Need for real-time monitoring in custom hiring centers (CHCs)

In India where mechanization is essential for national food security due to the country’s increasing population and food need agriculture is the main occupation. Considering that farm electricity availability is 3.045 kW/ha and that more than 85% of farmers are small (1–2 ha) or marginal (< 1 ha), they have little money to spend on expensive machinery. upto 2024–2025, 26,662 Custom Hiring Center (CHCs) will have been established to bridge this gap as well as offer a crucial tool to improve access to farm mechanization. This review examines the role challenges and opportunities of CHCs, focusing on integrating digital technologies. It proposes an IoT-, AI-, and ML-based real-time monitoring framework using secondary data sources. CHCs allow farmers to rent machinery when required, offering a more affordable option than individual ownership. However peak-season shortages lack of skilled operators, and inefficient scheduling limit their effectiveness. A framework integrating sensor-based real-time monitoring and digital platforms is proposed to enhance machinery utilization predictive maintenance operator efficiency and financial transparency evidence shows IoT- and AI-enabled systems can reduce downtime improve accessibility and lower operational costs strengthening CHC sustainability. In conclusion, digitally monitored CHCs supported by schemes like NMAM, NICRA, SMAM, NFSM, RKVY, and MIDH offer a cost-effective and sustainable pathway for farm mechanization.