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Energy Lnput-output Relationship in Traditional and Mechanized Rice Cultivation in Bangladesh

R.l. Sarker
Associate Professor
Department of Farm Power and MachineryBangladesh Agricultural UniversityMymensingh, Bangladesh

A.T.M. Ziauddin
Assistant Professor
Department of Farm Power and MachineryBangladesh Agricultural UniversityMymensingh, Banqladesh

Mosharaf Hossain
Lecturer
Department of Farm Power and MachineryBangladesh Agricultural UniversityMymensingh, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

Two acres of agricultural land of mostly loamy soil with moderate moisture content was selected for this study. Study the suitability of selective mechanization over traditional practices. The land preparation activities were started in April, 1979 with BR-3, high yeilding varieties of paddy. Significant increase in output can be obtained through small energy inputs by farmers in various farm operations. It can be recommended from this study that selective mechanization of some operations, particularly that of land preparation activities, be practised without delay through government help to attain self sufficiency in food production.

Keywords: Traditional, Mechanized, Rice Cultivation

Location: Department of Farm Power and Machinery, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh

Start Date:

End Date:

Program Area: Farm Mechanization

Non-commodity: Performance

Objectives:

l) Study the suitability of selective mechanization over traditional practices.

2) Compare the yield of selective mechanized cultivation with that of traditional cultivation.

3) Study the energy input requirement on different stages of cultivation for both systesm.

4) Compare the energy input-output nature for both the systems of cultivation.

5) Suggest measures for improvement of traditional practices. Solar energy at the rate of I % of the total incident radiation is included in the calculation for both the systems.

Methodology:

Two acres of agricultural land of mostly loamy soil with moderate moisture content was selected for this study. The area was divided into four equal-sized plots: two plots for traditional cultivation and two others for selective mechanized cultivation. Both traditional and selective mechanized cultivations were performed simultaneously to study the effect of practices on yield. The land preparation activities were started in April, 1979 with BR-3, high yielding varieties of paddy. The implements used for traditional cultivation were country plough, ladder and other traditional equipments. The power sources in this system were bullock and human power. For the selective mechanized cultivation, the implements used were offset disc harrow, country plow for puddling, rotavator for finer clods, traditional ladder for levelling, and a Japanese weeder. The power sources for this system were tractor, bullock and human power. The operations for puddling, fertilizing, irrigation and application of insecticides were kept uniform for both systems of cultivation. The total energy inputs were calculated in kilo-calories both systems. The total energy output were recorded in kilo-calories from the yield of rice, straw, husk, residues, etc. Quantities of irrigation water, fertilizers and insecticides were kept constant for all the plots.

Source of Information: AGRICULTURAL MECHANIZATION IN ASIA, AFRICA AND LATIN AMERICA 1981 SUMMER

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

On the basis of the study, the following conclusions may be drawn:1) In selective mechanization demands for energy inputs are not so high and within a reasonable limit. 2) A small increase in energy input results in a significant response in yield. 3) Considering all the factors of production, the mixed mechanized cultivation systems seem suitable for increasing the agricultural production under Bangladesh condition. Higher yield from selective mechanized cultivation will generate enough capital for small farmers to supply them with increased energy inputs, through power tillers and tractors. Significant increase in output can be obtained through small energy inputs by farmers in various farm operations. It can be recommended from this study that selective mechanization of some operations, particularly that of land preparation activities, be practised without delay through government help to attain self sufficiency in food production.

Knowledge Management: Journal