Areas of
Intervention
R and D
Relevant
institutions play significant role in technology development by
conducting problem-oriented research and commercially oriented
machinery design and development. In doing so, the following are
possible R and D interventions.
1. Development
of Simple Low Cost and Gender-Friendly Machines
In the
Philippines, indigenous design and production of simple, low cost
machines is important in mechanizing small farm holdings. As much
as 80% of the farm power is provided by human labor. To complement
this labor, there is a need to develop simple manual equipment for
various farm operations.
In most
developing countries, the human labor comprises as much as 60% of
women workers. Hence, the proposed appropriate machine designs
should be based on the ergonomic limitations of the individuals
(Salokhe, 2003).
2. Testing and
Evaluation of Machines
Inadequate
testing and evaluation of machines prior to release for commercial
production results in many field problems and customer
dissatisfaction. Such machines fail to generate repeat demand and
eventually end up in display rooms of research institutions.
There is
therefore the need to certify the performance of agricultural
machinery under local conditions using established standards of
performance and test procedures and assessment of field
performance and after-sales service.
Test results need to be disseminated to guide farmers,
extension workers, manufacturers, and financing institutions in
the selection of appropriate agricultural machinery.
3.
Development of More Energy-Efficient and
Environment-Friendly Machines
The increasing
cost of fuel demands that priority should be given to harnessing
non-conventional sources of energy in developing machines.
More energy-efficient machines are needed for: a)
cultivating machines to incorporate plant residues into the soil
to increase fertility and avoid environmental pollution caused by
disposal and burning; b) seeders and planters for optimum planting
uniformity and growth condition, thus saving seeds and enhancing
yield; c) crop protection for rationalized use of chemicals for
human health and environment protection (Rodulfo and Geronimo,
2004).
4. Development
of Machines for Village-Level Processing of Farm Products and
By-Products
Machines for
village-level post harvest operations generate employment and
livelihood in the rural areas. Likewise, they help diversify and
increase value added to farm products. This activity is in line
with the government’s program on poverty alleviation.
5. Improved
postharvest handling, processing technologies, and mechanization
The
need to develop posthavest technologies not only for rice and corn
but for other crop, livestock and forestry sectors as well.
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