Status of Farm Mechanization in Ilocos Sur

Abstract

This study sought to determine the status offarm mechanization in Ilocos Sur, specifically the socio-economic profile of the farmerrespondents, their mechanization patterns, their perception of the importance of farm mechanization, and their problems in the use of farm machines. The respondents of this study were 946 farmers from 34 municipalities of Ilocos Sur. A questionnaire checklist was used in data gathering. Frequencies, percentages, and weightedmeanswere used in data analysis. Majority of the farmer-respondents were male, middle-aged, finished high school, and had a monthly income below the poverty threshold level. They used farm machines in crop production, harvesting, and postharvest activities. The most common farm machines they used were kuliglig, four-wheeled tractors, water pumps, power sprayers, power thresher, tractor/jeep with trailer, and rice mill. They perceived that farm mechanization had much importance in all their farming activities. Although they accepted the use of machines infarming, they were doubtful whether or not they could buy their own farm machines because they were very expensive. The farmer-respondents had problems in maintaining their farm machines, high cost of spareparts and fuel, limited supply and low quality of spare parts, and difficulty in operating the machines. Government support particularly in purchasing and operating farm machines to be rented by the farmers was thefore most suggestion to solve these problems.