Machinery selection method for farms in North India

Abstract

This paper describes a method of selecting farm machinery systems for farms of different sizes and categories. The annual cost equations developed determine the cost of each farm operation, as well as the total cost of the system of farm machinery. Comparison of the costs of different systems is used to select the system with the lowest costs. Computer programs were developed to handle the lengthy iteration computations. The utility of these programs is demonstrated in selecting least-cost power and machine combinations for farms of up to 20 ha growing maize and wheat in the Ludhiana district of Punjab, India.