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Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat
Assam Agricultural University is the first institution of its kind in the whole of North-Eastern Region of India. The main goal of this institution is to produce globally competitive human resources in farm sectorand to carry out research in both conventional and frontier areas for production optimization as well as to disseminate the generated technologies as public good for benefitting the food growers/produces and traders involved in the sector while emphasizing on sustainability, equity and overall food security at household level.
Genesis of AAU -
The embryo of the agricultural research in the state of Assam was formed as early as 1897 with the establishment of the Upper Shillong Experimental Farm (now in Meghalaya) just after about a decade of creation of the agricultural department in 1882. However, the seeds of agricultural research in today’s Assam were sown in the dawn of the twentieth century with the establishment of two Rice Experimental Stations, one at Karimganj in Barak valley in 1913 and the other at Titabor in Brahmaputra valley in 1923. Subsequent to these research stations, a number of research stations were established to conduct research on important crops, more specifically, jute, pulses, oilseeds etc. The Assam Agricultural University was established on April 1, 1969 under The Assam Agricultural University Act, 1968’ with the mandate of imparting farm education, conduct research in agriculture and allied sciences and to effectively disseminate technologies so generated. Before establishment of the University, there were altogether 17 research schemes/projects in the state under the Department of Agriculture. By July 1973, all the research projects and 10 experimental farms were transferred by the Government of Assam to the AAU which already inherited the College of Agriculture and its farm at Barbheta, Jorhat and College of Veterinary Sciences at Khanapara, Guwahati.
Subsequently, College of Community Science at Jorhat (1969), College of Fisheries at Raha (1988), Biswanath College of Agriculture at Biswanath Chariali (1988) and Lakhimpur College of Veterinary Science at Joyhing, North Lakhimpur (1988) were established. Presently, the University has three more colleges under its jurisdiction, viz., Sarat Chandra Singha College of Agriculture, Chapar, College of Horticulture, Nalbari & College of Sericulture, Titabar. Similarly, few more regional research stations at Shillongani, Diphu, Gossaigaon, Lakhimpur; and commodity research stations at Kahikuchi, Buralikson, Tinsukia, Kharua, Burnihat and Mandira were added to generate location and crop specific agricultural production packages.
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ThesisItem Open Access FINANCING FARMERS FOR AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT IN WEST TRIPURA DISTRICT OF TRIPURA(AAU, Jorhat, 2018) RAY, POULAMI; Hazarika, J PFinance is an important input of agriculture. Sufficient and timely credit to the farmer is vital and indispensable for the rehabilitation and progress of agriculture. The present study was conducted in west Tripura district of Tripura to analyse magnitude, utilization, repayment and constraints of farm finance availed by the borrowers in the district. 120 sample farmers and 20 lenders were selected using purposive random sampling technique for detailed analysis. Information on demographic and financial characteristics like age, sex, education level, land use, source of credit, amount of credit, utilization and repayment of crop and allied agricultural activities loans, problems faced by borrowers as well as lenders were collected by survey method using pretested schedules. The study revealed an increase trend in terms of branch expansion in the district, total deposits and advances over the years in the district as well as in the state. Moreover, the C-D ratio increased from 41 in 2012-13 to 45.77 in 2016-17. Sector wise advances of banks in West Tripura showed an increasing trend and percentage share to agricultural sector was 27.57% whereas it was 72.43 % in nonfarm sector in 2016-17. The amount of loans availed by sample borrowers from Regional Rural Bank (42.88%) was highest followed by public sector banks (34.48%), Cooperative banks (19.80%) and least in case of private sector banks (1.84%). Loans for both crop and allied activities were obtained by the beneficiaries from the selected bank branches of the district. Majority of the sample beneficiaries availed crop loan (82.50%) as compared to allied activities loan (17.50%) in the study area. However, it was observed that marginal (28.57%) and small (23.68%) farmers diverted a portion of the loan as compared to medium farmers (15.38%). Extent of repayment of loan by the medium farmers (93.29%) was higher than the small (88.60%) and marginal farmers (83.11%). Certain problems such as inadequacy of loans, lengthy lending procedure were identified by the borrower farmers in the study area. Majority of farmers (89.16%) opined that borrowed amount was not adequate for meeting their farm expenses. As per the bank officials, non availability of the land records (80%) with the borrower was a major problem. In order to improve borrowing and