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Mechanization Status of Crop Harvesting

Bidhan Chandra Nath
Senior Scientific Officer
Farm Machinery and Postharvest Technology Division, Bangladesh Rice Research Institute, Gazipur-1701

Dr. Muhammad Abdur Rahman
Chief Scientific Officer
Farm Machinery and Postharvest Technology Division, Bangladesh Rice Research Institute, Gazipur-1701

Dr. Md. Durrul Huda
Principal Scientific Officer
Farm Machinery and Postharvest Technology Division, Bangladesh Rice Research Institute, Gazipur-1701

Dr. AKM Saiful Islam
Senior Scientific Officer
Farm Machinery and Postharvest Technology Division, Bangladesh Rice Research Institute, Gazipur-1701

Subrata Paul
Scientific Officer
Farm Machinery and Postharvest Technology Division, Bangladesh Rice Research Institute, Gazipur-1701

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

In the surveyed area, every farmer harvested crops manually using a sickle. Modern harvesting machines such as reapers and combine harvesters were not available in the farmers’ fields. Farmers were not familiar with the performance of combine harvester, or even with the reaper. Farmers described harvesting as labor-intensive and time-consuming work. Farmers used open drum thresher, close drum thresher and paddle thresher for threshing the paddy, either in the field or in the home yard. Mechanical winnowing units were not found in the surveyed area. Only kula was commonly used for winnowing the crop. Every farmer wanted modern harvesting machinery (reaper, thresher and combine harvester) But in initial investment was very high which was beyond the purchasing capacity of the farmers. Moreover, limited use restricted the farmers to use such type of capital intensive machine.. In addition, they wanted to buy the machinery for a subsidized price. The government should take an initiative to distribute such type of capital intensive machines on a subsidized basis. Demonstration and mass media publication is necessary to create faster awareness of harvesting technology. The important factors affecting farmers’ use of rice harvesting machinery include farmer education, training, knowledge, perception on machinery and capital.

Keywords: Household, Farm machinery, Cropping pattern, Harvesting, Threshing, Winnowing, Drying

Location: Mymensingh, Natrakona, Comilla, Chandpur and Gazipur

Start Date: 01-07-2011

End Date: 30-06-2012

Program Area: Farm Mechanization

Commodity: Farm machineries, Farm machineries

Objectives:

To understand the current status of the harvesting system. To collect information on the problems, prospects and probable solutions for the harvesting system. To suggest improvements to the harvesting system

Methodology:

Five districts namely Mymensingh, Natrakona, Comilla, Chandpur and Gazipur were selected to conduct this study. At least 3 places from each district were selected after considering the intensity of rice cultivation. The sample households were randomly selected using a random sampling technique with arbitrary allocation. At least 3 farmers from each place were selected randomly. The total number of respondents was 33 (Mymensingh- 3, Natrokona-6, Comilla-9 and Gazipur- 9, Chandpur-6). Questionnaire preparation Farmers’ opinion was needed to establish the mechanization guidelines, as well as details on their wishes and needs. Structured questionnaire was used to collect the necessary information by interviewing the farmers at the study location. A draft survey questionnaire was prepared and pretested to refine the questionnaire. A pre-tested questionnaire was supplied to farmers to get feedback on the harvesting, threshing, cleaning system and operation-related machinery and the associated problems. Survey questionnaires were finalized after incorporating the feedback of the farmers. In the questionnaires, farmers provided relevant information on the harvesting systems they were practicing for cutting, transporting, threshing, and cleaning. Sample size The sample size of the interview was meaningful; but the present study sample was not reasonable. This interview focused on understanding the present condition and the tendency of farmers’ prospects and needs in terms of harvest machinery in order to formulate a strategy for mechanized harvesting. Machinery operation, advantages and disadvantages related to the harvesting system were considered. Farmers’ opinion and desire regarding machinery for harvesting were also considered. To understand the drawback on the introduction of machinery, the most important points regarding mechanization were presented to the farmers and their comments were collected. A statistical analysis of the collected data was carried out.

Source of Information: BRRI-KOICA report, 2011-2012

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

1.	Budget:
2. Government	Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

Farmers want have capital intensive machine on subsidized price and an easy credit facility. Extensive field demonstrations are needed for harvesting machinery. Meetings, farmers’ workshops, training, field days and demonstrations can promote farmers knowledge on the benefit of using the machine, and learn how to operate and maintain it. The establishment of farmer groups for harvesting service is also important. As larger rice fields can be more productive, it is necessary to form cooperatives and merge small farms together. Development of entrepreneurship is urgently needed for providing custom hire service to the farmers. Research institute and extension agents can play vital role by providing demonstration and training on the operation and maintenance of the modern machine which ultimately enhance the farm productivity.

Knowledge Management: Report/Proceedings