% respectively. The parliamentary committee urges the agriculture ministry to aim for 75% farm mechanization in a much shorter period than initially planned.
The committee also highlights the various benefits of agricultural mechanization, such as cost savings in seed, fertilizer, and labour, along with increased crop yield and cropping intensity. Small and marginal farmers, who constitute 86% of total operational holdings, require special efforts for mechanization. The agriculture ministry provides subsidies to these farmers for purchasing farm equipment under the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM).
The panel suggests that the ministry should promote low-cost farm equipment to increase mechanization among small farmers and involve other agencies at the local level to provide technological demonstrations to all farmers. A parliamentary panel has stressed the importance of investing in research and development for farm mechanization, especially for small and marginal farmers, to enhance agricultural production and productivity.
Despite the significant benefits of mechanization, the budget for farm mechanization has been reduced in recent years. The committee urges the agriculture ministry to work towards achieving a higher level of mechanization and to promote low-cost farm equipment for small farmers. Involving other agencies at the local level for technological demonstrations is also recommended to reach a larger number of farmers.
