Status of Farm Power in India

Farm power availability plays a crucial role in enhancing agricultural productivity, ensuring timely operations, and reducing human drudgery. India has seen a significant shift in the sources of farm power, moving from traditional human and animal power to mechanized and renewable energy sources.

Trends in Farm Power Availability

• The average farm power availability in India has increased from 0.3 kW/ha in 1960-61 to approximately 2.5 kW/ha in 2020-21. However, this is still lower than the recommended 2.5 to 3.0 kW/ha required for efficient farm mechanization.
• There is a disparity in farm power availability across regions. Mechanization levels in states like Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh are significantly higher than in northeastern and eastern states.

Sources of Farm Power in India

The contribution of different power sources has evolved over time:

Human and Animal Power

• • The contribution of human and animal power in Indian agriculture has declined from 60% in 1960-61 to around 10-15% in recent years.
  • Animal power is still widely used in small and marginal farms, particularly in states like Bihar, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh.
  • With increased mechanization, the use of bullocks, camels, and buffaloes for plowing, threshing, and transport has decreased.

Mechanical Power (Tractors, Power Tillers, Diesel Engines)

• • The number of tractors in India has grown significantly, from 0.05 million in 1960 to more than 8 million in 2022, making India the largest producer and consumer of tractors in the world.
  • Power tillers are more popular in eastern and southern states due to their suitability for small farms and wetland conditions.
  • Diesel engines are widely used for irrigation, threshing, and transportation, but there is a gradual shift towards electric pumps.

Electrical Power

• • The number of electric pumps has increased significantly, replacing traditional diesel-powered pumps for irrigation.
  • Electricity consumption in agriculture has grown due to the expansion of cold storage, food processing, and irrigation systems.
  • Government schemes like PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthan Mahabhiyan) promote solar-powered irrigation pumps to reduce dependence on conventional electricity.

Renewable Energy (Solar, Wind, Biogas)

• • Solar power is increasingly being adopted for water pumping, drying, and lighting in rural areas.
  • Wind energy and biomass energy are also contributing to decentralized farm power needs.
  • Biogas plants provide energy for cooking and electricity generation, particularly in dairy-based farming systems.

Challenges in Farm Power Availability

• Unequal distribution of mechanization: High mechanization in Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh, but low levels in hilly, northeastern, and rainfed areas.
• Small landholdings: More than 85% of farmers in India are small and marginal, making it difficult for them to afford expensive farm machinery.
• Dependence on fossil fuels: Diesel engines still dominate irrigation and mechanization, leading to fuel dependency and pollution.
• High cost of farm machinery: Tractors, power tillers, and harvesters are expensive, and many farmers lack financial support to invest in mechanization.

Government Initiatives for Enhancing Farm Power

• Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM): Provides subsidies for farm machinery purchase, custom hiring centers, and mechanization in small farms.
• PM-KUSUM Scheme: Promotes solar-powered irrigation systems to reduce reliance on grid electricity and diesel.
• Custom Hiring Centers (CHCs): Encourages farm equipment sharing among small farmers to improve accessibility to tractors and machinery.
• Agri-Infrastructure Fund (AIF): Supports rural entrepreneurs in establishing farm mechanization hubs.