USE OF MECHANIZATION BY THE RICE GROWERS

Abstract

Mechanization is a process through which agricultural activities can be improved and desired crop production can be achieved. The objectives of this study were to assess the use of mechanization by the farmers, to describe the selected characteristics of the farmers and to identify the contributory factors on use of mechanization. The selected characteristics were age, education, farm size, family size, annual family income, no of plots, no of crops grown, time spend in farms and extension media contact. The study was undertaken in Rangpur sadar upazila under Rangpur district. Validated and wellstructured interview schedule was used to collect data. The statistical measures

such as range, means, standard deviation, number and percentage distribution

were used to describe the selected independent variables. Regression analysis

was

used in order to explore the contributing relationships between the concerned variables. The findings of the study showed that, 38.5% and 61.5% had low and medium level use of mechanization. The findings also implies that annual family income, time spend in farm and extension media contact had significant positive relationship with their use of mechanization. The findings may help to formulate better policies towards increase the use of machineries in rice cultivation.