Agricultural mechanization is increasingly promoted to address labor constraints and improve the timeliness of field operations in rice-based farming systems. This study qualitatively examines the use of two-wheel and four-wheel tractors in five districts of Timor-Leste (Manufahi, Covalima, Bobonaro, Manatuto, and Ainaro) and identifies key barriers and strategic implications for strengthening mechanization. Field data were collected through observation, questionnaires, and farmer interviews, and were synthesized using a SWOT (Strengths–Weaknesses–Opportunities–Threats) approach. Results indicate that tractor utilization remains limited across all districts, with most farmers reporting no tractor use (72.5–85.0%). A system-level assessment of four-wheel tractor (TR4) adequacy shows a substantial demand–availability gap: 124 units are available against an estimated requirement of 293 units (≈42.3% fulfillment), implying a shortfall of 169 units and potential bottlenecks during peak land preparation periods. District-level efficiency indications vary, suggesting different levels of operational pressure and the need for targeted interventions. The SWOT synthesis highlights productivity and efficiency gains as key strengths, while financial limitations, uneven distribution, and limited maintenance/spare-part access remain major weaknesses. Recommendations include strengthening operator and farmer training, improving maintenance and spare-part services (service centers and mobile repair), and enhancing access mechanisms such as managed hire services and context-appropriate financing to support reliable and timely tractor utilization

The study examined the distribution and use of tractors and agricultural machinery in Romania between 2014 and 2024 at national, regional, and county levels. Its objective was to identify territorial disparities in technical endowment and assess mechanization in relation to agricultural economic performance. Using standardized statistical data from the National Institute of Statistics, indicators such as technical endowment, mechanization level, economic efficiency, and composite mechanization indices were calculated. Results showed strong contrasts between the well-equipped western regions and the less mechanized eastern and southern areas. Projections to 2035 highlight the role of investment in reducing regional gaps and supporting agricultural modernization and competitiveness.

Abstract: Pelabuhan Dalam Village, Ogan Ilir, is a swamp–lowland agricultural area dominated by rice cultivation. Challenges such as the decline in productive labor, the use of conventional tractors that cause soil compaction, and the low participation of women and the elderly have led to socio-economic and ecological problems. This study integrates a socio-agroecosystem approach through the implementation of semi-autonomous hand tractors to improve technical efficiency and community empowerment. The results show a 31% increase in work efficiency, a 17% reduction in fuel consumption, and a 21% decrease in soil compaction. The participation of women and the elderly also increased, accompanied by a 16% rise in household income per planting season. This integration has proven effective in promoting socio-economic welfare and the sustainability of wetland agriculture in South Sumatra.Â

The Australian wine industry is a major contributor to Australia’s agricultural sector and economy. As global demands change and new pressures on the industry present themselves, adopting sustainable practices has become essential. Through a nationwide data set collected over ten years, we link critical variables in determining vineyard operational costs and revenue using XGBoost. We show the interrelated nature of these variables and their comparative influence using Sankey and Chord diagrams. Furthermore, we relate these variables to different wine regions, highlighting the complex influence of location on the use of different resources. This study provides valuable insights into the multifaceted dynamics governing operational costs and revenue, highlighting in particular how resource use, regional characteristics, and vineyard management practices interact to shape economic outcomes and sustainability in the Australian wine industry. Key operational factors, such as fuel, water, insecticide and fungicide use, and yield emerge as the dominant drivers of economic performance, their influence moderated by scale and regional contexts. We conclude that profitability and sustainability are driven by managing resource inputs relative to regional circumstances and economies of scale, whilst also being sensitive to operational decisions such as the frequency of tractor use in spraying and vine management. Our models explain 77% of revenue variance and 80% of operating-cost variance; as a result, we recommend region-tailored resource-efficiency incentives, further participation in national sustainability reporting to strengthen data quality, and decision-support tools that convert machine-learning insights, linking these outcomes to operational decisions and resource management. • The Australian wine industry is a major contributor to Australia’s agricultural sector and economy. • Linked key factors that determining vineyard operational costs and revenue through the use of XGBoost. • Illustrates the interrelated nature of vineyard’s factors and the com- parative influence they have on one another. • Connected variables to different wine regions, highlighting the complex influence of location on the use of different resources.

