Medires Publishers - Article

Abstract

The use of technology, machinery, and automation in agricultural processes is referred to as farm mechanization. The goal of farm mechanization is to improve efficiency, minimize labor, and raise productivity throughout the agricultural industry. In modern agriculture, it plays an important function, notably in minimizing the amount of time and work that is performed manually while simultaneously enhancing both the quality and quantity of the output. 
Despite liberalization policies, farm mechanization in India remains underutilized. The service and manufacturing sectors have expanded their opportunities. The labor has migrated from agriculture to other sectors. Since the year 2000, there has been a significant increase in urbanization, leading to a severe labor shortage. Agricultural mechanization has been increasing year on year. The mechanization of farming has resulted in a slight increase in cultivation costs compared to labor costs; however, the costs of mechanization are relatively high. Adopting mechanization overall contributes significantly to the economy by enhancing efficiency and increasing production.

Introduction

In order to supply the necessary data and help the Commission on Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) determine the minimum support price for primary crops, the Government of India initiated a thorough scheme on the cost of farming principal crops in important states during 1970–71. This program has been in place since 1970–71. Mechanization includes plowing, planting, weeding, manuring, harvesting, threshing, and gathering grain, among other stages of crop cultivation. Every day, the percentage of mechanization costs rises.

Mechanization facilitates the efficient and prompt execution of agricultural tasks, including ploughing, sowing, harvesting, and threshing, resulting in increased crop yields. The utilization of technological machinery can enhance precision agriculture by optimizing the application of inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and water. Minimizes the necessity for manual labor, alleviating labor shortages and diminishing the toil connected with agricultural tasks. Liberates labor for alternative productive endeavours, potentially improving the overall economic condition

of agricultural communities. Despite the substantial

initial investment in machinery, the long-term advantages encompass diminished labor expenses and enhanced operational efficiency.

Mechanized operations have the potential to lower the cost of production per unit, hence increasing the profitability of farming operations. It is essential to start planting, weeding, and harvesting at the appropriate times in order to maximize yields and minimize losses. The use of mechanization guarantees that these duties are carried out at the most efficient time.

COSTS INCURRED FOR CULTIVATION OF PADDY

Operating costs, non-operating costs, and capital costs are the three basic categories that may be used to classify the expenses that are incurred for the cultivation of rice. Please find below a comprehensive overview of these various cost components.

TABLE - 1

Source: compiled from primary data.

TABLE – 2

The table 1 provides a detailed breakdown of the cost of paddy cultivation in two districts. Mahabubnagar and Nalgonda, located in the state of Telangana. It lists costs for various stages of the cultivation process and compares the expenses incurred in each stage in both districts.

The total cost of cultivation in Mahabubnagar is ₹481 higher than in Nalgonda, primarily due to higher sowing and harvesting costs.

Nalgonda shows higher costs in weeding, threshing, and collecting grains.
This comparison highlights the minor cost variations between the two districts while showcasing the similarities in certain stages like seed cost and non-operating expenses.

Table 2 provides a detailed breakdown of machinery costs incurred in various stages for cultivation of paddy in Mahbubnagar and Nalgonda Districts.

Graph - 1

Source: Compiled from primary data.

Graph - 2

Source: Compiled from primary data.

This analysis provides a clear view of where the costs are concentrated and the relative importance of each stage in the overall cultivation expenditure. Sowing constitutes the largest share in both districts Mahabubnagar 24.07% Nalgonda 21.69%, Crop Growing Cost is the second highest contributor Mahabubnagar 17.09% Nalgonda 16.85%, Ploughing is a significant contributor, Slightly higher in Nalgonda 12.35% compared to Mahabubnagar 11.78%. Weeding, Manuring, and Harvesting show minor variations, Costs for weeding and threshing are slightly higher in Nalgonda. Non-operating costs and seed costs are similar in contribution across both districts.

COSTS INCURRED FOR CULTIVATION OF COTTON

The direct and indirect expenses associated with cotton farming can be reflected by categorizing the costs incurred for cotton cultivation into various phases and types.
The costs associated with cotton cultivation can be broadly classified into three categories. Capital costs, non-operating costs, and operating costs comprise the three categories.

