Question

The overall mechanization level in India ranges from

• A. 20-25 %
• B. 40-45 %
• C. 55-60 %
• D. 75-80 %

Hint:

Compare India's average mechanization with the near-total mechanization in developed farm economies.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Farm mechanization level is the share of total farm power coming from mechanical and electrical sources, such as tractors, power tillers, engines and motors, as against animal and human power.

Step 2: Developed farm economies like the USA, Japan and much of Europe have mechanization levels well above 90%, since nearly all field operations there are done by machines.

Step 3: India has a very large number of small and marginal holdings, and many regions still rely on animal power and manual labour for several operations. Even though progressive states such as Punjab and Haryana individually cross 80%, the countrywide average is much lower, and is usually placed at around 40-45%.

So the correct range for the overall mechanization level in India is 40-45%, option 2.