utilization of farm finance remedial measures such as post credit supervision by the Bank Field Officer and disbursement of major portion of the loan in kind form may be adopted.ThesisItem Open Access AN ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF SERICULTURE IN NORTH EAST INDIA WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO ASSAM(AAU, Jorhat, 2018) Murali, N; Hazarika, J PThe present study was conducted to examine the share of various North Eastern states in area and production of sericulture, district-wise share, growth and instability in area and production of sericulture in Assam using secondary data relating to area and production of cocoon and raw silk of eri, muga and mulberry for the period from 2001-02 to 2015-16. Compound growth rate, instability index and simple percentage analysis were carried out for obtaining results according to the objectives. The share of North East India in India‟s total area under mulberry and total raw silk production was increased significantly during the study period. Assam and Manipur were the leading states contributing to the increase in area under mulberry and raw silk production of NE India. Change in cocoon production of eri, muga and mulberry for the state of Assam was mainly contributed by yield compared to area under the three types of silk. Similar trend was also observed for the districts with few exceptions. The growth rates of area under eri (1.96%) and muga (1.64%) were positive but negative for mulberry (-0.43%) silk for the state as whole. In most of the districts of Assam, growth rates were positive and significant for area under eri and muga. However, negative growth of area under mulberry was observed for most of the districts of Assam. Although positive growth rates were observed in cocoon production of eri (17.77%), muga (3.06%) and mulberry (10.03%) at state level, the growth was found to be low for muga cocoon production. Growth in cocoon production of eri, muga and mulberry was also positive for most of the districts with few exceptions. Growth in raw silk production was higher in eri (14.77%) but low in muga (2.59%) and mulberry (7.81%) in the state. In majority of the districts growth was positive except for few districts. Co-efficient of Variation (CV) and Instability Index (IX) of area under eri, muga and mulberry in Assam and the districts showed that instability in area was lower for eri and muga silk but higher for mulberry silk at the state level. In majority of the district instability in area under eri, muga and mulberry was higher. Instability in cocoon production of eri and muga in the state was low but high for mulberry silk. Like cocoon production, instability in raw silk production of eri and muga was found to be low but high for mulberry in Assam. Classification of the state and its constituent districts on the basis of growth and instability revealed two most dominant categories covering the state and the districts for area, cocoon production and raw silk production such as high growth-high instability (HGHI) and low growth–high instability (LGHI). Few of the 7 districts were also found to fall under negative growth-low instability (NGLI) and negative growth-high instability (NGHI) categories. Thus, area expansion, adoption of modern technology, creation of market etc need to be under taken to bring the districts falling under other less favourable categories to the most favourable category i.e. high growth-low instability (HGLI) category.ThesisItem Open Access STUDY ON THE PATTERN OF ADOPTION OF FLOOD TOLERANT RICE VARIETIES IN JORHAT DISTRICT OF ASSAM(AAU, Jorhat, 2017-07) Anusha, Jammalamadaka; Deka, NiveditaFlood is a havoc to farmers especially rice growers of Assam as sali rice is grown in a season threatened by flood. International Rice Research Institute, Philippines and Central Rice Research Institute (CRRI), Orissa released few Flood Tolerant Rice Varieties for the flood affected rice area of the nation. In Assam, RARS, Titabor has released two varieties Ranjit Sub1 and Bahadur Sub 1 for the submergence areas of Assam. In many farmers field, demonstrations are going on for the performance of these varieties under the supervision of the KVKs. It is reported that these varieties are performing very well in terms of yield performance in farmer’s field (nicra, icar.in). In Jorhat district, some farmers have been growing Ranjit Sub1 and Bahadur Sub1 in their fields. However, all the flood affected rice growers are yet to adopt the flood tolerant varieties in their fields. In this study an attempt was made to examine the status of adoption of flood tolerant rice varieties in the district. The study found that in study area the adoption of flood tolerant rice varieties was 37.85%. The yield advantage of flood tolerant rice varieties was found to be 45.44% over normal flood tolerant rice varieties in the study area which was due to resistance of flood tolerant rice varieties towards the flood water. With more educated farmer and more extension contacts, the adoption of flood tolerant rice varieties was found to be increased. Although the cost of cultivation of flood tolerant rice varieties was comparatively more than normal flood tolerant rice varieties, due to yield advantage the return over cost was more in flood tolerant rice