Modern Farming Inputs and Irrigation in Palampur
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1. Modern Farming Inputs and Industrial Reliance
Modern farming methods require more manufactured inputs than traditional farming. These essential inputs include:
- Chemical fertilizers
- Pesticides
- Pumpsets
- Farm machinery
- Electricity
- Diesel
- HYV seeds
- Water supply
Most inputs, such as fertilizers, tools, and implements, are manufactured in industry. HYV seeds are developed in agricultural research centers or laboratories. The machine industry supplies various implements, irrigation pumps, and farming machinery to enhance productivity and minimize farming efforts. Chemical and soil engineering-based industries provide fertilizers and pesticides to boost agriculture. Water supply is managed through canals and tanks, while electricity is supplied by powerhouses.
2. Electricity's Impact on Palampur Farmers
The spread of electricity significantly aided the farmers of Palampur in the following ways:
- Most houses obtained electricity connections.
- It enabled the running of tube wells in the fields for reliable irrigation.
- It is utilized in various types of small businesses.
3. Importance of Expanding Irrigation Area
It is crucially important to increase the area under irrigation. Currently, irrigation facilities cover only about 40% of the cultivated land in the country. The remaining 60% of the cultivated area remains dependent on rainfall for irrigation.
This dependency means that 60% of farmers cannot achieve the benefits of multiple cropping. Consequently, they produce less, resulting in lower incomes and persistent poverty. Therefore, to lift farmers out of poverty, farm productivity must increase. This is achievable only through the adoption of modern farming methods and dependable irrigation facilities. Hence, expanding the area under irrigation is essential.
4. Low Farmer Wages in Palampur
A daily wage laborer might be employed on a daily basis, for a particular farm activity, or for the whole year. Most small farms must borrow money to arrange for capital. They borrow from moneylenders, large farmers, or traders who supply various inputs for cultivation.
The rate of interest on such loans is very high, putting them under great distress to repay the loan. Consequently, they pay very low wages to the farm laborers, often below the minimum wage.
5. Methods to Increase Production on Fixed Land
The primary way to increase production on the same piece of land is through Multiple Cropping. This is the most common method, where more than one crop is grown on the same piece of land during the year. Indian farmers should aim to grow at least two main crops in a cropping season.