The enduring significance and vital role of draught animals in India's agriculture

Abstract

Draught animal power (DAP) has traditionally been the main source of power in Indian agriculture. Draught animals remain crucial for the livelihoods of numerous rural families in developing nations. Small and marginal farmers, who comprise 80% of operational holdings, heavily rely on animal power. Approximately 60% of agricultural draft power worldwide is still furnished by animals. These animals are utilized for various agricultural tasks including tillage, seedbed preparation, sowing, weeding, harvesting, threshing, and post-harvest operations. In India alone, there are approximately 70 million draught animals, ploughing roughly 65% of the country's cultivated land, equivalent to 18 million kW. Draught animals have significantly contributed to the advancement of civilization. Despite the prevalence of petroleum-based machinery in developed nations, draught animals and their welfare continue to hold significance in certain developing countries and are likely to do so for years to come.