The manufacture of agricultural machinery in India is quite multifaceted and comprises village artisans, tiny units, small-scale industries, State agro-industrial development corporations and organized tractor, engine and processing equipment industries.

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) ensures that manufacture and marketing of agricultural and industrial products are of a good quality through its network of centres and laboratories. The BIS also prepares specifications for agricultural machinery and other appliances and stipulates test codes. Other than the BIS, the government has also set up other farm machinery and testing centres for the promotion of quality farm machinery.

In case of agricultural machinery, requirement of quality certification is limited to the sale of agricultural machinery financed under government schemes. On certain items connected with safety and health hazards, it is necessary to have minimum safety standards built into the design or in the installation of machinery during operation.

To take care of the operator's safety requirements on agricultural machinery in use, the Dangerous Machines (Regulation) Act of 1983 was enacted. Enforcement of the Act rests with the State Governments. The Department of Agriculture and Cooperation of the Ministry of Agriculture is responsible for the monitoring of the Act.

Here is a comprehensive list of different types of farm equipment and machinery available in the country. For information on manufacturers of agricultural machinery in various States, one may read List I and List II.

National Policy on Farm Mechanization

There is no separate National Policy on Agricultural Mechanization. This is covered under the regular Agricultural Policy. The government promotes agricultural mechanization with the following goals in mind -

• Agricultural mechanization should lead to a sustainable increase in yields and cropping intensity with the objective of meeting the planned rate of growth in agricultural production and maintaining it.
  
  
• The income of agricultural workers should rise at a satisfactory rate so that the disparity between urban and rural incomes is contained. The agricultural worker should have his rightful opportunity to lead a dignified life.
  
  
• The benefits of agricultural mechanization should apply to all types of farmers including small and marginal ones in different regions of the country, particularly rain fed areas.
  
  
• Agricultural mechanization should create a worker friendly environment especially for women workers by lessening hard labour, health hazards and improve safety in production operations.
  
  
• Agricultural mechanization should lead to a reduced cost of production of agricultural commodities. This should increase the income of farmers and impart a price advantage while competing for export contracts in the international market.