1. Feasibility Survey on Agricultural Mechanization for
Small and Large-Scale Farmers in Maddela,Quirino
2. Overview
This survey conducted in Maddela, Quirino, explores the feasibility
of agricultural mechanization for Small and Large-Scale Farmers within
the municipality. Recognizing the distinct role of mechanization in
improving productivity in agricultural sector. This study aims to assess
the current status of mechanization, profitability of farm machines,
identify potential constraints, recommend suitable strategies for its
implementation, and possible direction of Farm mechanization in the
future generation.
Chapter 1: Survey Report Summary
3. The study adopted a qualitative approach, gathering insights through
direct interviews with farmers. By engaging with farmers, the researchers
aimed to gain a deeper understanding of their experiences, challenges,
and perspectives on agricultural mechanization. This approach allowed
for a comprehensive assessment of the current situation and the
identification of specific needs and opportunities.
4. Impression
As agriculture students who conducted a survey, we found both
positive and negative impressions about the profitability of buying farm
machinery. It's important to consider both perspectives when evaluating
the impact on farmers' profitability. Farm machinery can be a costly
investment, requiring upfront money and regular maintenance. If not used
frequently, it may not generate enough income to justify the expense. The
opportunity cost of purchasing machinery is another concern, as the money
could be used elsewhere to generate a better return on investment.
5. Additionally, if the machinery is not used often, it may become outdated
before generating sufficient income. On the other hand, farm machinery
can be profitable when used extensively, speeding up work completion
and reducing labor expenses. Farmers should carefully assess their
needs, evaluate the lifespan and productivity of the machinery, and
conduct a cost-benefit analysis. Renting machinery may be more cost-
effective for farms with limited usage requirements, but owning and
properly utilizing machinery can be a profitable investment for farms
aiming to improve incomes and productivity.
6. Objectives
This survey will provide valuable insights into the current landscape
of agricultural mechanization among small and large-scale farmers in
Maddela, Quirino specifically to:
1. Assess the current state of farm machinery ownership, utilization and
benefits among small and large-scale farmers in Maddela, Quirino.
2. Evaluate the profitability of farm machinery considering costs and
financing options.
3. Identify challenges and opportunities in farm machinery rental
services and explore the extent of service provision beyond Dipintin.
7. Summary of Results
The analysis of the data collected on the profitability and
challenges of farm mechanization reveals several key findings:
1. Profitability: Farm machinery plays a significant role in enhancing
the profitability of farming operations. The use of machinery improves
efficiency, saves time and labor, reduces production costs, and ensures
consistent and high-quality output. By optimizing resources and
increasing productivity, farm machinery contributes to improved
profitability for farmers.
8. 2. Factors Influencing Profitability: Several factors influence the
profitability of farm machinery, including machine condition and
maintenance, skilled operators, production and human resource
management, and market demand for services. Proper maintenance,
training programs for operators, efficient resource management, and
tailored services can further enhance profitability.
9. 3. Cost Considerations: While there are initial investment costs
associated with acquiring farm machinery, the long-term benefits
outweigh the expenses. Proper maintenance and timely repairs can
extend the lifespan of machines and reduce the need for frequent
replacements. This cost reduction contributes to improved profitability
over time.
10. 4. Challenges and Constraints: Farmers face challenges and constraints
in adopting farm mechanization, including the initial investment cost,
maintenance and repair expenses, availability of skilled operators, and
limited access to financing options. Weather conditions, location-
specific factors, and market demand can also impact profitability.
11. Future Directions: To enhance the profitability of farm mechanization, it is
recommended to focus on technological advancements, support from
agencies or organizations, and relevant laws and regulations. Precision
agriculture, automation, sensor technology, data analytics, and artificial
intelligence can further optimize efficiency and productivity.
Collaboration between government agencies, research institutions, and
industry organizations can provide financial assistance, training programs,
research and development support, and knowledge-sharing platforms.
Enacting and enforcing appropriate laws and regulations can create a
conducive environment for the adoption and sustainable development of
farm mechanization.
12. Overall, the findings highlight the potential of farm machinery to
improve profitability in agriculture. By addressing the challenges and
constraints, embracing technological advancements, and leveraging
support from agencies and organizations, farmers can maximize the
benefits of farm mechanization and contribute to the future
development of the agricultural sector.
13. Present Status of Farming and Agricultural Mechanization
The Philippines has a relatively low level of agricultural
mechanization, with the farm mechanization level for rice at about 2.68
horsepower per hectare (hp/ha). Despite this, the government is promoting
agricultural mechanization through laws and the creation of the Bureau of
Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering (BAFE). In Region 2, farming and
agricultural mechanization have seen positive developments with the
implementation of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF)
Mechanization Program.
