THE TECHNOLOGICAL LEVEL OF AGRICULTURAL MECHANIZATION IN THE STATE OF CEARÁ, BRAZIL

Daniel Albiero,Ruan L. Rodrigues,Arthur R. Marques,Angel P. Garcia,Reuel S. Xavier

doi:10.1590/1809-4430-eng.agric.v39n1p133-138/2019

Daniel Albiero, Ruan L. Rodrigues + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/1809-4430-eng.agric.v39n1p133-138/2019

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Abstract

ABSTRACT Agricultural mechanization is a significant factor of agricultural modernization, but there are few data on the technological levels of this mechanization in the State of Ceara, Brazil. To study this topic, we designed a structured questionnaire, and interviews were conducted across the state. The survey data made it possible to calculate an index of agricultural mechanization technology and study hypotheses specific to farms of Ceara. The results indicate that the technology levels are different between farms of different sizes: large and medium farms are level I-M5 (automation), while small farms ranged from level IV-M1/M2 (primary/animal) to III-M3 (preliminary). We conclude that public policy for training should be directed at small farms. There is a need to show new production alternatives to small farmers, which leads to savings, and increases the profitability of the activity.

Highlights

Agricultural mechanization is one of the main factors of agricultural modernization and provides large amounts of energy for agricultural activities, which increases the working capacity and efficiency of farm systems
There are few data on the technological level of agricultural mechanization and the effectiveness of machines in the field in Brazil. This topic is important because assessing the economic development of a farm and diagnosing the influence of technological change in these farms are essential aspects of understanding the agricultural mechanization setting (Nogueira, 2001; Vieira & Silveira, 2013)
If the crop produced by the property is extensive, the area of a farm can be directly related to the purchasing power of the owner, more extensive areas, more significant gains and dilution of costs, thereby facilitating investments and the acquisition of more technology compared to small farms or properties

Summary

INTRODUCTION

Agricultural mechanization is one of the main factors of agricultural modernization and provides large amounts of energy for agricultural activities, which increases the working capacity and efficiency of farm systems. There are few data on the technological level of agricultural mechanization and the effectiveness of machines in the field in Brazil. This topic is important because assessing the economic development of a farm and diagnosing the influence of technological change in these farms are essential aspects of understanding the agricultural mechanization setting (Nogueira, 2001; Vieira & Silveira, 2013). This study aims to examine the technological level of agricultural mechanization in the State of Ceará and examine the hypothesis that there is stratification between farms of different sizes. According to Arriola et al (2015) this research should focus on finding patterns among the variables that express the resource allocation with the intensity of production

MATERIAL AND METHODS

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

CONCLUSIONS