Farm Machinery
High Productivity?
it embraces the use of tools, implement and machines for agricultural land development, production, harvesting, and post-production processes. It includes three main power sources: human, animal and mechanical. (FAO definition, 1979)
Mechanization?
- is the art and scientific application of mechanical aids for increased production and preservation of food and fiber crops with less drudgery and increased efficiency
Low Productivity?
- is the application of animal and machine power to multiply man’s ability to perform production operations. Mechanization permits man to multiply his production by the use of animal or fuel power. Mechanization allows the performance of tasks efficiently. - Loyd Johnson, 1964.
High land area to farmer ratio
Motivated into increasing the level of mechanization in order to cultivate large agricultural lands with limited available manpower and take advantage of favorable agricultural commodity prices. Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia follow the USA model.
Low land area to farmer ratio
Motivated into increasing the level of mechanization in order to increase yields and cropping intensities to meet the growing demands for food and agricultural raw materials. South Korea, China, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines follow the Japanese model.
Tractors, power tillers, irrigation pumps, harvesters and threshers increase cropping intensities
Irrigation pumps increase yields
Harvesters and threshers reduced losses which effectively increases yields.
Increased cropping intensity and production
Tractors in land preparation reduced 50% of the labor units.
However, labor for land preparation in the Philippines comprised mainly family labor
Freed family labor can look for alternative work opportunities; children can go to school
Increased productivity of labor
Availability of machines allow the processing of farm products and by products
Take the case of pineapple and coconut. Rather than selling the fruit and nut, they can be processed into different products
Full utilization of farm products and by products
Development of harvesting, threshing and processing machines reduced harvest and postharvest losses.
Losses: rice : 10-37%
Corn: 30%
Reduction of losses
Secondary and tertiary processing open up market potentials and lead to higher retail price
Shelled peanut retailers earn P0.50/kg more
Dried corn can extend the selling period and need not to be forced to sell at a low price
Increased value added of farm products
Machines designed to increase cropping intensities and production will correspondingly increase labor requirements for production and postharvest operations
Machine designed to diversify farm products and by products open up various livelihood opportunities
Employment and livelihood generation
Local agricultural machinery manufacturing will minimize the importation of agricultural machinery
Import substitution
Locally manufactured agricultural machinery can be exported to countries with similar farming conditions such as the Philippines.
Export possibilities
The objectives of agricultural mechanization are
focused on improving the efficiency, productivity, sustainability, and economic viability of agricultural operations
Enhance the efficiency of farming operations, enabling farmers to cultivate larger areas of land within shorter timeframes. Reduce the labor intensity of traditional farming methods, |allowing for faster planting, harvesting, and other tasks.
Increase Productivity
Address the shortage of agricultural labor in many regions by substituting manual labor with machinery.
Reduce the physical burden on farmers and agricultural workers, improving their working conditions.
Reduce Labor Dependency
Enable precision farming techniques to optimize the use of inputs like seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and water.
|Achieve better planting uniformity, timely field operations, and efficient harvesting, which contribute to higher yields and |better-quality produce.
Improve Crop Yield and Quality
Lower operational costs by reducing manual labor, improving energy efficiency, and minimizing input wastage.
Lower operational costs by reducing manual labor, improving energy efficiency, and minimizing input wastage.
Minimize Production Costs
|Speed up farming activities, allowing for timely planting harvesting, and post-harvest operations.
Enhance the ability to respond to unpredictable weather conditions or market demands.
Save Time
Reduce environmental degradation by enabling practices like conservation tillage and precision application of fertilizers and pesticides.
Facilitate the adoption of renewable energy-powered equipment, such as solar-powered irrigation systems.
Promote Sustainable Farming
|Improve post-harvest handling through mechanized processes |like threshing, drying, and storage, reducing losses due to spoilage or inefficiency.
Reduce Post-Harvest Losses
Empower farmers to produce more efficiently, enabling them to meet market demands and generate higher income.
Open opportunities for diversifying farm operations with value added processes, such as mechanized food processing.
Enhance Farmer Income
Foster the growth of industries related to the manufacturing, maintenance, and repair of agricultural machinery.
Create opportun ities for training and employment in rural areas through mechanization services.
Encourage Rural Development
Utilize advanced technologies like GPS, drones, and sensors in machinery to achieve precise and data-driven farming. Ensure optimal resource utilization while reducing waste and environmental impact.
Promote Precision Agriculture
Mechanization is synonymous to tractorization.
