USE OF AGRICULTURAL MACHINERIES IN CROP CULTIVATION BY THE FARMERS OF BALIADANGI UPAZILA UNDER THAKURGAON DISTRICT

Abstract

This research examines how farmers of Baliadangi upazila under thakurgaon district use agricultural machinery to cultivate their crops. The study investigates the factors that affects the types of agricultural machinery utilized, their utilization, and their effects on crop production. A combination of qualitative and quantitative data gathering techniques are used in this study. Using a standardized questionnaire and a personal interview schedule, 82 farmers were surveyed between April 1 and April 30, 2022. Ten in-depth interviews with important informants were also performed. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and content analysis were used to examine the data. According to the findings, most farmers in Baliadangi Upazila cultivate their crops using agricultural machinery. The results showed that 48.78 percent of farmers used agricultural implements at a medium level, while 51.22 percent of farmers used the same tools at a low level. Power tillers, irrigation pumps, and tractors are some of the most often utilized pieces of equipment. The use of agricultural machinery was shown to be significantly influenced by factors such farmer’s age, extension contact, possession of agricultural implements, and contentment with agricultural implements, as measured by Pearson's Product Moment coefficient of correlation (r). Nonetheless, it was noted that two key obstacles to the adoption of agricultural machinery were the expensive cost of the equipment and weather-related problems. Overall, the study emphasizes how crucial agricultural equipment is to raising crop yield and improve farmers' quality of life in Baliadangi Upazilla. More extension services must be made accessible to encourage the use of agricultural equipment in Baliadangi Upazilla.