Breaking the Barriers to Small-Farm Mechanization

2005-06-01

Farm mechanization plays a significant role in every nation's economy. However, it is often misconstrued to mean modernization, beneficial only to industrialized countries with highly mechanized agriculture. Developing countries often have to rely on a variety of imported farm machines, which are seldom appropriate for small farms.

In many parts of the Asian region, the most pressing need is to feed a growing human population. This requires sustaining food production, which can be realized by increasing land and labor efficiency in agriculture through farm mechanization.

The FFTC-Sponsored Workshop

During the FFTC-sponsored international workshop on Small Farm Mechanization Systems Development, Adoption and Utilization held in the Philippines on 13-17 June 2005, experts from eight countries in Asia challenged conventional notions by addressing issues concerning the development and utilization of small-farm mechanization systems and technologies for the greater benefit of small-scale farmers. The activity provided a venue for the sharing of practical application of existing systems and technologies, as well as of strategies that will be most effective in tackling the very complex socioeconomic and environmental factors influencing the adoption and utilization of small farm mechanization.

Lessons from the more developed countries in the region were likewise shared, particularly in terms of their experiences on corporate farming and land consolidation, which make the joint use of land physically easier, including the communal use of large farm machineries and other modern farm facilities.

Status of Small Farm Mechanization in Asia

Asian agriculture is rapidly increasing with the rise in farm mechanization support. Most developing countries in the region are now in transition from labor intensive to control intensive agriculture. Precision agriculture and automation is the current trend in agricultural mechanization. Irrigation system machines, planting machines, powered sprayers, combine harvesters, dryers using biomass fuel, silo and storage handling, and advanced and high quality rice mill machines are likely to be adopted by Asian farmers in the near future.

Trends and Constraints

The barriers that impede the growth and sustainability of farm mechanization industry and programs in the region can be classified into technological constraints, socio-cultural and behavioral barriers, financial and economic problems, and environmental issues.

In some Asian countries, local manufacturers are still in the "cut and weld" level of manufacturing technology. Low or substandard machines continue to be peddled in the market, while some machines are not suitable to the farming conditions of the users. Farm machines are likewise beyond the reach of most farmers owing to high acquisition and maintenance costs.

Small-size farm is a big issue when it comes to mechanization because it is against the "economies of scale." Mechanizing small, non-contiguous parcels of lands may prove to be inefficient especially in operations like land preparation and harvesting. Poor rural infrastructures such as roads, bridges, canals, and power network also pose as a major obstacle to farm mechanization. Also, in developing countries, farm labor is abundant, hence, the need for machinery is seldom recognized. However, the income of farmers has remained very low and the value of working day very cheap.

In terms of environmental issues, high energy-consuming large machines with emissions pollutive to the environment have become an important concern. Human being, as a component of the environment, is also now being considered in machine development. "Machines with a human face" is the byword in some developed countries, which put great consideration on the plight of ageing and women farmers, and on safety issues.

Recommendations and Directions

Due to the nature of small landholdings in many countries in the Asian region, the following criteria for designing and developing machines have been identified during the workshop:

Technology and Systems Development

• Machines should be compact, light, low-powered, and multi-purpose. Locally-available materials must be incorporated in fabricating machines to reduce the manufacturing costs Manufacturing and designing parts must also be precise.
• Small-size tractors, mini-power tillers, and small farm equipment must meet the needs of small farmers. Operator's safety and comfort must also be considered.
• The high cost of fossil fuel in some countries emphasizes the need to develop energy-efficient machines by harnessing non-conventional sources of energy.

Adoption and Utilization

• Information dissemination activities through multi-media, fairs and exhibits, and similar modes should be actively pursued in strategic locations where machines are actually needed.
• Training local craftsmen in manufacturing technology, operation, repair and maintenance would promote local manufacture of agricultural machinery.
• Farmers' organizations or cooperatives can also be tapped, particulalry in setting up joint use of farm machineries and other modern farm facilities.
• Government-private sector complementation is vital in promoting farm mechnization. Service centers could be established in rural and remote areas; and financial assistance, loans, and subsidies must continue to provide machinery owners and users of continued farm production operations.

Conclusion

The level and appropriate choice of agricultural mechanization has direct effects on land and labor productivity, farm income, environment, and the quality of life of small-scale farmers in Asia. Hence, basic farm mechanization requirements to cater to small-farm needs must be met, such as: suitability to small farms; simple design and technology; versatility for use in different farm operations; affordability in terms of cost to farmers; and most importantly, the provision of support services from the government and the private sectors/manufacturers.

Cases of highly mechanized countries point to a common factor leading to successful farm mechanization programs, that is, strong political will. Hence, each country's effort on small-farm mechanization must be anchored on a coherent strategy based on the actual needs and priorities of the small-scale farmers.

Index of Images

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  Figure 1 Farm Mechanization in the Philippines

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  Figure 2 FFTC Director Sing-Hwa Hu Welcomes the Participants to the Small Farm Mechanization Workshop