This study examines the determinants of farmers’ climate adaptation strategies across agro-climatic zones, with particular focus on education, household characteristics, and income. A multi-stage random sample of 200 farmers was analyzed using a stochastic frontier model to assess production efficiency and a logit model to evaluate adaptation choices. Results reveal substantial heterogeneity in productivity, with mean 0.619 technical efficiency scores ranging from 0.378 to 0.961. The variance parameter (γ = 0.723) indicates that most performance differences arise from inefficiency rather than random shocks. Among production inputs, tractor use (0.182) and urea application (0.160) significantly increase yield, whereas cultivated area is negatively associated with output (− 0.943), reflecting land fragmentation and managerial constraints. Labor and DAP were not significant contributors. In the logit model (Pseudo-R2 = 0.528), farmers’ age and education significantly increase the likelihood of adopting adaptation measures, while larger household size reduces it; agricultural income shows a modest positive effect. These findings suggest that productivity gains are more likely to come from intensification through improved timing, mechanization services, and nutrient management rather than from expanding cultivated area. Policy priorities should focus on three areas: (i) knowledge and extension support, including zone-specific advisories and training; (ii) improved access to mechanization and soil and water management technologies; and (iii) financial tools such as credit and insurance to reduce adoption barriers. Strengthening education and skills, particularly for labor-constrained households, can accelerate the uptake of effective practices, narrow the efficiency gap, and enhance the resilience of maize systems under a warming climate.

ABSTRACT The Miombo woodland is a vital ecosystem in southern Africa and serves as the primary source of timber production in Mozambique. Logging costs contribute significantly to the final price of wood; however, there is limited research on unit production costs in this type of woodland. This study aimed to assess the costs of logging and technical productivity in the Miombo woodland concession in Sofala Province. A time and motion study, was conducted to measure the time spent on logging operations, including total worked hours and effective work hours per cycle. These data were used to calculate technical productivity (m3 h−1) for each activity. Operating costs (USD h−1) for each activity were determined using the FAO methodology, and the unit cost of production (USD m−3) for the logging cycle was quantified. The study found that the unloading activity achieved the highest technical productivity (20.31 m3 h−1); whereas skidding had the lowest (4.53 m3 h−1). The unit cost of logging production under the observed conditions in the woodland concession was estimated at USD 16 m−3. Low productivity in key activities influenced the unit costs of logging production in the Miombo Woodland Concession. This was mainly due to the use of manual felling with chainsaws and human power combined with the use of an agricultural tractor for loading, unlike the mechanized skidding and hauling activities. Additionally, the study found a low conversion of the standing volume to the volume that was actually logged.

This community service program aims to increase the productivity of melon and watermelon plantations in Lalolang Village, Tanete Rilau District, Barru Regency, through the use of mini tractors or mini cultivators. The project partners are farmer groups that have relied on manual tillage using hoes and animal power, resulting in suboptimal time efficiency and yields. The intervention involved introducing mini tractors as a modern, fuel-efficient and easy-to-operate agricultural mechanization tool. Activities included outreach on the benefits of the equipment, training on its use and maintenance, and hands-on practice on partner farms. Initial results indicate an increase in tillage efficiency of up to 60% and a 40% reduction in labor costs. Furthermore, farmers gained experience with new technologies, contributing to increased crop productivity and income. This program also has implications for increasing farmer groups' independence in land management and accelerating the adoption of sustainable agricultural technologies at the local level.

ABSTRACT This study examines fatal tractor incidents involving children under the age of five in rural Turkey from 2018 to 2022. Focusing on incidents occurring off-highway in fields, gardens, and other agricultural settings, the research identified 109 fatal cases. Children in this age group are particularly vulnerable due to their physical immaturity, lack of supervision, and proximity to dangerous machinery. Most cases occur between May and October, peaking during afternoons when tractor use is highest. The leading causes of death include being crushed by moving or stationary tractors, falling from moving vehicles, and being trapped under tractors or their attachments. A key factor is the intergenerational transmission of risk-taking behaviors in farming, where outdated methods and cultural practices persist. The study stresses the need for preventive measures such as educating families, introducing regulatory reforms, and implementing technological safety improvements to protect children. These efforts can significantly reduce fatalities, creating a safer and more sustainable agricultural environment. The dangers faced by children in the agricultural sector are of great importance. The lack of research on this topic increases the significance of this study. This study will make a significant contribution to the literature in this field.

Agricultural mechanization is broadly defined as the process of utilizing engineering and technological innovations such as farm tools, machinery, equipment, and power sources to perform agricultural operations more efficiently and effectively. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), mechanization encompasses not only the use of tractors and harvesters but also implements for land preparation, irrigation, sowing, weeding, harvesting, processing, and storage. It is an essential component of agricultural modernization, enabling farmers to enhance productivity, reduce drudgery, save time, and ensure timeliness in crop operations.

