Practice of ploughing field using oxen vanishing in Sunsari

BY JAY KISHAN YADAV,Inaruwa, July 29 : In the past, farmers in the Tarai-Madhes region ploughed their fields using one to fifteen pairs of oxen depending on the size of their land and economic status.  Families without oxen were not even considered farmers, as owning oxen was seen as an essential part of farming life. Today, however, that culture of ox-driven farming is rapidly vanishing due to the widespread use of agricultural machines.

With the arrival of hand tractors, power tillers, mini tillers, tractors, and drum seeders, the tradition of ploughing fields with oxen and practicing communal farming is on the verge of extinction.

Dipendra Yadav, a farmer from Babia in Inaruwa Municipality-9, said he used three pairs of oxen for rice cultivation a decade ago, but now ploughs his fields with tractors. “Everyone around me has shifted to tractors, so did I. Hundreds of farmers in our village now rely on technology, and oxen are gradually disappearing,” he said.

Similarly, Dhirendra Chaudhary of Ramdhuni Municipality-9 said, “In the past, during the busy planting season in June and July, men were busy ploughing fields with oxen while women transplanted rice seedlings. With modern machines, that culture is disappearing.” 

He added that each year, more farmers are abandoning oxen as mechanized farming becomes easier and faster.

Natikaji Ghimire of Ramdhuni-9 said ploughing with tractors costs Rs. 10,000-12,000 per bigha, but farmers prefer it because it saves time and labour. “Almost everyone now hires tractors or power tillers for ploughing, rotavating, and land preparation. With the shortage of agricultural labourers, machinery has become the only option,” he said.

Only a few farmers still plough with oxen to preserve tradition. Manichan Chaudhary of Ramdhuni-9 said he still uses oxen for his small farm, but he sees almost everyone else using tractors at present.

Musahar Sah, a farmer from Babia, said he continues to plough with oxen to maintain family honour and cultural pride.

 “Ox-driven farming helped level land and increase productivity, while also providing work for ploughmen and seedling planters for many days. Now labourers are struggling because 95 per cent of farmers have shifted to tractors,” he said.