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An Expert System for Selection of Economic Machiners for Modern Rice Cultivatin in Bangladesh

C. K. Saha
Assistant Professor
Department of Farm Power & Machinery, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2002, Bangladesh

M. M. Alam
Professor
Department of Farm Power & Machinery, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2002, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

The complexity and magnitude of the machinery selection problem in the analysis of crop production systems have led to numerous efforts to develop models as decision aid. In this paper an attempt has been made for appraisal of financial profitability and selection of economic set of machines and implement related to modem rice cultivation in Bangladesh condition. Considering the minimum operating cost, capacity of alternatives for each operation, size of annual operational farm holdings and farmers access to the machines, a procedure was developed to select an economic set of machines for each farm holdings using conceptual framework of critical path method. A computer simulation model was developed in Borland C++ language for easy computation and selection of economic set of machines and implement on the basis of farm size. The Computer model is capable of providing the individual and the cumulative cost of operations and able to accommodate farmer's options for specific machines at different operations.

Keywords: Economic, Machines, Implements, Rice, Farms

Location: BAU, Mymensingh

Start Date: 01-11-2001

End Date: 30-03-2002

Program Area: Socio-economic and Policy

Non-commodity: Performance

Objectives:

1. To appraise an economic set of machines and implements for modem rice cultivation in representative farm holdings of Bangladesh.

2. To develop a computer simulation model for selection of an economic set of machines and implements for rice based farm holdings of Bangladesh.

Methodology:

The concept of selective agricultural mechanization primarily deals with the choice of power sources and associated implements or machinery for farm operations. Proper selection of suitable machinery is crucial to the profitability of the farm considering the cost of owning. Therefore, economic selection of agricultural machinery is usually a complex problem because of the variations in farm sizes and differences in agro- climatology. Thus, methodologies were developed to assist in evaluating and selecting appropriate set of machines for mechanization of rice based farms in terms of economic benefit of the farmers. Secondary data from various sources were mostly used in this piece of research. Some essential data were collected from primary sources through a baseline survey involving key informants (farmers, machine owners, operators, mechanics, manufacturers and traders of machines, sub-assistant agricultural officers, extension personnel, etc.) through personal interview during November, 2001- March, 2002. The data were verified by the specialists in the relevant field. Comparative economic analysis was done considering operating cost (Tk/ha) of different machines/ methods for the particular field operations. The information obtained from a comparative economic analysis can be of considerable aid to any alternative investment decision involving a degree of uncertainty concerning the value of some parameter especially annual use (ha) of specific machines. The computer program is devised so that, for a definite farm size, it can accommodate farmer's options based on access to alternative machines and implements. This program is also capable to identify the most economic set of machines and implements with their individual and cumulative operating costs.

Source of Information: JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING, THE INSTITUTIONAL OF ENGINEERS, BANGLADESH, Vol. 32 (A), December 2006, pp. 27-36, ISSN 0379–4318

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

The comprehensive techniques used to determine the financial profitability of different technological options for rice based farm operations in order to select an economic set of machines and implements for different farm holdings caters as an useful means of suggesting farmers for the extension officers working at the lower tire of the administration. The development of the computer model also provide an added advantage for prompt advisory service for the farmers by accommodating farmers options and access to certain machines and implements for selecting appropriate economic set of machines and implements.

Knowledge Management: Journal