Agricultural Mechanization in PH

Introduction

Agricultural Mechanization - development, manufacture, and extension of appropriate agricultural tools, implement, and machinery using animal, human, mechanical, electrical, and other renewable sources of energy for agricultural production, development, and post harvest operations.

Mechanized Agriculture - process of using agricultural machinery to mechanize the work of agriculture, greatly increasing farm worker productivity. The effective mechanization contributes to increased production in two major ways:

(1) timeliness of operation and

(2) good quality of work

Agricultural mechanization or farm mechanization - refers to the use of agricultural equipment or farm equipment before, during and after agricultural or farming processes.

AFMech Law - Republic Act 10601 or the Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization (AFMech) Law. Approved in June 5, 2013, published in June 14, 2013 and subsequently took effect on June 28, 2013.

The Law mandates the formulation of a comprehensive national policy on cost-effective and environmentally-safe agriculture and fisheries to achieve food security and increase farmers' income.

Mechanization Level Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) reported that mechanization level of farms in the Philippinesis 1.23 horsepower per hectare (hp/ha). Rice and corn farms had the highest level of available farm power at 2.31 hp/ha. The area with high mechanization level is Pangasinan while Kalinga Apayao has low mechanization.

• Effect of Farm Mechanization

1. Increased agricultural productivity and profitability

2. Shorter time of operations

3. Better quality of work

4. Efficient utilization of crop inputs

• Undoubtedly, farm mechanization displaced animal power from 60 to 100% but resulted in less time for farm work.

• Problems of Mechanization

1. Limited access to credit and agricultural insurance

2. Low farm mechanization

3. Inadequate postharvest facilities

4. Inadequate irrigation

5. Limited support for research and development (R&D),

6. Weak extension service

Declaration of Policy

1. Promote the development and adoption of modern, appropriate and cost-effective, and environmentally-safe agricultural and fishery machines and equipment.

2. Provide conducive environment to the local assembling and manufacturing of engines, machinery, and equipment.

3. Ensure quality and safety of locally manufactured and imported machines and equipment.

1. Strengthen support services to farmers in terms of credit faculties, research,

   training, and extension programs.

2. Unify, rationalize, and strengthen the

3. implementation as well as coordination Of the mechanization program.

4. 6. Deliver integrated support services to

5. farmers, fisherfolks, and other

   stakeholders and assist them to be able

to viably operate and manage their

agricultural and fishery mechanization

program.

Bureau of Agricultural and Fishery Engineering (BAFE) – Created to strengthen the agricultural and fishery engineering group and directly supervised by DA Undersecretary.

Divisions under BAFE

1. Engineering, Plans, Design and

Specifications.

2. Programs and Project Management

3. Standard Regulation and Enforcement

4. Administration and Finance

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Reference

AT. Belonio