Unit I

Question 1

Primary objectives of Mechanization

Answer 1

1. Minimization of production cost
2. Optimization of product quality
3. Protection of workplace and environment
4. Minimization of farm production flexibility

Question 2

What are the 3 purposes of Mechanization

Answer 2

1. Increase of labor productivity
2. Increased land productivity
3. Decrease cost of production

Question 3

Give 5 benefits of Mechanization

Answer 3

a. Improvement in crop yield/ha and quality
b. Extension of cultivated area
c. Possibility of raising new crops & livestock which were not initially possible
d. Improvement of timelines in faming operations, timely provision of suitable conditions, and environment for plant and animal growth
e. Work potential of agricultural tractors vs hard labor and animal traction involvement.

Question 4

Problems of Mechanization

Answer 4

1. Huge investment cost of equipment
2. Government policies on machinery implementation and importation
3. Inadequate manpower development and skill acquisition on technological advancement on agri mechanization
4. Poor infrastructure development regarding appropriate machinery requirement
5. Poor price control of products of agricultural mechanization during peak production and harvest gluts
6. Poor accessibility to credit facilities from agricultural development banks.
7. Loss of technical skills and service.

Question 5

Key factors to a successful mechanization program

Answer 5

1. Socio-economic factors
2. Availability of mechanization supporting infrastructure
3. Land and agro-ecological conditions

Question 6

Indicators of agricultural mechanization

Answer 6

a. Levels of mechanization (LOM)
b. Mechanization Index (MI)
c. Degree of Mechanization (M)

Question 7

Give examples of single engine inputs

Answer 7

1. Mower
2. Chainsaw
3. Cultivator
4. Hand tractors