Constraints and suggestions of cotton growers on farm mechanization

Abstract

The present study was conducted in Western Vidarbha of Maharashtra state to analyze the constraints faced by the farmers in use of farm machinery and suggestions to overcome the constraints. The study was conducted with a sample of 200 farmers. cotton picking operation is still not mechanized, lack of suitable machines for different farm operation, care and maintenance facilities are not available at local place, farm machinery and equipment not suitable to diverse soil type and farm size, despite financial support under various schemes, improved farm implements and machineries are expensive to buy and maintain, intercultural operation like hoeing is not possible in full grown crops through, mechanization, heavy machinery can compact soil, harming soil health and crop yields and poor field road prevents the use of machinery in rainy season. Regarding suggestions machinery for cotton picking need to be developed,provision of more subsidies and high credit at low interest rate for buying tractors and power tillers should be made, customized machineries are needed for intercultural operation, there is need to encourage of repair centers by providing proper training and financial support, availability of fuel in the vicinity may facilitate the use of tractors and machineries, taxes on purchase of tractors and machineries should be waved off, number of custom hiring centre should be increased, training and workshops need to be organized to increase awareness and adoption. These recommendations highlight the urgent need for improved machinery, financial support, and infrastructure in cotton farmingwith significant barriers needing to be addressed.