The department has been engaged in development and dissemination of different technologies for mechanized farming of the crops grown in Maharashtra. In order to improve the mechanization in the jurisdiction of the University, research on development and testing of different implements has been undertaken by the Department. The Department has released various implements for farmers of the region viz. Jyoti multi crop planter- bullock drawn power tiller drawn and tractor drawn; Tractor drawn onion transplanter, self- propelled lucerne harvester, pedal operated ground decorticator, etc. The Department is working in technical collaboration with the industries for development as well as dissemination of knowledge on farm machinery. Memorandum of Understanding has been signed with Industries viz, M/s ASPEE Ltd., Mumbai, M/s. Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. Mumbai, M/s. New Holland Fiat India (Pvt.) Ltd, Delhi, M/s. CLAAS India Ltd., Faridabad, M/s. Shravani Enterprises, Pune.

The faculty of the Department has guided 362 graduate students and 43 post graduate students on different aspects of farm mechanization. They have disseminated their research contribution by presenting 55 research papers in various national and international journals and conferences.

IThe Department conducts training programs on Farm Mechanization in general as well as for specific crops; for employees of Tractor Industries, Banks and Financial Institution; v machine operators and farmers Development, research and manufacturing of released machinery are done in collaboration with these industries.

The Department has completed one NATP project on Mechanization of Experimental Plots during 2002-2004. The performance of various field plot machines viz. single ear head thresher, multi-crop plot thresher, rotavator, tractor and bullock drawn puddler, hydro tiller, zero till drill, tractor drawn vegetable transplanter, multi- crop planter, self propelled reaper, mini combine, aero blast sprayer, riding type reaper, etc were tested and demonstrated on the field.

Presently, Government of Maharashtra has provided funds of Rs. 15.50 lakh for establishment of Testing Centre for Farm Machinery‟. Farm Machinery Training and Testing Centre has been sanctioned under “RKVY” with outlay of Rs. 4.5 crores. The Department has developed CAD Laboratory facility with PRO/ENGINEERE W/F 4.0 software installed on server and 25 clients.

Improved farm implements and machinery have enabled timeliness of farm operations, improved the utilization of inputs and reduced drudgery. This has led to enhanced productivity and reduction in the cost of produce. The net returns to the farmer have also increased, paving the way for expeditious adoption of farm machinery. Under the dynamic situation of changing cropping as influenced by local agro-socio-economic factors, identification of farm mechanization needs and development of need-based farm implements and machinery are of paramount importance.