Mechanization of millet cultivation: Status, technological innovations and future directions

Abstract

Millet cultivation stands at the intersection of traditional agricultural knowledge and modern technological advancements, especially in arid and semi-arid regions where these crops contribute significantly to climate resilience and food security. India's emphasis on agricultural mechanization is quite important in improving output, efficiency, and sustainability since it is the leading producer of millets in the world. Emphasizing precision agronomic practices including improved varietal selection, optimized water use, and targeted fertilizer application; this review investigates the transforming effects of mechanization in millet farming. It also appears at developments in weed and pest control through robotic systems and smart pesticide delivery techniques that lower labour reliance and promote ecological sustainability. Harvesting and post-harvest innovations combining conventional methods with mechanical threshing and processing techniques are also demonstrated to significantly reduce losses. Development of machinery appropriate for smallholder farms and scaling new technologies like seed-planting robots continues to be a challenge, though. Bridging traditional methods with cutting-edge technologies, millet mechanization holds the potential to sustainably address the demands of a growing population while conserving critical resources. This paper effectively illustrates the transition of agricultural practices from traditional manual methods to modern mechanized systems, highlighting the progressive adoption of advanced machinery.