India is
worlds largest pool of engineers and technologies. It is 100% true and can be seen
with the wide range of agricultural implements and machinery being manufactured in the
country. Not only India is self sufficient in this field but that sizable exports are
taking place. Indian machinery is finding markets not only in developing countries but in
developed countries as well. The history of agricultural machinery manufacturing can date
back the good old days when Kirloskars had started manufacturing iron-ploughs. In
those days farmers feared iron ploughs. They feared soil would get poisoned with iron,
because they were accustomed to use wooden ploughs. India agricultural machinery industry
has travelled a long distance from those old days of beginning of industrialization in
India. Now, after liberalization, most of the world renowned tractor manufacturers have
either opened their shop in India or are planning the same. Ford and John Deere are here
along with many others. But already established tractors manufacturers are not afraid to
fight the battle in the market place. Marketing of tractors is a different cup of tea. It
requires solid base to offer after-sales service. Another interesting aspect in this
business is dumping of small tractors and pumping sets by china and other countries. Is
this dumping, good for Indian farming? I do not know. I am too small to comment. I can
only tell you that pump industry in Coimbatore, Kolhapur, Rajkot and Agra have suffered
badly in these days of session. Mini power tillers carriers out many farm operations and
has became the friends in need for many small farmers. With the support from state and
central govt.sophisticated harvesting machines like combines have made their mark on
Indian farming scene. Once upon a time bullock power was the power available at farm
sites. Now most of the farms are electrified. Not only that there is always controversial
views expressed about subsidized electricity. It is true that electricity to the farmers
is subsidized but it is available in odd hours of nights does not it quality for subsidy
and certainty farmers will like assured supply and assured voltage. |
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