Form Mechanization

8/3/2019 Form Mechanization

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Question: What is Farm Mechanization? Give arguments for and

against mechanization of farming in Pakistan.

Introduction:

There are different methods of production. An entrepreneur always selects a

method which suits his financial resources and other factors. With the

introduction of modern technology, now refined and large quantity of

production can be obtained within a short period of time. The Government

of Pakistan is taking measures to increase the use of modern machinery in

the cultivation process.

Definition of Mechanization:

Mechanization can be defined as the use of machinery to replace human or

animal labor, especially in agriculture and industry.

Farm Mechanization:

Farm mechanization means the use of machines for conducting agricultural

operations, replacing the traditional methods which involve human and

animal labor.

Farm mechanization is one of the packages ofgreen revolution technology.

Farm mechanization implies the use of mechanical technology in the variedfarming operations like sowing, harvesting, thrashing, leveling, watering

spraying, and weeding, etc. Farm mechanization includes:

Chemical Technology:

It refers to the use of chemical fertilizers, sprays, pesticides, etc. to enhance

productivity and protect the plants.

Hydrological Technology:

It refers to the use of machinery in the irrigation process, like tube wells.

Mechanical Technology:

It refers to the use of machinery in cultivation, like tractors, thrashers,

bulldozers, etc. When all the farming operations are done by machines

displacing animal labor, it is called complete mechanization. When

machines are used along with traditional methods of cultivation, it is called

partial mechanization.

BY: M. SALMAN SHAHID


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Arguments for farm mechanization

The arguments which are advanced in favour of farm mechanization are as

under.

To Encourage Multiple Cropping

To cultivate more than one crop in a season is called multiple cropping. It is

the intensive use of land. Only farm mechanization encourages multiple

cropping which was not possible under traditional farming. A minor crop

with a major one can be sown in the same season.

Reduce Dependence on Animal Power

The dependence upon animal power has been reduced due to farm

mechanization. The animal power method of cultivation is expensive and

slow in operation but the farm mechanization method is less costly and

timesaving.

Greater Area Under Utilization

The barren areas can be converted into cultivable land with use of

bulldozers, tractors and other tools. Thus the farm mechanization is used forleveling and preparation of land which helps in brining more land under

cultivation.

Increase Efficiency

With the use of tools and machines, the efficiency of farmers increases

which leads to increases in the yield per acre.

Reduction of Cost

With the use of farm mechanization, the efficiency of farmer s increases and

total productivity also increases. By the increase in production, the cost of

production decreases.

Adequate Water Supply

The rains and canal irrigation facilities can not fulfill the requirement of

water in agricultural sector. Due to hydrological technology, the tube wells

can compensate the water shortage.

Timely Spray

The plant diseases can be controlled by timely spray of chemicals and 15%

to 20% productivity can be increased.



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Increase in Income

By use multiple cropping pattern, fertilizers, chemical spray, supply of water

etc. the total productivity increases which is a cause of increases in income

of the farmers.

To Control Water Logging and Salinity

A large area of irrigated land in Pakistan is being destroyed by the problem

of water logging and salinity. The water logging has been decreased by the

adoption of SCARP programme under WAPDA. While the salinity problem

has decreased by the use of chemicals.

Increase Living Standard

About 63% of the population is living in rural areas. The living standard or

rural population can be improved by increasing efficiency and productivity

due to farm mechanization.

Agricultural Development

Pakistan is an agrarian economy which is backward. By farm mechanizationthe productivity of all crops increases which adds to increase the growth

rate of agriculture sector.

(B) Demerits / Arguments against farm mechanization

The main arguments advanced against farm mechanization are as below.

Increase Unemployment

The use of mechanization technology is a capital intensive technique. It is a

cause of unemployment due to displacement of labour force. Pakistan is

already facing the problem of disguised unemployment in agriculture sector.

Uneconomic Holdings

It is difficult to use farm mechanization in scattered and uneconomic

holdings. The farmers have to bear high cost of production when it is

applied to small farms.

Problem of Urbanization

The surplus labour force migrates from agriculture sector to other sectors

due to farm mechanizations. The migration creates a problem of

urbanization in the cities.

Social Disparity



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The farm mechanization is a capital intensive technique and the big farms

are a position to adopt it. Therefore, it will create an economic and social

disparity between big and small farmers.

Diversion of Capital

A huge amount of capital is required to adopt farm mechanization therefore;

it requires a diversion of capital from industrial sector to agriculture sector.

But it is difficult because already, there is a lack of capital in the economy.

Economic Dualism

There are regional disparities in Pakistan. Economic dualism can be created

through farm mechanization because certain regions are developed and

others are underdeveloped. It creates a gap between rich and poor.

Inadequate Power Sources

The power sources like electricity, oil, gas, coal etc. are inadequate and

farm mechanization technology cannot be adopted.

Lack of Education and Training

In rural population, illiteracy is a main problem. The farmers have lack of

know-how and training facilities to adopt farm mechanization policy easily.Poison Penetration

By the use of chemicals like spray and fertilizers, a little amount of poison

penetrates in food, fruits and vegetables. Therefore, it is also a cause of

various diseases in the population.

Foreign Exchange

Different parts of machines and chemicals are imported for the use of farm

mechanization. Thus, a huge amount of the foreign exchange is spent for

this purpose.

SUMMING UP

The farm mechanization is desirable and is necessary to increase the

production and living standard of the people but it requires a long-term

planning.


Documents

Form Mechanization