Status of farm mechanization in Doddaballapura Taluk, Bengaluru Rural District, Karnataka

Abstract

The present study was conducted to assess the extent of utilization of farm tools, implements, and machinery to examine the availability of repair and maintenance facilities and to identify constraints in mechanization among farmers in Doddaballapura taluk, Bengaluru Rural district, Karnataka. The study adopted an Ex-post facto research design, using a structured interview schedule to collect data from 50 randomly selected farmers categorized as small, medium and large. Results revealed that a majority (40%) of respondents belonged to the middle age group with a mean age of 52.32 years and nearly 44% had completed SSLC education. The majority (36%) were small farmers with limited landholdings. Most respondents (72%) had a medium possession level of garden tools and 44% reported medium utilization levels. Regarding farm implements and equipment, 46% had medium possession and 64% medium utilization. Repair and maintenance analysis indicated that 80% lacked access to maintenance facilities and depended mainly on local artisans (88%) for small tool repairs with 76% obtaining spare parts at the taluk level. The most common constraints were the non-availability of machinery at the right time (60%), costly maintenance (56%), and labour scarcity (52%). The study concludes that mechanization in Doddaballapura is moderate, hindered by high costs, limited repair support and lack of technical awareness. Strengthening local service networks, promoting custom hiring service centers and conducting training programs are vital for improving mechanization efficiency in the region.