Chapter 2: Feasibility Survey
14. Situation of rice and corn production
Rice and corn production in the Philippines have shown positive
trends. In 2022, corn production was over eight million metric tons, and
rice production was 13.4 million metric tons. Region 2, Cagayan Valley,
is a significant contributor to this production, being the top producer of
corn and second in rice production. The success in these regions is
closely linked to the adoption of advanced agricultural machinery and
technology.
15. Chapter 3: Result Analysis
Profitability of Farm Machines
Based on the responses gathered, it is evident that farm machinery
can contribute to increased profitability in several ways.
1. Increased Efficiency and Productivity: The acquisition of farm
machinery, such as hand tractors, four-wheeled tractors, harvesters,
threshers, and implements like disc plows and rotavators, enables
farmers to perform various farming tasks more efficiently and
effectively. The use of machinery reduces the need for manual labor,
saving time and increasing productivity. This increased efficiency
translates into higher yields and reduced production costs, ultimately
leading to improved profitability.
16. 2. Time and Labor Savings: Farm machines significantly reduce the time
required for land preparation, planting, harvesting, and other farming
operations. With the use of mechanized equipment, farmers can cover
larger areas in a shorter span of time, optimizing their resources and labor.
By reducing the need for manual labor, farm machinery helps farmers save
on labor costs, contributing to overall profitability.
17. 3. Improved Quality and Consistency: Farm machinery ensures
consistent and precise operations, resulting in improved quality of work.
For example, the use of harvesters and threshers ensures uniform
harvesting and threshing, reducing losses and improving the quality of
the harvested crops. Consistency in operations also leads to increased
customer satisfaction, which can translate into higher prices for the
produce and enhanced profitability.
18. 4. Cost Reduction: While the initial investment in farm machinery can be
significant, the long-term benefits outweigh the costs. By owning
machinery, farmers can avoid rental expenses and have more control over
their operations. Additionally, proper maintenance and timely repairs can
extend the lifespan of the machines, reducing the need for frequent
replacements. This cost reduction contributes to improved profitability
over time.
19. Based on the analysis of the data, the following recommendations
can be made to further enhance the profitability of farm machines:
1. Proper Maintenance and Training: Farmers should prioritize regular
maintenance and servicing of their machinery to ensure optimal
performance and longevity. Implementing preventive maintenance
measures, such as cleaning, lubrication, and timely repairs, can minimize
breakdowns and maximize the efficiency of the machines. Additionally,
providing training programs for operators on proper machine operation
and maintenance can further improve performance and reduce the risk of
damage.
Recommendations
20. 2. Efficient Resource Management: Farmers should focus on efficient
resource management to maximize profitability. This includes optimizing
the use of inputs such as fuel, seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides. By adopting
precision agriculture techniques, such as GPS-guided machinery and sensor
technology, farmers can precisely apply inputs based on the specific needs
of the crops, reducing waste and increasing cost-effectiveness.
21. 3. Financial Planning and Support: Proper financial planning is
essential when investing in farm machinery. Farmers should assess
their financial capabilities and consider different financing options,
such as loans, grants, or leasing programs, to acquire the necessary
equipment.
22. Constraints in Agricultural Mechanization
Some challenges and constraints mentioned by the respondents
include delayed or non-payment from customers, weather conditions,
cash-based priorities, and instances of damaged machines. It was also
noted that there may be limitations in providing services to customers due
to location and the seasonal nature of demand.
23. To address the constraints in agricultural mechanization, the following
recommendations can be considered:
Establish clear payment terms and policies to minimize the risk of
delayed or non-payment from customers.
Plan and schedule services taking into account weather conditions to
avoid cancellations or delays.
Diversify financing options to ensure adequate funds for maintenance
and repair expenses.
24. Implement preventive maintenance measures to minimize instances
of damaged machines.
Explore partnerships or collaborations with other farmers or service
providers to expand service coverage and overcome location
limitations.
25. Based on the data collected, it can be concluded that adoption of
farm machinery and mechanization in agriculture offers numerous
benefits, including increased efficiency, productivity, and profitability.
However, it is crucial for farmers to consider factors such as proper
maintenance, efficient resource management, financial planning, and
access to skilled operators. By addressing these factors and overcoming
the challenges and constraints, farmers can maximize the potential of
farm machinery and enhance their profitability in the long run.
