Role of Animal Power in the Field of Agriculture

Abstract

Draught animal power has traditionally been the main source of power in Indian agriculture.1 India is blessed with over 73million draught animals which account for equivalent to 18million kw. Among the draught animals the bullocks, buffaloes and camels are extensively used for draft purposes, whereas, the horses, mules/donkeys and camels are employed as pack animals. Draught animals (DAs) have contributed a great deal to the development of civilisation. Even in this century, when petroleum-based mechanical and electrical equipment has replaced animals in advanced countries, DAs still play an important role in certain developing countries, and will probably continue to do so for many years. DAs are used for agriculture operations like tillage, seedbed preparation, sowing, weeding, and harvesting, threshing and post-harvest operations. Greater care of draught animals will also improve human welfare. Most animal welfare organisations are largely concerned with pet animals and wildlife. Although livestock and DAs are included in the work of these organisations, very little attention is actually paid to draught animals. Small and marginal farmers, who have 80% operational holdings, are the major users of animal power. It is estimated that nearly 60% of the total draft power used in agriculture is still provided by animal. A draft animal can exert about one-tenth (1/10) of its body weight for doing farm work. But for a very short period, it can exert many more times the average force. Power developed by an average pair of bullock is about 750watts (about 1hp) for usual farm work.2