Investment in Technology and the Growth of Agriculture in India

by Amili R. SEO

India is known primarily as an agriculture-based economy. With $ 38 billion worth of agricultural exports going from India to more than 120 countries in 2013, it is safe to say that agriculture is a priority for the country.

However, it has been estimated that crop yields in India are still just at 30-60% of the best sustainable crop yields achievable in farms of developed and other developing countries. This is problematic because India’s large population is lacking in balanced nutritional intake. Cutting down on exports will result in a significant loss of income for the country. The right solution in this case is investment in technology.

The Green Revolution

Post-Independence, India needed to boost its economy and the best way to do that was through agricultural reform. Thus, the Green Revolution commenced in the 1960s, which resulted in the use of High Yield Varieties of seeds, pesticides, advanced farming practices and, most importantly, the use of advanced machinery.

The Role of the Tractor

Perhaps the greatest symbol of the evolution of farming in India is the humble, but powerful tractor. While the Government was promoting the use of HYVs and advanced farming practices, it recognised the need for advanced farming machinery and tools. Hence, it facilitated the availability of tractors at subsidised rates and loans for the purchase of same. This encouraged the rise of several tractor companies in India. The industry grew steadily through the years as the use of tractors grew.

Along with the availability of tractors, farmers also found it easier, over the decades, to obtain better quality farming equipment in India.

The Modern Era

After the economic reforms of 1991, production, availability and usage of tractors and advanced farming machinery increased. Tractor companies in India upped their game with rapid technological changes and innovations.

The result of all this innovation is that as of 2013, India is the seventh largest exporter agricultural exporter worldwide, and the fastest growing exporter of agricultural products over a 10-year period with steady increase in the average nationwide annual increase in kilograms produced per hectare for some items.

If you are looking for the right farming equipment and tractors, then check out Escorts Group. Over the decades, they have deservedly built up a reputation as one of the most trusted tractor companies in India, along with other agricultural equipment.