Chapter 4: Conclusion
26. 1. Technological Advancements
1.1 Precision Agriculture: The future of farm mechanization lies in the
adoption of precision agriculture techniques. This involves the use of
advanced technologies such as GPS, remote sensing, and data analytics
to optimize the use of inputs and resources. Precision agriculture enables
farmers to make data-driven decisions, resulting in improved efficiency,
reduced waste, and increased productivity.
Chapter 5: Future direction of Farm
Mechanization
27. 1.2 Automation and Robotics: The integration of automation and
robotics in farm machinery can revolutionize agricultural practices.
Autonomous vehicles, robotic harvesters, and smart sensors can perform
tasks with precision and efficiency, reducing the reliance on manual labor
and increasing productivity. This technology also has the potential to
address labor shortages in the agricultural sector.
28. 1.3 Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning: AI and
machine learning algorithms can be utilized to analyze data collected
from farm machinery and provide valuable insights for decision-
making. By analyzing patterns and trends, AI can optimize crop
management practices, predict pest outbreaks, and improve resource
allocation, leading to increased productivity and profitability.
29. 2. Sustainable Practices
2.1 Environmental Considerations: The future of farm mechanization
should prioritize sustainable practices that minimize environmental
impact. This includes the use of precision application technologies to
reduce chemical inputs, implementing soil and water conservation
measures, and adopting renewable energy sources to power machinery.
30. 2.2 Climate Change Adaptation: Farm mechanization should also focus
on climate change adaptation strategies. This includes the development of
machinery and equipment that can withstand extreme weather conditions,
as well as the incorporation of climate-resilient crop varieties and farming
practices.
31. 3. Supportive Policies and Financing
3.1 Government Support: Governments should continue to provide
support through policies and initiatives that promote the adoption of farm
mechanization. This can include financial incentives, subsidies, and
grants to encourage farmers to invest in modern machinery. Additionally,
regulatory frameworks should be established to ensure the safety, quality,
and proper use of farm machinery.
32. 3.2 Access to Financing: Access to affordable financing options is
essential for farmers to invest in farm mechanization. Governments and
financial institutions should collaborate to develop tailored financing
solutions that cater to the specific needs of farmers, including low-interest
loans, leasing programs, and equipment sharing platforms.
33. 4. Research and Development
4.1 Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing: Collaboration between
research institutions, agricultural organizations, and farmers is vital for
the future development of farm mechanization. This includes sharing
knowledge, best practices, and success stories to facilitate the adoption of
new technologies and practices.
34. 4.2 Continuous Innovation: Research and development efforts should
focus on continuous innovation in farm machinery. This involves
developing cost-effective and user-friendly machinery, improving the
efficiency of existing technologies, and exploring new solutions to
address emerging challenges in agriculture.
38. 1. What types of farm machinery do you currently have?
Respondent 1-Hand tractor
Respondent 2-Hand tractor
Respondent 3-harvester and four wheeled tractor
Respondent 4-robota L50189(rotor * comb harrow) disc plow
Respondent 5-Thresher and harvester
Respondent 6-tractor Kubota- disc plow,rotor,comb harrow,water
pump,power spray
Respondent 7-rotavator and four wheeled tractor
Respondent 8- FOUR-WHEELED TRACTOR-DISC PLOW &
ROTAVATOR
Respondent 9- Hand tractor
Hand Tractor 3
Harvester 2
Rotor Comb Harrow 2
4 Wheeled Tractor 3
Disc Plow 3
Thresher 1
Water Pump 1
Power Spray 1
Rotavator 2
39. 2. What types of machinery are currently used or owned
in your farming operations?
Respondent 1- hand tractor
Respondent 2-hand tractor
Respondent 3-both
Respondent 4- four wheeled tractor
Respondent 5- Thresher and harvester
Respondent 6- tractor Kubota- disc plow, rotor, comb harrow, water
pump, power spray
Respondent 7- rotavator and four wheeled tractor
Respondent 8- FOUR-WHEELED TRACTOR-DISC PLOW &
ROTAVATOR
Respondent 9- Hand tractor
Hand Tractor 3
Both 1
Four-wheeled Tractor 3
Tresher 1
Harvester 1
Tractor Kubota 1
Disc Plow 2
Comb Harrow 1
Water Pump 1
Power Spray 1
Rotavator 2
40. 3. What are the reasons or purposes for acquiring those
machines?