varieties. The gross returns obtained from rice flood tolerant varieties `51278.00 were higher than `35889.00 normal rice varieties. The return over cost ratio for the normal rice varieties was found to be 1.22 and the 1.35 return over cost ratio for the flood tolerant rice varieties. Seed was hampering the adopters to adopt the variety fully. Due to lack of awareness some of the farmers are not adopting flood tolerant rice varieties. Increase fertilizer might increase the yield of flood tolerant rice varieties. As received at the experimental plots. Awareness and training was needed by the farmers for adoption of flood tolerant rice varieties. Timely supply of seeds should be done to the farmers. More extension workers should be appointed for direct contact with the farmers. Proper utilization of strategic inputs, imparting trainings to the farmers about the benefits of flood tolerant rice varieties would certainly enhance the yield of the flood tolerant rice varieties in the study area and in the state and thereby can help to increase the farmers’ income.ThesisItem Open Access IMPACT OF BACKWARD REGIONS GRANT FUND (BRGF) ON THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF SMALL FARMERS IN MORIGAON DISTRICT OF ASSAM(AAU, Jorhat, 2017-07) Sahu, Ankita; Barooah, B.K.Concerned by the slow growth in development of the states, the Government of India designed a program to address regional imbalances in development and named it as Backward Regions Grant Fund (BRGF). The programme was launched by then Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh in Assam with the initiative on 19th February 2007 in Barpeta district of the state. It was followed by further implementation of the programme in 13 other districts of the state including Bongaigaon, Cachar, Dhemaji, DimaHasao, Goalpara, Hailakandi, Karbi Anglong, Kokrajhar, Morigaon, North Lakhimpur, Baksa and Chirang. The programme of Backward Regions Grant Fund subsumes the Rashtriya Sama Vikas Yojana (RSVY), a scheme earlier being administered by the Planning Commission. The present study was conducted in Morigaon district of Assam to study the impact of BRGF on the socio-economic development of small farmers. The study analyzed the existing inflow of fund and institutional arrangement for providing professional support to the beneficiaries. Performance evaluation of financial resources was carried out in addressing the persistent regional imbalances. The study observed different problems of sample farmers in the implementation of the programme. The study observed that BRG fund had been distributed in the district through different institutions such as Zilla Parishad, Development blocks, Gaon Panchayats etc. However, the present study concentrated on the funds distributed through five development blocks namely Mayong, Kapili, Laharighat, Moirabari, Bhurbandha in Morigaon district of Assam. From the analysis it was observed that Mayong development block received the highest amount of fund being Rs. 202.04 lakhs during the plan period and gaon panchayat received highest allocation (50%) out of the total allocation for the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). In Agricultural sector, the total irrigated area of the sample farmers increased from 17.65ha to 25.19ha after the implementation of the BRGF programme. Certain problems such as delay in release of fund, untimely submission of utilization certificate, lack of training, lack of human resource were identified by development blocks and zilla parishad. Majority of sample farmers (70%) were unaware about the implementation of the programme. Other problems faced by the farmers were lack of knowledge, untimely completion of work, supply of poor quality goods, unsatisfactory work etc.ThesisItem Open Access PRODUCTION, MARKETING AND VALUE ADDITION OF COCONUT IN NORTH BANK PLAIN ZONE OF ASSAM(AAU, Jorhat, 2017-11) Das, Simanta; Talukdar, K. C.The study was conducted in North Bank Plain Zone of Assam during 2016-17. The study area consisted of four districts viz. Sonitpur, Darrang, Lakhimpur and Dhemaji. The main objectives of the study were to examine extent of production of coconut by different size groups of farmers, pattern of marketing of matured and tender nuts in the zone and to study economics of value addition of coconut byproducts in the zone. Both primary and secondary data were collected for the study. Multistage stratified random sampling technique was used to select the villages and the farmers. A total of 160 coconut growers were selected from 16 villages with area under coconut. Farmers were grouped into marginal, small, medium and large based on coconut area. Marketing of coconut was examined after collecting primary data from 40 different types of traders operating in eight different markets from the study area. To examine value addition of coconut “East India Coconut Project” located in the zone was purposively selected. Both tabular and functional analyses were used to obtain the parameters of the study. Investment appraisal was carried out by examining the economic and financial analysis of the processing plant. The growth analysis of area, production and productivity of coconut in the zone showed that area and production of coconut grew at below one per cent rate of growth, while productivity