INDIAN AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY

India is world’s largest pool of engineers and technologies. It is 100% true and can be seen with the wide range of agricultural implements and machinery being manufactured in the country. Not only India is self sufficient in this field but that sizable exports are taking place. Indian machinery is finding markets not only in developing countries but in developed countries as well. The history of agricultural machinery manufacturing can date back the good old days when Kirloskar’s had started manufacturing iron-ploughs.
In those days farmers feared iron ploughs. They feared soil would get poisoned with iron, because they were accustomed to use wooden ploughs. India agricultural machinery industry has travelled a long distance from those old days of beginning of industrialization in India. Now, after liberalization, most of the world renowned tractor manufacturers have either opened their shop in India or are planning the same. Ford and John Deere are here along with many others. But already established tractors manufacturers are not afraid to fight the battle in the market place. Marketing of tractors is a different cup of tea. It requires solid base to offer after-sales service. Another interesting aspect in this business is dumping of small tractors and pumping sets by china and other countries. Is this dumping, good for Indian farming? I do not know. I am too small to comment. I can only tell you that pump industry in Coimbatore, Kolhapur, Rajkot and Agra have suffered badly in these days of session. Mini power tillers carriers out many farm operations and has became the friends in need for many small farmers.
With the support from state and central govt.sophisticated harvesting machines like combines have made their mark on Indian farming scene. Once upon a time bullock power was the power available at farm sites. Now most of the farms are electrified. Not only that there is always controversial views expressed about subsidized electricity. It is true that electricity to the farmers is subsidized but it is available in odd hours of nights does not it quality for subsidy and certainty farmers will like assured supply and assured voltage.
Due to low voltage farmers have to repair their motors many times. The use of hybrid seeds, irrigation and modern practices of agriculture have changed the farming picture. Now with more yield of crop per acre, you can see variety of threshing machines operating in the farms during harvesting time. While talking about farm machinery let us look to the alarming figure of farm accidents. Due to either negligible or over confidence operators of these machines give scant respect to safety.
Many farmers have got their fingers cut, just for not ensuring cover over moving parts. And yes there are many tractor accidents as tractors and trolleys have become preferred mode of travel particularly for marriage parties. As far as micro irrigation systems are concerned all the advanced world class technologies in drip, sprinkle and other systems are available in India. Non-conventional energy sources like Gobar gas wind energy, solar pumps, and protection systems of electrified fences can be seen at many places. Thanks to IREDA and their state agencies. Agricultural engineering institutes in the country have developed various tools and tackles and equipments to meet the needs of common farmer. Indian scientists and small entrepreneurs do not lag behind. They have developed many small tools, which are envied by scientists in developed countries. CFTRI, Mysore is a leading organisation in food processing. They have developed a host of technologies to suit modern life style. Defence research organisation has developed various food technologies to meet the needs of defence personnel.6 months.