Respondent 1- For personal use
Respondent 2-more efficient and effective work for farming
Respondent 3-for use and generating profit
Respondent 4- for personal use
Respondent 5- to make farming work easier
Respondent 6-personal use
Respondent 7-for income
Respondent 8- for our rice field and land, personal,and to help people
specially the farmers.
Respondent 9- To have a faster land preparation
Personal Use 5
Effective Work For
Farming
4
For Income/ Profit 2
Help People Especially
Farmers
1
41. 4. What are the benefits of acquiring farm machinery?
Respondent 1- I can use in timely to prepare the farm easily and fast
Respondent 2- it heled us to lighten the hard works to do in the farm. Also serves as
transportation going to the rocky road
Respondent 3- To have something that you can use anytime you need it, and to
improve your efficiency because if someone else operates it, there might be wastage
and the outcome of the preparation and harvest in the field might not be good
Respondent 4- free and time is maximize
Respondent 5-it makes farming easier
Respondent 6-work easy, fast production
Respondent 7-we can work in our own time
Respondent 8- FOR EFFICIENT WORK AND INCIOME,FOR FASTER
PLANTING AND LAND PREP
Respondent 9-to have easy work in rice field
Preparing farm easily
and fast
6
Transportation 1
Use anytime in need 1
Free and time is
maximize
1
Work in own time 1
42. 5. What factors contribute to the profitability of farm machines?
Respondent 1- Having machine can make the working time lesser
Respondent 2- Status of the machine, weather, and terrain. Condition of the machine,
maintenance, need to maintain the good condition of the machine
Respondent 3- You should choose an operator who cares and knows how to take care of
farm machinery to avoid excessive expenses.
Respondent 4- In villa sur and Buenavista servicing
Respondent 5-production management and human resource management
Respondent 6-the profit from the machine add up, you can use it anytime if you own a
machine.
Respondent 7-tractor operates to meet the needs of our farm, e.g. fertilizer
Respondent 8-the people around you who wants their land to be tilled
Respondent 9-labor saving, or reduce labor cost
Working time lesser 1
Maintenance 2
Weather and terrain 1
Status of machine 1
Servicing 2
Production management 1
Human source management 1
Profit of the machine 1
Meet the needs of farm 1
Labor saving/reduce labor cost 1
43. 6. How does the cost of your farm machines impact your
profitability, including maintenance and repair expenses?
Respondent 1-to save money in land prep than hiring
Respondent 2-Manageable and affordable
Respondent 3- You should choose an operator who is caring and skilled to prevent
the machines from breaking down quickly, and someone who is knowledgeable to
ensure higher earnings.
Respondent 4- size of tractors and its implements
Respondent 5-none
Respondent 6- the profit from the machine add up, you can use it anytime if you
own a machine.
Respondent 7-the profit in servicing customers it is enough for maintenance
Respondent 8-the profit from servicing can accommodate the maintenance and
repair
Respondent 9-depends on how critical the damaged
Save money 1
Manageable/affordable 1
Skilled operator to prevent
machines’ damage
1
Size of tractor/ implements 1
None 1
Profit of the machines/
services
3
Depend on the damage 1
44. 7. How do you use your machines? Are they primarily for
personal use or for generating profit?
Respondent 1-personal use
Respondent 2- personal use
Respondent 3-personal use and livelihood
Respondent 4- personal
Respondent 5-personal use
Respondent 6-personal use only
Respondent 7-personal use
Respondent 8- personal and income generating
Respondent 9-for personal use and generate income
Personal use 9
livelihood 1
Income generating 2
45. 8. What kind of financing options did you utilize to invest in
farm machinery?
Respondent 1-own expense
Respondent 2-personal budget
Respondent 3-bank finance
Respondent 4-retiremnet fee and loan
Respondent 5-profit in planting and harvesting corn
Respondent 6-cash/personal fun
Respondent 7-personal fund and income in farm production
Respondent 8-income in the farm and from the farm school because we
accommodate ang managing integrated farm school
Respondent 9-personal fund
Own expense/ personal
budget/ fund
5
Bank finance 1
Retirement fee/ loan 1
Income in farm
production
2
46. 9. Have you encountered any problems or challenges in
renting machines to customers?
Respondent 1-personal use only not for hiring
Respondent 2-no
Respondent 3- There are also instances when we encounter customers who
don't pay or have delayed payments.
