Farm Mechanisation for Smallholder Farming
| Date of acession | 2024-12-17T13:12:10Z | |
| Date of availability | 2024-12-17T13:12:10Z | |
| Date of issue | 2013 | |
| Abstract | Farm mechanization plays a vital role in improving efficiency, soil quality, and crop yields in smallholder farming, particularly in cassava production. Traditionally, land preparation and cultivation are done manually using hand hoes, which are labor-intensive and time-consuming. To address these challenges, the introduction of affordable 2-wheel tractors offers a promising solution for smallholder farmers. These machines, including the RS Power Hoe, RS Ridger, and RS Weeder, can significantly enhance land preparation, seedbed creation, and weeding processes. The RS Power Hoe, designed for tilling upland and swampy soils, can till one acre in approximately four hours, thus improving soil texture while minimizing damage. The RS Ridger, ideal for cassava production, creates ridges with adjustable discs, enabling efficient field preparation. Additionally, the RS Weeder, with its adjustable guard, ensures optimal spraying while reducing the risk of skin contamination. These mechanized tools are easy to maintain and repair locally, making them more accessible and cost-effective than traditional four-wheel tractors. Training programs for service providers and farmers on the operation and maintenance of these machines have successfully promoted the adoption of mechanization in cassava farming, benefiting both productivity and soil health. | |
| URL | https://hub.ifdc.org/handle/20.500.14297/3318 | |
| Language | en | |
| Subject | Mechanization | |
| Subject | Smallholder farmers | |
| Title | Farm Mechanisation for Smallholder Farming | |
| Type | Learning Object |