Each of these cost components is examined in greater detail below.  Operating Costs: These are the direct expenses that are associated with the cultivation procedure.
Land Preparation: The cost of tillage is associated with the use of bullocks or tractors to prepare the land. Better seed placement and water management are guaranteed through the use of leveling and rotavation. Acquire seeds of superior quality, frequently hybrid or genetically modified varieties, at a price.  Manually sowing or employing seed drills or transplanters are viable options. Costs associated with labor or mechanization are included. Irrigation The cost of water derived from canals, wells, or borewells is incurred by the irrigation system. Fuel or electricity are necessary for the operation of pumps. Fertilization and manuring The costs of applying organic manures or chemical fertilizers, such as urea and ammonium, are substantial. Application-related expenses, including labor and equipment.

Herbicide application or manual weeding. The utilization of mechanical weeders. Pest and Disease Management Cotton is susceptible to parasites such as bollworms; expenses encompass insecticides and pesticides. The use of machinery or labor to apply substances. The utilization of cotton-picking machinery is necessary for the labor-intensive process of harvesting. The delicate nature of cotton picking frequently results in the greatest harvesting costs.
Harvesting The process of separating cotton fibers from seeds. Involves either manual or mechanical ginning. Post-Harvest Management The cotton is collected, cleaned, dried, and packaged. Non-Operating Costs The cultivation procedure is facilitated by these indirect costs. Transportation facilitates the delivery of inputs such as seeds and fertilizers to farmers, while harvested cotton is transported to markets or ginning mills. Labor costs are associated with the employment of labor for activities such as sowing, weeding, and harvesting. Machinery and instruments necessitate consistent maintenance. The costs of warehousing harvested cotton before it is sold are borne by farmers. The interest on loans that a farmer uses to acquire inputs or apparatus is referred to as loan interest. Minor repairs, farm supervision, and unforeseen expenses comprise miscellaneous expenses.

Capital expenditures These are one-time expenses and long-term investments. The apparatus and equipment category encompasses the acquisition or rental of seed drills, rotavators, cotton pickers, and tractors. The cultivator allocates funds to irrigation infrastructure, including pipelines, drip irrigation systems, and borewells. The cultivator is obligated to pay the land lease rent if the land is not owned by them. Storage facilities, fencing, or ginning units may comprise the infrastructure.

TABLE – 3

Source: compiled from primary data

TABLE – 4

Source: compiled from primary data

Graph - 3

Source: compiled from primary data

The above tables and graphs reveal percentage-wise analysis helps pinpoint cost-intensive areas and guides strategies to reduce expenses and improve productivity.

Harvesting is the most significant cost stage, contributing nearly 28–30% of the total costs. This highlights the labour-intensive nature of cotton harvesting. Mahbubnagar has a higher percentage contribution for crop growing costs, possibly due to differences in irrigation, pest control, or fertilization methods. Slightly higher seed costs in Nalgonda (5.11% vs. 4.84%) may indicate preference for higher-yield varieties or costlier hybrid seeds. Ploughing and sowing both stages show a slightly higher percentage contribution in Nalgonda, potentially due to soil preparation requirements or labor rates. Weeding and Manuring These stages contribute equally in both districts, reflecting standard agronomic practices.

Harvesting Mechanisation: Since harvesting is the costliest stage, mechanisation could reduce costs and improve efficiency.

Efficient Resource Use: Optimizing crop growing costs in Mahbubnagar and threshing in Nalgonda could reduce overall expenditures.

Custom Hiring Services: For expensive stages like ploughing and sowing.

Table 4 provides a detailed breakdown of machinery costs incurred in various stages for cultivation of cotton in Mahbubnagar and Nalgonda Districts.

Findings And Conclusions

Several factors make mechanization essential for farming, including increased efficiency, labor savings, improved quality, cost reduction, timeliness of operations, scale of operations, reduced physical exhaustion, and precision agriculture.  At various stages of the cultivation process, mechanization will be implemented to minimize human involvement.

Promote mechanized harvesting through subsidies or custom hiring models. Encourage soil health management to reduce dependence on fertilizers. Provide training for efficient resource use, especially in labor-intensive stages. Introduce government incentives for adopting cost-saving technologies and practices. This study underscores the importance of identifying cost-intensive stages and implementing targeted interventions to enhance the profitability of paddy and cotton cultivation. with COVID-19.

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