Today, the focus on farm mechanization can improve productivity. Survey shows that an increase in productivity and reduction in cultivation cost can be achieved by proper use of inputs and natural resources. When the overall farm mechanization in USA (95 percent), Brazil (75 percent) and China (57 percent) are ahead, India has been lower at 40-45 percent as compared to them.

According to the survey, with the shriveling land and water resources and labour force, the onus depends on mechanization of production and post harvesting procedures. There is a direct connection between the availability of farm power and farm yield. Government has decided to improve farm power availability from 2.02 kW per ha (2016-17) to 4.0 kW per ha by the end of 2030 to deal with the rising demand for food grains.

In 2014- 15, a submission on Agricultural Mechanization was launched in the country after recognising the requirement for the comprehensive growth of the farm mechanization sector. Under the scheme, State governments get assistance to provide training and demonstration of agricultural machinery to farmers for procurement of different agricultural machineries and equipment and for starting of Custom Hiring Centre.

The total funds allotted under the scheme during 2014-15 to 2018- 19 was Rs 3377.07 crore and during 2018-19 was Rs 1027.46 crore. In the last four years, Government has given a huge thrust to promote most recent agricultural machineries, for example laser leveller, combine harvesters, happy seeders technology, and small tools like power weeders.

The development of mechanization in the farm sector is obvious from the steady increase in the sale of tractors.

“Indian tractor industry is the largest in the world, accounting for one-third of the total global production. During the past four decades, the tractor industry grew at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10 percent. Farm mechanization market in India has been growing at a CAGR of 7.53 percent during 2016-2018 due to thrust given by various government policies,” the survey said.
A major share of India’s tractor manufacture is also exported which is on average 79,000 tractors yearly. The African countries and ASEAN countries are the main markets, having comparable soil and agro-climatic conditions.