Myths of Mechanization
High level of mechanization is equated to modernization and therefore, is an indicator and requirement for development.
Myths of Mechanization
Mechanization displaces farm labor and causes unemployment in agriculture; any substitution of capital for labor is socially desirable.
Myths of Mechanization
Mechanization is a western or developed country system of farming that is not suited for developing countries.
Myths of Mechanization
Mechanization is a costly input in farming especially the rising cost of fossil fuel.
Myths of Mechanization
Mechanization is not suitable in developing countries where labor is abundant and capital is scarce.
Myths of Mechanization
Mechanization is not feasible where farm holdings are fragmented and inaccessible.
Myths of Mechanization
Mechanization increases yield per unit of labor but not necessarily yield per unit area.
Myths of Mechanization
Only large farms can afford the cost of mechanization.
Myths of Mechanization
Mechanization ignores social problems.
Myths of Mechanization
Appropriate Mechanization
Appropriate mechanization refers to the careful selection and application of machinery and tools based on the specific needs, resources, and conditions of a particular farming system or region. It emphasizes sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and local suitability.
Example of Appropriate Mechanization
A hand-operated maize sheller for smallholder farmers in rural areas
Selective Mechanization
Selective mechanization refers to the strategic use of machinery only for specific agricultural operations, typically those that are labor-intensive, time-sensitive, or critical for productivity improvement. It involves prioritizing certain stages of the farming process for mechanization.
Example of Selective Mechanization
Using a combine harvester for wheat harvesting while planting is done manually
Scope
Holistic approach to matching tools to the local context.
Appropriate Mechanization
Scope
Focused on specific agricultural operations.
Selective Mechanization
Goal
Long-term sustainability and adaptability.
Appropriate Mechanization
Goal
Immediate efficiency in specific tasks.
Selective Mechanization
Cost Consideration
Emphasizes overall affordability and resource optimization.
Appropriate Mechanization
Cost Consideration
Prioritizes cost-effectiveness for targeted tasks.
Selective Mechanization
Application
Applies to all aspects of the farming process.
Appropriate Mechanization
Application
Applied to high-impact or labor-intensive tasks.
Selective Mechanization
Flexibility
Adaptable to diverse farming systems and scales.
Appropriate Mechanization
Flexibility
Typically focuses on a few key processes.
Selective Mechanization
Technology Adoption
Often uses advanced tools for specific purposes.
Selective Mechanization
Technology Adoption
Promotes locally relevant and simple technologies.
Appropriate Mechanization
Factors Affecting Adoption of Mechanization
The adoption of agricultural mechanization is influenced by several factors that can either promote or hinder its implementation. These factors include economic, social, environmental, and technological considerations.
Economic Factors
High purchase and maintenance costs of machinery can deter smallholder farmers from adopting mechanization.
Cost of Machinery
Economic Factors
Limited availability of loans or financing options restricts farmers’ ability to invest in mechanization.
Access to Credit
Economic Factors
If farming is not perceived as profitable, farmers may hesitate to invest in mechanized tools.
Profitability of Farming
Economic Factors
Mechanization is more easily adopted on large farms where economies of scale make it cost-effective.
Scale of Operations
Economic Factors
Rising labor costs or shortages of agricultural workers can drive farmers toward mechanization.
Labor Costs
Economic Factors
Government policies, such as subsidies or tax breaks for machinery, encourage adoption.
Subsidies and Incentives
Environmental Factors
Small or fragmented landholdings and difficult terrain may not be suitable for certain types of machinery.
Land Size and Topography
Environmental Factors
Soil type, moisture levels, and fertility can affect the suitability of mechanization.
Soil Conditions
Environmental Factors
Seasonal variations, extreme weather, or unreliable rainfall can impact the feasibility of using mechanized tools.
Climatic Conditions
Environmental Factors
.Farmers concerned about soil health and environmental impacts may prefer sustainable mechanization solutions, such as conservation tillage.
Sustainable Concerns
Define farm mechanization and explain its objectives.
Farm mechanization refers to the use of machinery, tools, and equipment to perform agricultural tasks more efficiently.
Objectives:
To increase productivity and reduce labor requirements.
To ensure timely operations and improve the quality of farm produce.
To minimize post-harvest losses and enhance profitability
How does farm mechanization benefit farmers in terms of productivity and profitability?
mechanization reduces the time and labor needed for agricultural tasks, allowing farmers to cultivate larger areas. It improves operational efficiency and reduces losses during harvesting and post-harvest stages. Increases yields and ensures better-quality produce, which fetches higher market prices.