The routine exclusion of admixed individuals from traditional Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) due to concerns about spurious associations has hindered genetic analyses involving multiple ancestries. Tractor GWAS addresses this issue by incorporating local ancestry into its analysis, empowering identification of ancestry-enriched hits and generating ancestry-specific summary statistics. However, Tractor requires accurate genomic phasing and local ancestry inference as prerequisite steps, which requires additional bioinformatics expertise and decision points regarding reference panel setup. To streamline, harmonize, and automate this process, we present a scalable Nextflow workflow that integrates all necessary steps, minimizing the need for manual intervention while remaining modular and customizable. The workflow supports multiple commonly used tools and offers flexibility in how Tractor is implemented. To demonstrate its utility, we applied this pipeline to analyze 32 blood biomarkers in 6,245 two-way AFR-EUR admixed individuals from the UK Biobank. This pipeline ran efficiently at scale, replicated known associations, and identified novel ancestry-specific loci. These novel associations were largely driven by variants present on African ancestral tracts but absent from European tracts, underscoring the value of local ancestry-aware methods in uncovering previously missed genetic signals. By enabling the efficient analysis of admixed individuals, our workflow facilitates Tractor use, paving the way for more broader genetic discovery.

Abstract The article presents the results of a theoretical study on optimizing the life cycle costs of complex technical objects, using agricultural tractors as an example. A mathematical model has been developed to differentiate tractor reliability indicators under specific conditions of use. The developed model supports the cost optimization of tractors and similar high-complexity mechanical systems. An example of applying the mathematical model is provided, along with recommendations for an agricultural enterprise to enhance the profitability of tractor operations. Calculations have shown that the optimal indicator of the mean time between failures for complexity group 3 tractors of traction class 5-7 is the optimum value of the objective function within the 480-740 engine hours range. At the same time, the monitoring data of operational indicators indicate that the actual operating time for K744P2 tractors is 215 engine hours, and for Buhler Versatile 2375 tractors, it is 865 engine hours. Thus, the use of Buhler Versatile 2375 tractors from the point of view of cost optimization is 12.7% more economically advantageous than the use of K744P2 tractors in these conditions. However, the use of Buhler Versatile 2375 tractors also does not correspond to the optimum of the objective function, and further optimization by another 13.8% is possible here.

Abstract Schistosomiasis (SCH) japonica, a zoonotic disease caused by the parasite Schistosoma japonicum, remains a significant public health challenge, particularly in the Philippines, despite continuous control efforts. The World Health Organization's roadmap for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) for 2021-2030 underscores the importance of adopting comprehensive, interdisciplinary approaches and moving beyond disease-specific interventions. Here, we develop a mathematical model to analyze the transmission dynamics of SCH japonica in the Philippines and offer guidance for control strategies using a One Health approach. The model was calibrated to 8 populations across endemic areas in two provinces in the Caraga region of the Philippines. The model integrated and assessed various One Health approaches to control targeting human-definitive hosts, animal reservoirs, and snail-intermediate hosts. Our findings suggest that, by 2030, comprehensive WaSH interventions at the barangay level in endemic areas are essential to significantly reduce human prevalence, from 20% to below 1% — in alignment with the WHO's 2030 target. Combining WaSH interventions and livestock‐grazing prohibition with chemotherapy amplifies prevalence reductions: preventing human and animal exposure to contaminated water yields greater declines than chemotherapy alone. By 2030, this integrated and sustainable approach is projected to reduce schistosomiasis prevalence to 0.094% in humans and 0.10% in animals. To support these efforts, strategies such as behavioral modification, health education, animal removal, the use of tractors, and active involvement from Local Government Units should be prioritized when implementing WaSH and pasture prohibition measures. Ultimately, adopting a comprehensive One Health strategy remains the cornerstone for achieving long-term success in disease elimination.

Abstract Conservation easements have become an increasingly popular tool for safeguarding agricultural land from development. To the extent that capitalized future development returns embodied in the value of farmland are illiquid or inaccessible to the landowner for farm financing purposes, easements may also promote on‐farm investment. In this paper, we conduct an observational empirical study of the association between county‐level easement activity and various farm investment outcomes. We first document a robust and negative within‐state correlation between farmland debt‐to‐asset ratio and two measures of urban pressure. This is consistent with our premise that capitalized future net returns to development are illiquid for farm‐related loan collateral purposes. In the primary analysis, we consider the relationships between easement activity and investment outcomes concerning land tenure and ownership, borrowing behavior, machinery use, and labor use. County‐level panel regression results suggest that past easement activity is associated with greater land ownership, tractor use, and, to a lesser extent, labor use. We do not find evidence for easements having a distinguishable relationship with borrowing behavior. Overall, our results provide descriptive evidence suggesting that easements may promote on‐farm investment, a finding that aligns with previous survey work on this topic.

