South Asian Experience in Agricultural Mechanization

A remarkable feature of economic growth in South Asia during the last decade or so, is the emergence of agriculture as a buoyant sector. This is accompanied with popularization of machine power or the farms. An interesting feature of farm mechanization situation in South Asia is the existence of a relatively large number of four-wheel high power tractor, while the size of distribution of agricultural holdings should indicate larger prevalence of two-wheel or at any rate small power tractors. In the labour abundant economies of this region, it is difficult to justify large power driven is a major constraint. In the existing situation the type of mechanization is a major constraint. In the existing situation the type of mechanization prevalent in this region reflects, in essence, the bi-polar agrarian structure. The South Asian Agriculture, today, is at a stage when only those machines which are complementary to human labour and draft power can claim priority. The task is difficult because most of the machines are developed either in land surplus or in capital surplus economies which do not have to face the complex problems prevalent in this region. The challenge can be met adequately only with the collaboration of agricultural scientists, agricultural engineers, economists and management experts, all working closely with the ultimate user of their product, the agricultural producer.