A Region-Wise Analysis of Impact of Farm Mechanisation on Draught Animal Power Availability in Maharashtra

During the last four decades, the bovine economy of Maharashtra witnessed many changes. Contrary to studies which showed a decline in work animal population in some regions of the country, the draught animal population of Maharashtra has not declined much. The issue of economic viability along with socio-economic acceptability of species and breeds will become more pertinent under the changed situation in the state. Although the estimates reveal an increase in the intensity of mechanization, this did not seem to have contributed to any significant displacement of work animals per hectare of net sown area. Growth in mechanical power served largely as a supplementary source of animal power. The impact of tractorisation in respect of displacement of work animals was also very slow. Since the rate of mechanization of irrigation was faster than of tillage, its overall effect in terms of displacement of work animals has been slow. It can further be inferred that since the use of draught animals shows no significant growth, farmers should resort to modern techniques of tilling as a substitute to animal power. Finally, the increasing use of mechanical equipment for cultivation will increase the rural demand for energy, i.e., electricity, diesel, etc. Therefore, there must be adequate investment in power sector to meet the additional demand.