The Farm Mechanisation Project, launched collaboratively by Centum Foundation and Mahindra Farm Division in the year 2022, represents an important step in the direction of uplifting agricultural productivity and improving livelihoods among smallholder farmers in rural India. Implemented across three locations—Jaipur in Rajasthan, Nagpur in Maharashtra, and Zaheerabad in Telangana—the program targets the development of essential mechanisation skills that can lead to greater efficiency, sustainability, and inclusivity in agricultural practices.
This white paper assesses the program’s impact across several key performance areas, including reduced physical labour or drudgery for farmers, increased farm productivity and operational efficiency, and the creation of new employment opportunities that enhance economic stability for participants. The program’s focus on mechanisation has not only strengthened local engagement in farming practices but has also fostered community support for modern agricultural methods, gradually shifting traditional perceptions.
Over three phases of implementation, the program successfully trained 1,896 farmers, with 35% of participants being women. This gender-inclusive approach has empowered women to take on more active roles in agricultural decision-making and farm operations, contributing to household income stability. The increasing participation of female trainees highlights the program’s role in fostering gender equality in agriculture and challenging conventional gender roles.
Beyond skill development, the program has also contributed to economic well-being, as trainees and community members have gained more stable income opportunities, strengthening financial resilience. Additionally, the initiative has created a ripple effect in surrounding communities, demonstrating the tangible benefits of mechanisation and encouraging broader adoption among farmers.
To capture a comprehensive view of the project outcomes, this white paper utilises a mixed-methods approach, drawing on quantitative data and insights from Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with both female trainees and host farmers. These findings illustrate a transformative effect across productivity, inclusivity, employment, community participation, and economic well-being, laying a robust foundation for extending mechanisation benefits within India’s agricultural sector.
This intervention demonstrates how equipping smallholder farmers with the necessary training and tools can help build more productive, resilient, and inclusive livelihoods for rural communities.