Respondent 4-no
Respondent 5- not just for personal use
Respondent 6-none
Respondent 7-in renting the process is slow because we need to wait for our
schedule
Respondent 8- RENTAL PAYS DID NOT PAID PROPERLY
ESPECIALLY IF IT IS YOUR FAMILY OR RELATIVES, FUEL PRICE
Respondent 9- instances of having damaged machines
Personal use/not hiring 5
Costumers who don’t pay 2
Costumers delayed payment 1
Renting process is slow 1
Having damaged machines 1
47. 10. What are the possible reasons for canceling or not providing
service to customers?
Respondent 1-personal us only ,to save money and income
Respondent 2-the machine is for personal use only
Respondent 3- When it becomes difficult to collect payment, it is advisable
not to provide the service again to avoid repeating the same situation.
Respondent 4-none
Respondent 5-when it is scheduled and suddenly rains in that day.
Respondent 6-none
Respondent 7-cash based priority-the customers cannot pay exact rentals, if
they didn’t pay on time, there is not enough budget for maintenance
Respondent 8- nature of the field and weather condition
Respondent 9-not applicable
Personal use 2
Difficult to collect
payment
2
None/ not applicable 3
weather 2
Field condition 1
48. 11. When did you acquire your machines? Have you been able to
recover the cost of the machines through your profits? If so, how long did it
take?
Respondent 1-
Respondent 2- 2009, no because we often not use the machine
Respondent 3- We acquired them in the years 2018 and 2020.Not yet, It cannot be
avoided that there are also expenses for buying parts, maybe it will take around 10
years before the cost of the machine can be recovered.
Respondent 4-2020, ROI not yet meet
Respondent 5-2020, not yet 70% so far return
Respondent 6-2022(EQUITY), ROI not yet recovered
Respondent 7-there is not enough demand for servicing because it is seasonal
Respondent 8-2023, 70% ROI SO FAR
Respondent 9-2014,yes
No answer 1
Not able to recover the
cost of machines
through profit
7
Able to recover the
cost of machines
through profit
1
49. 12. What advice would you give to those who want to invest in farm
machinery?
Respondent 1-Its good to have your own machinery because anytime you can have it, there
is available machine to use. You can only worry with the gasoline expense.
Respondent 2- you need to maintain the condition of the machine to use it for a long time.
Respondent 3- Try to own farm machineries, you also get to experience the bittersweet side
of having farm machinery
Respondent 4-no advice, buy if you can
Respondent 5- when buying farm machinery, you must take care of it properly so that it
does not break easily
Respondent 6-buy on your own risk
Respondent 7-if there is enough budget to buy tractor or any fam machinery invest or take
the risk. It is important to have those so that you could work in your farm efficient.
Respondent 8-take arisk because having farm machinery can make farm production
efficient, easy, productive, reduce labor cost
Respondent 9-take the risk to have a faster production
You can have it
anytime
1
Maintenance of
machine
2
Experience of having
farm machineries
1
No advice 1
Buy if you can/ in
your own risk
4
50. 13. Do you provide services with your machines beyond
Dipintin? Do you travel to other barangays or municipalities?
Respondent 1- no because its for personal use only
Respondent 2-no, because our field is nearby the area
Respondent 3-yes
Respondent 4-buenavista,diduyon and villa sur
Respondent 5-yes in brgy palacian aglipay
Respondent 6- dipintin only
Respondent 7-yes, lapaz, aglipay)
Respondent 8-WITHIN DIPINTIN ONLY
Respondent 9-not applicable
Don’t provide
services beyond
Dipintin
2
Provide services
beyond Dipintin
4
Personal use 1
Dipintin only 2
Not applicable 1
51. 14. Who typically initiates the cancellation of service, you or the
customers?
Respondent 1-no because its for personal use only
Respondent 2- not applicable.
Respondent 3- Sometimes, the customers because they are impatient and we
also,we need to cancel depending on the location and nature of the farm.
Respondent 4-
Respondent 5-customer
Respondent 6-not applicable
Respondent 7-us
Respondent 8- us,depending i the nature of field and weather condition
Respondent 9-not applicable
Personal use 1
Not applicable 3
customer 2
Location of the
farm
2
No answer 1
us 2
weather 1
52. 15. Who operates your machines? Do you have employees or
staff, or do you personally operate the machines?
Respondent 1- personally operate the machine
Respondent 2-personally operate the machine
Respondent 3-we have operators from Isabela, sometimes my husband is
the one who operates
Respondent 4-ronald balbin, experiences
Respondent 5-older brother and relatives
Respondent 6-personally, experienced
Respondent 7-me and my father
Respondent 8- FARM UTILITY WORKERS WITH EXPERIENCED.
Respondent 9-personally operated
Personal operate 4
Have operators 4
both 1