Agricultural mechanization is one of the important components for modern agriculture in achieving sustainable food self-sufficiency targets. In fact, advances in mechanization technology will make agriculture triumphant, so that Indonesia as the world's food barn can be realized. This study aims to see how the development of innovation-based agricultural mechanization, as well as how the efficiency of agricultural products in the application of agricultural mechanization. The government through the Ministry of Agriculture has created many works to build mechanization 4.0, including (1) rice seed spreading drones, (2) rice planting robots, (3) autonomous tractors, and (4) integrated harvesting plus tillage machines. These four agricultural machines can be a solution for Indonesian farmers in running a modern farming business. The government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, has distributed agricultural machinery assistance in an effort to help farmers. The use of rice transplanter (transplanting machinery) can save 30 percent of planting costs compared to conventional planting methods. Nationally, the cost of planting that can be saved reaches Rp 8.6 trillion every year. Weeding tools, the use of weeding machines is three times faster than conventional methods with a savings value of Rp 7 trillion in weeding costs. The use of tractors for soil cultivation can also reduce the use of conventional labor with faster operationalization. The use of agricultural machinery, both pre- and post-harvest, is a driving force for accelerating the process of increasing production and farming efficiency so that farmers get greater benefits.

In Dodoma Region, Tanzania, the adoption of grain post-harvest management technologies remains low despite their importance for food security. This study, conducted in Kongwa and Chemba Districts between December 2022 and March 2023, analyses effects of using grain post-harvest management technologies and household food security. The specific objectives were to determine household food security status, analyse postharvest management technologies used for maize and sorghum, compare household food security status based on grain post-harvest management technologies used, and determine effects of grain post-harvest technologies and other factors on chances of being food secure. Data were collected from 384 households using a questionnaire, a key informant interview guide, and a guide for focus group discussions. They analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics software to compute descriptive and inferential statistics. Results showed that 52.1% of households were food insecure based on grain consumption, and 43.5% were food insecure based on the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS). Use of improved post-harvest technologies varied across activities, but no significant food security differences were found between users and non-users of improved postharvest technologies. However, food security was significantly different between households whose heads had different levels of education, between households which had different farm sizes, and between smaller and larger households. Binary logistic regression results showed mixed results that household size had significant negative effect on the chances of being food secure, based on amounts of grains consumed but that it had insignificant positive effect on the chances of being food secure, based on HFIAS. Tractor use and group membership had positive significant positive effects on the chances of being food secure, based on amounts of grains consumed. Processing grains and years of schooling had significant positive effects on the chances of being food secure, based on HFIAS. It is concluded that working on the variables that had significant negative effects on the chances of being food secure—household size, age of household head, and land ownership could help increase chances of smallholder farmers being food secure. Such chances could also be increased by keeping up the variables that had significant positive effects on the chances of being food secure—tractor use, being members of farmer groups, improved grain processing means, and education (formal and non-formal). It is recommended to Kongwa and Chemba Districts to promote the use of postharvest technologies analysed and others that are relevant so that more farmers can use them, thereby improving food security. Farming households should join farmer groups, and the agricultural extension service should increase provision of education to farmers on why and how to use the technologies and collaborate with suppliers of the technologies so that they could supply them at more reasonable prices.

Tractors, as heavy-duty vehicles used in various industries, are essential for moving loads and supporting activities at work locations. This review focuses on a specific operational document dealing with tractors that are equipped with double axle trolleys, highlighting their importance in safety and risk management. Transporting construction and erection materials constitutes a major challenge close to Indian Railway tracks where suitable roads are unavailable. While the village's unpaved roads can be utilized, the ground clearance is inadequate for many vehicle types. Tractors are recognized as the best option for traversing these unpaved village roads. Most of the MNC organizations prohibit the use of tractors due to the unstable trolley attached to the tractor engine as well as this equipment is identified as an agricultural equipment. This journal paper is to evaluate any Risks associated with a Tractor with a double axle trolley before and after deployment for any activity and ensure a safe & healthy work environment..

