| Abstract | This study aimed to evaluate the status and potential of farm mechanization and making necessary guidelines leading to sustainability based on a survey of 92 farmers though personal interviews from 4 different districts in Xiengkhouang Province, Lao PDR. The study intended to determine the effect of the level of mechanization on yield, cropping intensity and labor use, where different power sources and mechanization levels are utilized.
The main sources of farm power found in the area were human labor, draft animals, power tillers and tractors. The productivity of farm households in three farm categories small (<0.5 ha), medium (0.5 -2.0 ha) and large (>2 ha) were also compared. Agricultural mechanization in Xiengkhouang province is gradually developing. The main cropping system in Xiengkhouang province was paddy in rainy season followed by maize, garlic/onions, starch roots, and vegetables. The main sources of farm power in this province are human labor, animal draft, power tillers and 4-wheel tractors. The average land holding size for 92 selected tractor, power tiller and draft animal farms were 2.42, 1.58, and 1.34 ha respectively. The yield of paddy in tractor, power tiller, and draft animal farms were 4.1, 3.15, and 2.8 tons/ha respectively and like wise for maize, 4.27, 4.0, and 3.73, for starch roots 7.22, 6.54, and 5.0, tons/ha. The cropping intensity of tractor, power tiller, and animal farms were 178, 168, and 128% respectively. Net family income including other auxiliary incomes was fond highest in tractor farms, followed by power tiller and animal farms, 5933, 1135, and 929 $US/year. District based analysis in all districts showed potential for tractor use, followed by power tiller adoption while districts having poor access and small farms still potential for animal power use. The SWOT analysis highlighted the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats concerning crop production in the study area and could highlight and identify the specific needs and locations for improving appropriate level of mechanization, improvements necessary for animal drawn and manual tools and equipment. |