Buffaloes and Draught Power

Abstract

Draught animals still do much of the work on farms in developing countries, as well as being used for transportation. Despite the efforts made by governments to promote mechanization, tractors are not a realistic alternative for the average small farmer. Animals such as the buffalo have been used for centuries without causing any air or water pollution or soil compaction; they are an integral part of a sustainable agriculture, producing milk, meat and manure without any external cash inputs, and they buffer the farmer against crop failure and provide companionship. Draught animal power on small farms is not a backward way of farming but it needs support from research and development agencies if it is to develop its full potential.