growth was found to decline from 2001-01 to 2015-16. It was also observed that the area, production and productivity of coconut during this period were quite erratic in nature. District analysis showed that area and production declined in Darrang district, while production and productivity of coconut in Dhemaji and Lakhimpur district also declined. Productivity was found to decline in Sonitpur district. The average area of coconut was 0.25 ha with average productivity of 9531 numbers per hectare, which was higher in large farmers. Productivity of coconut was higher in rabi season. Marketed surplus of mature and tender coconut varied from 96 per cent to 99 per cent. The average productivity of coconut in the zone was 9531 number of coconut per hectare which was lower than average productivity of 10614 number of coconut per hectare in the country. Coconut market was imperfect and monopolistic in nature. The prices in the market were determined mostly by the buyers. The price of mature coconut was higher than tender coconuts. The sale of tender and mature nuts in the villages was primarily controlled by the village aggregators, pre-harvest contractors and primary market wholesalers. Involvement of many middlemen increased the length of the channel and affected the marketing efficiency in terms of producers’ share in consumers’ rupee. Although effectiveness was high, farmers and consumers were not protected by the prevailing prices, Price spread was higher in those channels and was found to be exploitative in nature due to high profit margins earned by the middleman. Marketing cost was escalated mainly by the high cost of transportation. Contractual integration in coconut market was common in the study area. Economic and financial analysis in value addition of coconut, in the selected processing unit indicated that capacity utilization increased from 70.63 to 72.81 per cent. It was also found that working ratio of the plant increased from 1.16 to 1.31, while fixed ratio was less than unity. Investment appraisal at 10 per cent discount rate the NPV of the plant was Rs. 29.19 lakhs, IRR was 23.35 per cent, BCR was 1.13 and PBP was 3.04 years. This indicated that investment in coir industry was highly profitable, economically feasible and financially viable. However, the processing industry faced constrains of shortage of raw material, erratic power supply and shortage of labour. It can be concluded that the productivity of coconut needs to be increased through adoption of improved cultivation practices, extending credit facility to the growers and proper training programme to the farmers. The markets of coconut should be organized and more assembling centers be established in the rural areas so that the farmers can carry their produce to assembling center and distant traders can come and buy the produce to encourage higher price to the producers. Price incentive programme may be introduced for the horticultural crops. There should be adequate training and awareness programme on coconut for increasing production, productivity and marketing of the produce as well as on agripreneurship on coconut fibre among the youths.ThesisItem Open Access RESOURCE USE AND EXTENT OF ADOPTION OF IMPROVED TECHNOLOGY IN CULTIVATION OF MAJOR CROPS IN SONITPUR DISTRICT OF ASSAM(AAU, Jorhat, 2017-07) Gogoi, Boishali; Saikia, R.S.The present study on the extent of adoption of improved technology in cultivation of major crops and its impact on farm returns was conducted in Sonitpur district of Assam with the objectives – (i) Study the resource endowment and utilization in cultivation practices of major crops, (ii) Examine the extent of adoption of improved technology and its impact on productivity and farm income, and (iii) Identify the problems faced by the farmers in adoption of improved technology and to suggest appropriate policy measures. Altogether, 100 sample farmers were selected randomly and then categorized into 4 different size groups i.e. marginal (0-1 hectare), small (1.01-2.0 hectares), semi-medium (2.01-4.0 hectares) and marginal (above 4.0 hectares) farms. They were selected from 4 villages viz., Panibharal, Garehagi, Monabari and Disri villages from Biswanath Chariali development block and Baghmara development block. The samples were selected using multistage random sampling technique. Mostly primary data relating to the agricultural year 2016-17 were used in fulfilling the various objectives of the study. Data were collected from the sample farmers using interview method with the help of questionnaires. Data on socio-economic variables, resource endowments of the farmers, input-output data on major crops were collected to examine the extent of adoption of improved technology and its impact on productivity and farm income of the farmers. Data on the problems faced by the farmers were also collected to identify various constraints of adoption of improved technology in the study area. Tabular method of analysis with average and percentage were used to study the resource endowment of the farmers, the extent of adoption of improved technology and the severity of various constraints faced by the farmers. Indices of adoption were constructed using 5 different functions. The result of the study revealed that with respect to socio-economic variables and