Mechanization

  • Introduction to Agricultural Mechanization

  • Definition: Agricultural mechanization involves using machinery to enhance agricultural work efficiency, greatly increasing productivity.

Learning Outcomes and Objectives

  • At the end of the lesson, you should be able to:

    • Explain the nature and principles of basic farm machinery and mechanization.

    • Discuss the historical significance and productivity impact of mechanization in agriculture.

    • Differentiate between levels and models of mechanization.

    • Identify sources of power utilized in farming.

Benefits of Agricultural Mechanization

  • Increased Cropping Intensity: Enhances farming efficiency, allowing for more crops to be produced per unit area over time.

  • Increased Labor Productivity: Mechanization allows farmers to work faster and more effectively, maximizing labor output.

  • Full Utilization of Farm Products: Reduces waste and maximizes the use of agricultural products.

  • Reduction of Post-Harvest Losses: Mechanization helps in better storage and processing of crops, thereby minimizing losses.

  • Value Addition: Mechanized processes can enhance the quality and marketability of agricultural products.

  • Employment Generation: Mechanization can create new jobs and enhance livelihoods in adjacent sectors.

Levels of Mechanization

  1. Hand Tool Technology: Involves tools and simple implements powered by human efforts. Crucial even in advanced mechanized setups.

  2. Draft Animal Technology: Utilizes animal power for implements and machines.

  3. Mechanical Power Technology: Refers to advanced agricultural machinery that operates on mechanical energy.

Models of Mechanization

  • High Land Area to Farmer Ratio (USA Model): Focus on cultivating large areas with limited manpower. Aims for high mechanization to optimize resources.

  • Low Land Area to Farmer Ratio (Japan Model): Aims to increase mechanization levels to improve yield and intensive cropping to satisfy rising food demands.

Status of Agricultural Mechanization in the Philippines

  • Mechanization level remains low compared to other Asian nations:

    • Japan: 7.0 hp/ha

    • South Korea: 4.11 hp/ha

    • China: 4.10 hp/ha

    • Philippines: 1.23 hp/ha

  • Classification of operations:

    • Low Operation: Manual and animal power

    • Medium Operation: Combination of mechanical with manual power

    • High Operation: Full mechanical power usage

Mechanization Levels Over Time (Philippines)

  • 2013: 2.31 hp/ha in rice farms

  • 2022: 2.58 hp/ha in rice farms

    • Highest level recorded in Cagayan Valley: 3.51 hp/ha

    • Lowest in BARMM: 0.93 hp/ha

Government Initiatives and Agencies Related to Mechanization

  1. Department of Agriculture (DA):

    • Agriculture and Fisheries Mechanization Committee (AFMEC)

    • Bureau of Postharvest Research and Extension (BPRE)

    • Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice)

    • Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM)

    • National Irrigation Administration (NIA)

    • Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI)

    • National Food Authority (NFA)

    • Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR)

    • Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech)

    • Regional Agricultural Engineering Group (RAEG)

  2. University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB):

    • Agricultural Mechanization Development Program (AMDP)

    • Agricultural Machinery Testing and Evaluation Center (AMTEC)

  3. Department of Science and Technology (DOST):

    • Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCARRD)

  4. Professional Regulation Commission (PRC): Regulates the agricultural engineering profession.

  5. Private Sector Organizations:

    • Philippine Society of Agricultural Engineers (PSAE)

    • Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers, Dealers and Distributors Association (AMMDA)

Key Legislation

  • Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act of 1997: Aims to modernize the agricultural sectors in the Philippines.

  • Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization Development Act of 2013: Facilitates the adoption of modern machinery for enhancing productivity in agriculture and fisheries.

References

  • Dangan, V.S. (2019). Agricultural Mechanization. BASC.

  • Accessed from various credible sources on agricultural mechanization.