26 SCIENTIFIC REPORTS OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH 



The work of these two tractors have clearly shown the 

 necessity for extensive trials of standard makes in India. 

 It is possible that a number of modifications will have to be 

 introduced before tractors can be recommended for ordin- 

 ary zemindari conditions. The importance to India of the 

 tractor movement is enormous. Plough cattle of powerful 

 type are scarce and dear, and improved agriculture neces- 

 sitates more power. It is useless to recommend an increased 

 area of, say, sugarcane cultivation, unless means are pro- 

 vided for the extra power required for an increased depth 

 of cultivation. A motor tractor equals in work 8 — 10 pairs 

 of cattle. The subject is thus worthy of more attention 

 than a few spasmodic demonstrations. Further, the intro- 

 duction of tractors necessitates the provision of training 

 schools for drivers and workshops for running repairs 

 within easy reach. 



The agricultural machinery trade in India is at present 

 in an unsatisfactory state. Makers have no direct repre- 

 sentatives in India but are represented by agents in the 

 large towns. There are no stocks in the country and spare- 

 parts are increasingly difficult to get, and for these exhor- 

 bitant prices are sometimes charged. For example, a bill 

 was presented for Rs. 1,200 for spares for a couple of reap- 

 ing machines. Makers .will undoubtedly have to contem- 

 plate the appointment of their own agents and the opening 

 of depots in upcountry districts. 



It is obvious that the work of the Agricultural Depart- 

 ments in India must include both the testing of standard 

 types of agricultural machinery and the adoption of such 

 suitable modifications as are required by Indian and indivi- 

 dual district conditions. This class of work is quite in its 

 infancy and requires considerable capital and time. Agri- 

 culturists in India are further handicapped by the diffi- 

 culty of getting into direct touch with manufacturers in 

 England and America. 