fixed capital assets value, the bigger farm sizes were better endowed with resources (excluding family labour) and economically better off compared to their other counterparts. The extent of adoption of improved agricultural technology was the highest in case of Boro paddy followed by Sali paddy and potato. In case of pulses and oilseeds, the extent of adoption was very low. It was found that technology adoption was directly proportional to farm size. A considerable impact of improved technology on farm income was observed for all size groups of holdings and the impact was the highest in semi-medium farmers, followed by medium, small and marginal farmers. Regarding the productivity of the farms, technological impact had similar kind of effect as for the farm income. Bigger farms were seen to adopt more of the improved technology in their cultivation practices which lead to higher productivity. The various problems faced by the farmers on adopting improved agricultural technology were studied under 3 groups viz., technological constraints, economic constraints and social and other constraints. Of the various problems identified, lack of assured irrigation, lack of capital, unawareness and ignorance of recommended package of practice, high cost of HYV seeds and related inputs and climatic factors were more serious. These all indicated the need to strengthen the mechanism of resource supply and extension services in the study area.ThesisItem Open Access PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS OF ASSAM GRAMIN VIKASH BANK IN BARPETA DISTRICT OF ASSAM(AAU, Jorhat, 2018-07) Thakuria, Nayan Jyoti; Borthakur, NilotpalThe Assam Gramin Vikash Bank was established in Assam in the year 2006 by amalgamating four Regional Rural Banks operating in the Brahmaputra valley of Assam. The present study was conducted in Barpeta district to study the performance of Assam Gramin Vikash Bank. The present study tried to evaluate the performance of Assam Gramin Vikash Bank in the state of Assam on the basis of secondary data published by the bank. Moreover, primary data were also collected to analyze utilization and repayment of crop loan and impact of crop loan on production and income of the beneficiary farmers. Accordingly, 90 beneficiary and 30 non-beneficiary farmers were selected through random sampling from the Barpeta district. The present study revealed that Assam Gamin Vikash Bank after amalgamation showed an increasing trend in terms of branch expansion, total business, deposits mobilization, total deposit accounts and credit disbursement over the years. Credit-Deposit increased from 49.93 per cent in the year 2006 to 55.98 per cent in 2016. Recovery percentage of farm sector increased from 42.60 per cent in 2006 to 65.00 per cent in 2016. However, recovery percentage was found to be lower in the farm sector than the non-farm sector during the entire study period. Branch productivity and employee productivity of the bank increased over the year. The overall profitability of the bank was found to be sound during the study period except in the year 2007. Performance of the bank in terms of non-performing assets reduction was not found to be satisfactory as it percentage was highest in 2016 (20.44 per cent). The practice of diversion of crop loan towards unproductive purpose had been noticed in all size groups of farmers. On an average, 76.48 per cent of the total crop loan was used for productive purposes and 23.52 per cent was diverted to unproductive purposes. Out of total loan, 71.80 per cent repaid and 28.20 per cent remained as outstanding balance. Both utilization and repayment of crop loan were highest in case of large farmers lowest in case of marginal farmers. Utilization and repayment of crop loan decreased with the decrease in the size of holding. Income was found to be the most favourable factors in terms of the repayment of crop loans. Crop loan of Assam Gramin Vikash Bank had a significant impact on the beneficiary farmers as productivity and income of sample beneficiary farmers were found to be higher than the non-beneficiary farmers in the study area. Highest percentage increase in the productivity was observed in case of rice crop (15.04 per cent).ThesisItem Open Access STUDY ON FARM SIZE AND TENURIAL STATUS OF PADDY CULTIVATION IN JORHAT DISTRICT OF ASSAM(AAU, Jorhat, 2018-07) Baruah, Gargee; Saikia, Rabi SankarThe present study on farm size and tenurial status in paddy cultivation was carried out in the Titabar Development Block of Titabar Subdivision of Jorhat District of Assam with the objectives to study the nature and extent of resource use with respect to farm size and tenancy, to examine the productivity and income according to farm size and tenancy and to examine the problems faced by the farmers on resource use by the different farm size groups of tenant farmers. Two categories of the sample, 75 pure owner operator from 3 different size groups and 75 tenant farmers from 3 tenancy groups based on the degree of tenancy were selected using multistage purposive random sampling. Further, the sample tenants were classified into 4 different rental systems to fulfill the objectives of the study. Mostly tabular analysis was done to assess the size tenancy relationship with the resource use while productivity measures