Status of Use of Modern Implements, Farm Machinery and Hand Tools in Indian Agriculture

Abstract

An authentic source of information regarding new tools and techniques can enhance the applicability of the modern tools in rural areas. In the light of the National Sample Survey Reports, we outlined the flow of information about the new technology. As per National Sample Survey Organization (Report No. 499(59/33/2), 59th round 2003) data, only 40% of farmer households are concerned about access to information on modern farming technologies. The most popular source of information was ‘other progressive farmers’ with percentage of farmer households accessing information through this source being 16.7%, followed by input dealer (10.83%) and radio (10.74%). Percentage of farmer households accessing information through ‘other progressive farmers’ was highest in Andhra Pradesh (34%), followed by Gujarat (30%) and West Bengal (25%). In the case of accessing information through ‘input dealers’ it was higher in West Bengal (36%), Andhra Pradesh (30%) and Gujarat (24%). ‘Radio’ was highest in Jammu & Kashmir (36%), followed by Kerala (31%) and Assam (29%). It is also indicated that the two most popular sources namely, ‘other progressive farmers’ and ‘input dealer’ were contacted by the farmer households mainly on ‘need basis’ or 'seasonally.'