Mechanisation in Agriculture
Mechanisation means using machines and equipment to perform farming tasks — like ploughing, sowing, irrigation, harvesting, or threshing — instead of doing them manually.
In modern times, “Smart Mechanisation” combines traditional machines with new technologies like IoT, GPS, and AI for better precision and reduced human effort.
Common Modern Machines Used in Villages
| Machine | Function | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Power Tillers & Mini Tractors | For ploughing, weeding, and land preparation | Saves 60–70% time and labour |
| Seed Drill / Planter | Sows seeds evenly and at right depth | Ensures uniform crop growth |
| Rotavator | Breaks soil after harvesting | Saves cost of repeated tilling |
| Combine Harvester | Harvests, threshes, and cleans grains in one go | Saves time and reduces post-harvest losses |
| Sprayer Drones | Sprays pesticide/fertilizer uniformly | Reduces chemical wastage and health risk |
| Power Weeder | Removes weeds between rows | Reduces manual labour cost |
| Automatic Irrigation Pumps (Solar / Smart) | Pumps water as per need | Saves water and electricity |
| Milking Machines | Used in dairy farms | Saves labour and improves hygiene |
Benefits of Mechanisation
Saves Labour & Time – work that takes 10 people can be done by 1 machine
Reduces Cost – less manual labour and fuel wastage
Improves Productivity – better sowing, irrigation, and harvesting
Reduces Crop Loss – accurate, timely operations
Encourages Youth in Farming – makes farming easier and more profitable
Mechanisation Models for Villages
1. Hiring Centres (CHCs)
- Small farmers rent machinery instead of buying.
- Government promotes this under Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation (S MAM).
- Farmers can rent tractors, tillers, harvesters, drones, etc. at affordable rates.
- Available through Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) or F POs.
Example: In Bihar, many blocks have Farm Machinery Banks supported by the Agriculture Department.
2. Farmer Producer Organizations (F POs)
- A group of farmers buys machinery collectively.
- Cost and usage are shared among members.
- F POs also get government subsidy up to 80% for equipment.
3. Agritech Startups / Rental Apps
- Platforms like Tr ringo, EM 3 Agri Services, and Kisan kraft provide farm machines on rent via mobile apps.
- You can book a tractor, rotavator, or drone just like booking a cab.
Cost & Subsidy Support
| Equipment | Approx. Cost | Subsidy (up to) | Scheme |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mini Tractor (15–20 HP) | ₹2–3 lakh | 40–50% | Samam / State Scheme |
| Power Tiller | ₹1–2 lakh | 50–60% | NABARD / PM-KISAN Yojana |
| Combine Harvester | ₹10–15 lakh | 40% | Samam |
| Drone Sprayer | ₹3–5 lakh | 50–75% | Drone Subsidy Scheme (2024–25) |
| Solar Pump | ₹40,000–₹1.5 lakh | 60–80% | PM-KUSUM Yojana |
Best Crops for Mechanised Farming
- Wheat, Paddy, Maize
- Sugarcane
- Cotton
- Pulses & Oilseeds
- Vegetables and Horticultural Crops (using mini tractors & weeding machines)
Challenges in Village Mechanisation
- Small & fragmented land makes big machines difficult to use.
- High cost of machinery ownership.
- Lack of trained operators and maintenance services.
- Limited awareness about subsidy schemes.
- Power supply or fuel cost in remote areas.
Smart Solutions for Villages
- Machinery on Rent via FPO or CHC — share large machines.
- Use Mini Tractors & Power Tillers — suitable for small farms.
- Training Programs — get training through Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK).
- Digital Platforms — rent via apps
- Solar or Electric Machines — reduce diesel use and save cost.
Real Example
- In Gaya, Bihar, a women-led FPO uses a custom hiring centre to rent out mini tractors and power weeders to 200+ farmers.
- Farmers save ₹5,000–₹10,000 per acre per season and reduce manual labour dependency by 70%.