Constraints faced by the farm mechanization scheme beneficiaries and suggestions from beneficiaries to overcome the constraints

Abstract

The present study entitled “Impact of Farm Mechanization Scheme on Beneficiaries” was conducted in Marathwada region of Maharashtra state to find out constraints faced by the farm mechanization scheme beneficiaries and suggestions from beneficiaries to overcome the constraints. Sampling was done at three stages viz., the selection of districts, selection of talukas, and selection of respondents. The present study was conducted in one randomly selected Marathwada region district, i.e., Parbhani district. The selection of talukas from the Parbhani district is based on the maximum number of FMS beneficiary farmers. Among nine tehsils, Jintur and Selu were selected. From each selected tehsil 60 FMS beneficiaries were selected randomly. In this way, a total of 120 respondents were selected for the present study. Data was collected using a well-structured interview schedule created with the study's objectives in mind. The collected data was analyzed, classified, and tabulated. Statistical tools such as frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and Z-test and coefficient of correlation were used to interpret findings and draw conclusions. Among the 120 selected FMS beneficiaries, 87.50 percent of beneficiaries stated that small and fragmented land holding is a major constraint. 65.00 percent of beneficiaries stated that they get insufficient subsidies. 64.16 percent of beneficiaries faced high initial costs and uncertainty of availability. 63.33 percent of beneficiaries stated that they faced technological constraints.