Extent of Farm Mechanization in North Bank Plains Zone of Assam, India
The study was conducted from April, 2022 to March, 2023 in the North Bank Plains Zone (NBPZ) of Assam, India to assess the extent of mechanization and its impact on crop production. Among the six (6) districts of North Bank Plains Zone of Assam, three districts viz., Lakhimpur, Sonitpur and Darrang...
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Puspa Publishing House
2025-01-01
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| Series: | International Journal of Economic Plants |
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| Online Access: | https://ojs.pphouse.org/index.php/IJEP/article/view/6113 |
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| author | Suhail Alam Haridra Sharma Ridip Ranjan Saharia Arunjyoti Sonowal Amvrin Baruah |
| author_facet | Suhail Alam Haridra Sharma Ridip Ranjan Saharia Arunjyoti Sonowal Amvrin Baruah |
| author_sort | Suhail Alam |
| collection | DOAJ |
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The study was conducted from April, 2022 to March, 2023 in the North Bank Plains Zone (NBPZ) of Assam, India to assess the extent of mechanization and its impact on crop production. Among the six (6) districts of North Bank Plains Zone of Assam, three districts viz., Lakhimpur, Sonitpur and Darrang were selected randomly. Mechanization Index (MI) values were calculated for three key crops: sali rice, toria, and potato. Among these, potato had the highest MI (84.87%), followed by sali rice (74.65%) and toria (51.29%). Most farmers (72%) were classified under the medium mechanization category, indicating a moderate adoption of agricultural machinery. Mechanization significantly improved cropping intensity, which rose from 131.42% to 140.93%, an 8.45% increase, highlighting more effective land utilization and higher productivity. Additionally, mechanization reduced labor intensity, increased operational efficiency, and enhanced yields across crops. However, the adoption of mechanized technologies was not without challenges. Farmers faced high fuel costs, inadequate access to machinery during peak agricultural seasons, and a shortage of skilled personnel for machine operation and maintenance. Furthermore, frequent machinery breakdowns, often attributed to poor quality, disrupted farming activities and escalated costs. To address these challenges, the establishment of additional custom hiring centers (CHCs) was recommended. These centers would enable farmers to access high-quality machinery at affordable rates, minimizing delays and operational costs. Furthermore, training programs for operators and regular maintenance support at CHCs could alleviate technical difficulties. By addressing these constraints, mechanization can be effectively scaled, ensuring increased productivity and fostering sustainable agricultural development in the NBPZ.
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| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-84110c9cc39943e9a37dd3e58e3f1ed7 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2349-4735 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-01-01 |
| publisher | Puspa Publishing House |
| record_format | Article |
| series | International Journal of Economic Plants |
| spelling | doaj-art-84110c9cc39943e9a37dd3e58e3f1ed72025-02-01T15:10:46ZengPuspa Publishing HouseInternational Journal of Economic Plants2349-47352025-01-0112Jan, 110.23910/2/2025.5792aExtent of Farm Mechanization in North Bank Plains Zone of Assam, IndiaSuhail Alam0Haridra Sharma1Ridip Ranjan Saharia2Arunjyoti Sonowal3Amvrin Baruah4Dept. of Extension Education, BN College of Agriculture, Biswanath Charilai, Assam (784 176), IndiaDept. of Extension Education, BN College of Agriculture, Biswanath Charilai, Assam (784 176), IndiaDept. of Extension Education, BN College of Agriculture, Biswanath Charilai, Assam (784 176), IndiaDept. of Agricultural Engineering, BN College of Agriculture, Biswanath Charilai, Assam (784 176), IndiaDept. of Agricultural Economics and Farm Management, BN College of Agriculture, Biswanath Charilai, Assam (784 176), India The study was conducted from April, 2022 to March, 2023 in the North Bank Plains Zone (NBPZ) of Assam, India to assess the extent of mechanization and its impact on crop production. Among the six (6) districts of North Bank Plains Zone of Assam, three districts viz., Lakhimpur, Sonitpur and Darrang were selected randomly. Mechanization Index (MI) values were calculated for three key crops: sali rice, toria, and potato. Among these, potato had the highest MI (84.87%), followed by sali rice (74.65%) and toria (51.29%). Most farmers (72%) were classified under the medium mechanization category, indicating a moderate adoption of agricultural machinery. Mechanization significantly improved cropping intensity, which rose from 131.42% to 140.93%, an 8.45% increase, highlighting more effective land utilization and higher productivity. Additionally, mechanization reduced labor intensity, increased operational efficiency, and enhanced yields across crops. However, the adoption of mechanized technologies was not without challenges. Farmers faced high fuel costs, inadequate access to machinery during peak agricultural seasons, and a shortage of skilled personnel for machine operation and maintenance. Furthermore, frequent machinery breakdowns, often attributed to poor quality, disrupted farming activities and escalated costs. To address these challenges, the establishment of additional custom hiring centers (CHCs) was recommended. These centers would enable farmers to access high-quality machinery at affordable rates, minimizing delays and operational costs. Furthermore, training programs for operators and regular maintenance support at CHCs could alleviate technical difficulties. By addressing these constraints, mechanization can be effectively scaled, ensuring increased productivity and fostering sustainable agricultural development in the NBPZ. https://ojs.pphouse.org/index.php/IJEP/article/view/6113Farm power availability, mechanization index, cropping intensity |
| spellingShingle | Suhail Alam Haridra Sharma Ridip Ranjan Saharia Arunjyoti Sonowal Amvrin Baruah Extent of Farm Mechanization in North Bank Plains Zone of Assam, India International Journal of Economic Plants Farm power availability, mechanization index, cropping intensity |
| title | Extent of Farm Mechanization in North Bank Plains Zone of Assam, India |
| title_full | Extent of Farm Mechanization in North Bank Plains Zone of Assam, India |
| title_fullStr | Extent of Farm Mechanization in North Bank Plains Zone of Assam, India |
| title_full_unstemmed | Extent of Farm Mechanization in North Bank Plains Zone of Assam, India |
| title_short | Extent of Farm Mechanization in North Bank Plains Zone of Assam, India |
| title_sort | extent of farm mechanization in north bank plains zone of assam india |
| topic | Farm power availability, mechanization index, cropping intensity |
| url | https://ojs.pphouse.org/index.php/IJEP/article/view/6113 |
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