Farm Mechanization and Custom Hiring Solutions By Dr L K Pandey Ananya Seeds Pvt Ltd, New Delhi It never attracted my attention due to obvious reason of affordability by majority of marginal and small size farmers. We always focused on tools and implements than farm solutions. However current scenario of innovative solutions focused around farmers' pain-points evolving solution based implements. While working closely with International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) I worked on Policy Reforms Initiative Program for Nepal. It gave me opportunity to learn and explore the solution to farmers hardships faced in farming. So, scarcity of manpower is preventing many to carry on farm operations as usual. Therefore, solutions like Custom Hiring Solution (CHS) are the answer to many questions before the farmers. Even small farmers can get the benefit of farm implements without investing and maintaining it. It can generate more employment for farmers and rural youth (semi skilled and skilled ones). The impact on environment will be really good as instead of burning agro wastes, we can earn profits. By inventing digital tools, we can evolve taxi models in CHS as well. Consequently large number of entrepreneurs and have bright future in this sector. (Uberization of Farm Machineries). Madhya Pradesh state govt promoted 1500 CHCs in past few years and majority of them are successful. There 'Yantrdoot', 'Esarthi', 'Haldhar' are great initiatives. Why not other states then??? Many corporate houses like, TATA, EICHER, INDO HOLLAND, M&M are also entering into foray after initial shyness. However, everything discussed here will be incomlete without special mention of Sh.Vikram Ahuja of Zamindara Farm Solutions, Fazilka. Skill development, entrepreneurship, smog free climate, power generations, raw materials for several industry are the key word of this evolving agribusiness model. Certainly govt is promoting through assistance and subsidies.
Can we check the exodus of rural unemployed youth for substandard jobs through such interventions..??. The answer is Yes. I invite attention of CSR focussed companies to utilize such funds to make rural youth employable.