Farm mechanization in hills of Uttarakhand, India-A review

Type Journal Article - Agriculture for Sustainable Development
Title Farm mechanization in hills of Uttarakhand, India-A review
Author(s)
Volume 2
Issue 1
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2014
Page numbers 65-70
Abstract
In Uttarakhand state about 70% population living in rural areas depends directly or indirectly on agriculture. The state
situated in North Western Himalayas of India has blessed with naturally occurring micro agro-climatic regions
suitable for cultivation of a wide range of agri-horticultural crops with a great potential for development. But the level
of farm mechanization in the state especially in hills is very poor with respect to mechanical power and efficient tools
and implements used by the farmers. The undulating topography, small and irregular sized fields, lack of skilled
manpower, poor facilities of repair and maintenance, poor purchasing power of farmers and non-availability of
improved farm implements and machines are some of the main reason for low level of mechanization in the hilly
region of the state. About 91% operational holding falls under small and marginal (<2ha) category. Despite various
constraints, there is a great scope for increasing productivity of land and labour in hills with proper mechanization by
means of introduction of suitable mechanical power source with matching equipment, efficient gender friendly tools,
rain water harvesting techniques, disseminating renewable energy gadgets and introducing small scale agro
processing industries in rural area.

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