Tractorization in India : Dispelling some myths

Abstract

The pa per challenges the conventional belief that tractorization in developing societies with surplus agricultural labour would lead to greater unemployment. Based on a study of the post 1960 demand for tractors in India, and an interview survey of about 900 farmers, opinion leaders, and officials of tractor manufacturers, the author concludes that-tractorization leads to replacement of bullock power, not labour power, and that tractorization is essential for bringing to fruition productivity increasing innovations, such as the use of high yield variety seeds. The author finds that there is a gap Between the kinds of tractors produced in the country and those desired by farmers. Neither the type nor size of the holding is an inhibitor of tractor use though socio-cultural reasons may be.