A Study of Issues that Affect Agricultural Mechanization in Thiruchirapali District

The study was conducted in Tiruchirappalli, a district that covers a significant part of the areas in Tamil Nadu that favours paddy cultivation. The core aim of the study revolves around identifying the farmers' problems regarding mechanization and suggesting appropriate remedies. Three areas, namely (Manikandam), (Musiri) and (Andanallur) divisions, have been selected for this study on the grounds of the highest region under new agricultural implementation. The sample divisions were then divided into three classes, heavily mechanized (HMF), moderately mechanized (MMF) and under mechanized farms (UMF). The agricultural mechanization process faces the twin problems (i) The investment capital constraints on the required scale for two reasons of economic viability and insufficient credit support (ii) Its negative impact on the already under-employed workforce. Mechanization however encourages intensive farming, cost-effectiveness in crop production and thereby increases farm income and economic efficiency. As per the findings of this study, the key issues in agricultural mechanization, as stated by farmers were found to include the lack of availability of post-sale machine based services & accessories, shortage and inconsistency in fuel supply, high cost of spare parts, difficulties in processing and obtaining institutional credit and their high costs. Although the study covered only some areas of the district Tiruchirappalli, generalization is not difficult for other areas in the district. But recognizing regional differences in farming conditions has to be done with due care.