were used to examine the size tenancy productivity relationship. The significance of the differences was tested using ‘t’ statistic. The results of the study revealed that there is no significant difference in resource use in size tenancy relationship except for labour use. It was observed that there exist a significant difference in labour use (both family and hired) in between pure owner operators and tenant farmers. No significant difference was seen in resource use in owned as well as leased in land among the rental systems of tenant farmers. Productivity was not found adversely affected by tenancy when comparison was made between the farm size and degree of tenancy. However, the benefit cost ratio (based on cash cost) for pure owner operator was found to be 2.19, which was significantly lower than the benefit cost ratio (based on cash cost), which was found to be 2.67 for tenant farmers. This may be due to the difference of cash cost between the two primary sample groups. Unavailability of labour was the main constraint prevailed in the study area followed by high cost of labour and machinery. Credit facilities with minimum collateral security as well as improving socio-economic facilities would encourage the farmers to continue their farming operation. As for owner-tenant relationship, there should be a coordinated atmosphere between the landowners and the tenant farmers.ThesisItem Open Access EXTENT OF FARM MECHANIZATION AND ITS IMPACT ON CROP PRODUCTION IN JORHAT DISTRICT OF ASSAM(AAU, Jorhat, 2018-07) Shyam, Dibyajyoti; Gogoi, Pradyut B.The present study was undertaken in the Titabar Developmental Block and North West Developmental Block (Dhekorgarah) of Jorhat District of Assam to identify the different levels of farm mechanization, comparative economics and constraints faced by the farmers at different levels of farm mechanization. Primary data of 120 sample farms were collected, by personal interview method with the help of schedules and questionnaires specially designed for the purpose. The data collected from the sample farms pertains to the year 2017-2018, except that the financing of various forms of mechanization which relates to actual years of acquisition. Primary operations like ploughing was mechanically done by 91.66 per cent of the households while 8.3 per cent of the household used drought animal. For sowing all households used human labour, intercultural operations like weeding and plant protection were done manually by all the respondent farmers, while in irrigation 8.3 per cent of the household used mechanical means for irrigation and 11.66 per cent household used manual labour for irrigation and for post-harvest operation like harvesting, threshing, transportation and marketing, all household used manual labour for harvesting, while for threshing 75 per cent used mechanical means and 25 per cent use draught animals. For transportation and marketing, 84.16 per cent used mechanical means and 15.83 per cent used manual labour. In case of Tractor Ownership Farm, Tractor Hired Farm, Power Tiller Owning Farm, Power Tiller Hiring Farm and Bullock Operated Farm gross income per hectare for crops were Rs. 151301.06, Rs. 123345.24, Rs. 125720.43, Rs. 120758.83 and Rs. 88555.37, respectively and Net income was observed to be Rs. 51260.5, Rs. 54656.70, Rs. 43975.66, Rs. 50564.39 and Rs. 22604.79 respectively. It was observed from the findings that the proportion of farmers reported almost all the problems were higher in Bullock Operated Farm than Power Tiller Hiring Farm and Tractor Hired Farm. It was observed that lack of adequate repairing services, lack of adequate irrigation facilities, lack of adequate custom hiring services and small and scattered farm holdings were the common problems in order of their importance in both the categories of Tractor Ownership Farm and Power Tiller Owning Farm. The present study concludes that Operation wise level of mechanization within various categories of mechanization was more in of ploughing, irrigation, threshing, transportation and marketing. Intercultural operations mainly performed by spades, hoe, khurpi etc. Operations like weeding were carried out by human labourers using small hand tools but lack of adequate availability of farm labours during the period resulted into the reduction in yield due to higher crop-weed competition for soil moisture and nutrients. Both gross return per hectare and total cost per hectare were higher in the mechanized farm but efficient over bullock farms resulting in higher net returns in the mechanized farms than bullock farms in the area. The highest net return was observed in Tractor Hired Farm followed by Tractor Ownership Farm, Power Tiller Hiring Farm, Power Tiller Owning Farm and Bullock Operated Farm. Lack of sufficient funds for meeting high cost of farm machinery and lack of credit facilities were the two major problems for the farmers in Tractor Hired Farm, Power Tiller Owning Farm and Bullock Operated Farm in acquiring machinery from their own. Lack of adequate repairing services, lack of adequate irrigation facilities, lack of adequate custom hiring services and small and scattered farm holdings were the common problems in order of their importance in both the categories of Tractor Ownership Farm and Power Tiller Owning Farm.