This study evaluates the economic efficiency of maize growers in Northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, with a focus on the two districts of Swat and Buner. A total of 100 maize farmers (50 from each district) were selected using a multi-stage random sampling technique. Primary data were collected through a structured interview schedule. The analysis employed Cobb-Douglas type stochastic production and cost frontier models, estimated using Maximum Likelihood Estimation (MLE) in Stata software. The main production inputs included land, labor, seed, tractor hours, irrigation, urea, DAP, farmyard manure (FYM), and pesticides. Socioeconomic variables, including age, education, farming experience, family size, tenure status, off-farm income, and distance from farm to home, were considered in the inefficiency model. Additionally, climate risk variables — average maximum and minimum temperatures, and rainfall — were analyzed for their impact on technical efficiency. Results revealed that average yield and net return per acre were 680 kg and Rs. 22,437 in Swat, and 638 kg and Rs. 19,413 in Buner. Seed rate, labor, urea, DAP, FYM, and pesticides had significant positive effects on maize output. In contrast, cultivated area, tractor use, and irrigation were statistically insignificant due to their uniform use across terraced and hilly regions. The mean technical efficiency was 0.57, indicating that yields could be improved by 41% using current inputs more effectively. Among climate factors, higher maximum temperatures improved efficiency, while minimum temperatures increased inefficiency; rainfall had no significant effect. Allocative efficiency was 0.67 in Swat and 0.66 in Buner, suggesting potential cost reductions of 29% and 20%, respectively. However, overall economic efficiency remained low (0.32), with no farmer achieving full efficiency. To enhance performance, targeted interventions in farmer education, stakeholder collaboration, and pricing policy are essential, alongside district-specific policy support to address local socio economic variations.

This study aims to assess the impact of the use of modern Alsintan on rice farming. rice farming in Maradekaya Village, Bajeng District, Gowa Regency. The informant retrieval technique in this study used the purposive sampling method, where informants were determined intentionally. The level of adoption of modern agricultural machinery in Maradekaya Village is quite high, including the use of 4-wheel tractors, rice transplanting machines, and rice harvesting machines, which certainly greatly help the lives of farmers. The impact of using modern agricultural machinery brings many changes to the activities of rice farmers, such as a reduction in time and labor, a reduction in capital, and an increase in productivity that is more profitable than before using agricultural machinery technology. Farmers can more easily divide their time for other work besides farming with modern agricultural machinery. In addition, modern agricultural machine tools (Alsintan) make rice farmers' work time more efficient than before the existence of this technology in Maradekaya Village.

BackgroundAgricultural intensification is important in increasing agricultural production and productivity. Especially in developing countries faced with a rapidly growing population and a concomitant low agricultural productivity and food insecurity, intensification is considered very important to boost productivity and feed an ever-growing population. However, intensification remains low in developing countries owing to constraints such as inexistent or imperfect input and output markets, and weak public institutions. The institution of contract farming (CF) can address these constraints and may thus contribute to agricultural intensification. However, how CF contributes to agricultural intensification has not been well explored. In this study, we explore the role of CF towards agricultural intensification in rice production in Senegal.MethodsTo estimate the effects of CF on agricultural intensification proxied by fertilizer use, expenditure on fertilizer, improved rice varieties, and tractor use, we employ a high-frequency unbalanced panel data. We estimate a correlated random effects model to address time-invariant unobserved heterogeneity related to participation in contract farming.ResultsOur results show that CF is positively correlated with fertilizer use, fertilizer expenditure, tractor use, suggesting that CF contributes towards agricultural intensification.Conclusion and policy implicationsThe institution of CF can play an important role in spurring agricultural intensification in developing countries. Policy makers, especially in developing countries can harness the potentials of CF to increase agricultural intensification and transform the agricultural sector. However, the negative environmental effects of such intensification should be considered and contracts should be better designed to rather promote sustainable intensification.

In narrow terraces of North Eastern Hilly Region use of tractor operated planters and other conventional planter is not feasible. Due to the uneven topography and smaller size of terraces, machines made for the plain regions are not suited for use in the hills. Line sowing is almost non-existent in hill farming due to a lack of a suitable sowing device. Therefore, a lightweight self-propelled planter is required for timely operation with less drudgery in terraced terrain with a vertical interval more than 1 m.The developed machine was consisted of frame, furrow opener, seed box, seed metering plate, engine, power transmission system, seed tube, drive wheel, support wheel and handle. The cost of the developed planter was assessed to be ₹ 32314.00 and the operational cost was observed to be ₹ 192.65 per hour, payback period, break-even point and benefit-cost ratio were obtained to be 2-year, 50 h. yr-1 and 5.70. The self-propelled planter was precise in operation, ergonomically comfortable and cost effective.