FARM MECHANIZATION

Farm Mechanisation (Tractorization)

Mechanisation refers to the application of engineering principles and technology in agricultural production.

It is the use of machines such as tractors, ploughs, harvesters, harrows, planters, etc, as well as the use of farm inputs such as insecticides, improved seeds, fertiliser, etc.

The objective of mechanisation is to:

1. reduce human labour (that is to reduce drudgery)
2. increase efficiency
3. save cost (in the long run)
4. save time
5. improve the standard of living by improving the quality and quantity of produce available.

ADVANTAGES OF FARM MECHANIZATION

1. It ensures that farm operations are done and completed within the shortest possible time
2. It saves labour that could otherwise be useful elsewhere.
3. It reduces health hazards and accidents that can occur from using tools.
4. It reduces drudgery.
5. It encourages large-scale farming, hence increasing output.
6. It promotes specialisation of labour, for example, machine operators become specialists in the machines they handle.
7. It increases cooperation among farmers, such as enabling them to put their resources together to buy machines and use them on a rotational basis, thereby making them united.
8. It on the long run labour costs, wastage, reduces errors and spoilage, thereby leading to an increase in income (saved cost).

DISADVANTAGES OF FARM MECHANIZATION

1. It involves a huge capital investment.
2. With mechanisation, very few workers are needed, which renders other labourers unemployed.
3. The movement of heavy-duty machines on land leads to compaction of the soil.
4. The smoke from the exhaust of machines can cause air pollution.
5. Due to small land holdings as a result of the system of land tenure, the use of machinery is not encouraged (e.g communal land tenure).
6. Continuous usage of machines on the soil tends to destroy the soil structure.
7. Very few crops like maize, rice, etc, can be mechanised.

EVALUATION

1. State five advantages of farm mechanisation.
2. State five disadvantages of farm mechanisation.

LIMITATION OF FARM MECHANIZATION

1. Inadequate spare parts.
2. Farmers are generally poor, cannot afford to buy machines like tractors, etc.
3. There is inadequate technical know-how on how to operate and repair farm machines.
4. As a result of a small area of land cultivation, it is not economically advisable for farmers to use machines on their farms. This problem is created by the land tenure system.
5. Seasonality of farm operation: Machines may be left unused because of the seasonality nature of farming.
6. Uneven land terrain makes it difficult to operate farm machines.
7. Inadequate storage and processing facilities discourage large-scale production.

EVALUATION

1. Define mechanization
2. Outline five problems of farm mechanisation in Nigeria

PROSPECTS OF MECHANIZATION

1. Farmers should be educated to accept a modern system of mechanisation.
2. Provision of loans to enable farmers to purchase farm machines.
3. Farmers should pool their resources to buy farm machines.
4. The land tenure system should be reviewed to make land available for farming.
5. Simple and less expensive machines should be developed for farmers to acquire.
6. There should be engineering personnel trained to work on machines.

EVALUATION

1. Outline five factors limiting farm mechanisation in Nigeria.
2. What are the possible ways of improving agriculture through mechanisation?

GENERAL EVALUATION

1. What is mechanisation?
2. Outline five problems of agricultural mechanisation.
3. State five advantages and disadvantages of farm mechanisation.
4. State five limitations of farm mechanisation.
5. State five possible ways of improving agriculture through mechanisation.

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT

1. Which of the following is an advantage of farm mechanisation? A. Carrying out many farm operations with ease. B. Displacing many farm workers. C. Exposing soil to the direct effect of sunlight. D. Polluting the environment
2. In which of the following operationscan a tractor be effectively used for? Fertilisation B. Harvesting C. Ploughing D. Stumping
3. Mechanisation in West Africa is limited by the following, except? A. Size of farm holdings B. Technical know-how C. Capital D. Labour
4. Which of the following gives the correct order of usage of tillage implements in a virgin land A. Harrow Plough Ridger B. Harrow Ridger Plough C.Ridger Plough Harrow
5. Plough Harrow Ridger
6. Which crop is best cultivated by mechanical means? A.Cassava B.Cocoa C.Maize D.Oil palm

THEORY

1. What is mechanisation?
2. State four advantages and disadvantages of mechanisation in agriculture.

 

See also

FARM POWER

SIMPLE FARM TOOLS

PROBLEMS OF FARM MANAGER

MANAGEMENT

FACTORSOFPRODUCTION (MANAGEMENT)