Evolution and Spatial Distribution of Agricultural Technology in Jalgaon District: A Decadal Analysis (1971–2021)

This study examines the spatiotemporal patterns of agricultural technology in the Jalgaon district of Maharashtra, covering a significant reference period from 1971 to 2021. Agriculture remains the backbone of the regional economy, yet its growth is increasingly dependent on the transition from traditional implements to modern mechanized and digital solutions. The research analyzes the shifting reliance on wooden and iron ploughs against the backdrop of rising population pressure and the adoption of modern "Agri-tech.". The methodology utilizes decadal data from the statistical department of Jalgaon to evaluate the density of farm implements per thousand hectares of cultivated area. Findings reveal a significant turning point after 1991; while the number of wooden ploughs peaked at 63,000 in 1991, their density dropped sharply to 42.37 by 2011. Similarly, iron ploughs saw a decline from a peak density of 59.75 in 1991 to 28.36 in 2011, signalling a move toward tractorization and advanced machinery. The study further identifies a geographical divide: remote tribal settlements in the Satpuda and Ajantha ranges (northern Jalgaon) maintain higher densities of primitive tools due to rugged terrain and socio-economic barriers. Conversely, developed tehsils like Bhusawal and Jalgaon are leading the transition toward drip irrigation (especially for banana cultivation) and AI-powered precision farming. The paper concludes that while technological diffusion is essential for food security, the fragmentation of land holdings remains a critical barrier to full-scale mechanization in the region.