Most Indian farmers use tractors, yet only a small percentage of farmers possess them. Only 4.6% of farmers own tractors, according to a National Statistical Office (NSO) survey.

Introduction

Since more than two-thirds of Indians live in rural areas where farming is the primary economic activity, improving the lives of those who live there is essential. Improving agriculture is essential to this attempt, and the Mahindra Tractor is essential since it mechanised farming greatly.

Because using tractors cuts down on the time, labour, and effort needed to do various farming jobs, farm productivity has grown. They now represent contemporary Indian farming because of their sturdy frames and strong engines.

Tractors have clearly had a big impact on the rural economy, but it's important to consider whether they can be the main engine of the whole rural economy or not. Let's explore this subject in more detail.

Tractor History

Modern agriculture would not be possible without tractors, which enable higher food production to keep up with demand. However, how were tractors invented?

In the early 1800s, the first tractors were steam-powered. They were not very effective, though, and farmers did not generally use them. In the late 1800s, the first tractors with petrol engines were created. Early in the new century, farmers started using these tractors because they were more efficient than steam-powered tractors.

There are various kinds of tractors available today. Tractors can be categorised based on their size, power, and intended use. Small tractors are available for use in light-duty applications like gardening and lawn mowing. 

The Growing Tractor Sector in India

India has surpassed both China and the US in tractor volume to become the world's largest tractor industry. Roughly 9.5 lakh tractors were sold throughout the nation during the 2022–2023 fiscal year, an impressive increase of 4 million units over the previous five years.

Even though tractors are used extensively by Indian farmers, very few of them own one. A National Statistical Office (NSO) survey indicates that only 4.6% of farmers nationwide are tractor owners.

Many Indian farmers, particularly those who own small farms, either employ tractors or rely on labour from both humans and animals to complete their farming tasks. This reliance creates difficulties for farming operations and frequently results in inefficiencies throughout the agricultural production process.

How are Tractors Enhancing the Economy in Rural Areas?

India's rural economy has benefited greatly from the growing popularity of tractors in the country's agriculture sector. Tractors have contributed to higher efficiency and production, and as a result, agricultural production has gone up. In addition to increasing crop yields, tractors help farmers save labour and make the most of their valuable time. The tractor, a multipurpose vehicle, is the primary workhorse in India's agricultural fields.

Enhanced Efficiency and Productivity

Tractors have replaced conventional labour-intensive tasks and animal-powered ploughing. This has significantly streamlined farming duties and increased efficiency.

Tractors are multitasking machines that can be used for a variety of tasks, such as tilling, planting, harvesting, and moving cargo.

Tractors are essential in increasing agricultural output, which in turn promotes the expansion of the rural economy by allowing farmers to accomplish these chores quickly and effectively.

Saves Time, Effort and Labor

Manual work was an essential part of conventional farming methods, which required a lot of time and physical effort. Tractors have completely changed farming techniques by reducing labour-intensive chores that once required a large workforce. This automation saves time and lessens the need for a sizable labour force.

Due to the time and labour savings provided by tractors, farmers can allocate more time to cultivating crops or participating in other revenue-generating activities. The enhanced efficiency not only boosts farmers' financial prospects but also adds to the general prosperity of the economy in rural areas.

Maximising Agricultural Output

Tractors help farmers cultivate bigger sections of land more effectively, further increasing agricultural yields and improving crop quality.

Tractors increase crop yields because they improve farming operations' accuracy and efficiency. Farmers can sell their excess harvests, which boosts the rural economy and generates more income.

Exploring the Diversification of Farming Activities

The agricultural economy is backed by tractors, which enable a variety of farming operations. Farmers can use tractors for modern practices like:

• Drip Irrigation 

• Greenhouse Farming 

• Precision Agriculture

With these agricultural techniques, farmers can grow a range of crops, lowering the risk involved in depending only on one crop.

Tractors also help with the production of highly valuable cash crops, which can boost the rural economy and result in generating more revenue.

Knowing About the Major Challenges

Tractors are transforming agriculture, but they work in a complicated rural environment:

Land Distribution

Many farmers need help obtaining the funds required to buy a tractor due to unbalanced land ownership, which restricts their ability to take advantage of these benefits.

Infrastructure

Challenges such as insufficient space for storage and improper road conditions can make it difficult to move produce efficiently and gain easy access to markets.

Volatility of the Market

Crop price fluctuations and reliance on intermediaries can also offset the gains from higher productivity.

Government Initiatives 

• Government investment in rural infrastructure has provided strong support for agriculture.

• funding through the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation (SMAC) programme for the purchase of machinery

• The number of tests required to certify new tractor models has been lowered from 17 to 4 by the government.

• Furthermore, the businesses (manufacturers) are allowed to self-certify these examinations.

• These actions facilitate business operations, trust-based governance, and a faster uptake of cutting-edge technologies like precision farming.

Conclusion

Although they might not be the only solution, tractors play a significant role in rural development. Improvements to roadways and market accessibility are crucial, but they don't just help farmers generate more income.

Infrastructure, markets, and the advancement of product manufacturing and distribution are all necessary for farming to be profitable. While effective tractor use is crucial, other issues that need to be addressed include inadequate acreage or poor locations for crop sales.