With the advancement of science and technology, there has been a huge change in the agriculture sector. Today, tractors, power tillers and other modern agricultural machinery have become the first choice of farmers. As a result, the use of traditional ploughs has reduced to a large extent compared to earlier times. However, in hilly and remote areas like Gajapati, many farmers still farm with the help of oxen. In hilly, narrow lands or places where tractors cannot reach, oxen have become the only hope of farmers. Oxen not only contribute to farming, but their dung and urine are also very useful in the preparation of organic fertilizers and pesticides.
While the fertility of the land is decreasing due to excessive use of chemical fertilizers, organic fertilizers help in maintaining the health of the land and maintaining the ecological balance. Therefore, with the increasing interest of people in organic farming, the importance of oxen is being felt again. Although modern agricultural machinery saves time and labor, it also increases fuel consumption, maintenance costs and creates a financial burden for small farmers. On the other hand, farming with oxen reduces costs and does not have an impact on the environment. Therefore, many small and rural farmers still prefer the traditional plough. Although its use has decreased in the race of modernization, its need, utility and importance remain intact.
