Big data, or the large amounts of information being generated around the world at faster-than-ever rates, is said to already have significant impacts on the farming industry in ways that will only increase. The high levels of farm efficiency needed to feed 9 billion people by midcentury will require data-driven mechanization and technological adaptations. http://southeastfarmpress.com/management/big-data-will-change-way-you-farm?page=1
The Potential of Mechanization in Agriculture
The Philippines’ Department of Agriculture continues to allocate funding for farm mechanization, as well as subsidize farm machinery for qualifiying farmer organizations. Experts say increased mechanization can increase production by 5% and reduce postharvest losses by 5% to 10%. The government hopes to attract more young people to farming for employment. http://www.manilatimes.net/the-potential-of-mechanization-in-agriculture/12160/
Giving Power to African Farmers: Learning from the Indian Experience
A group of agriculture professionals from Africa took part in a study in India to gain insights on the role of farm mechanization in sustainable intensification. Participants were exposed to various technologies, including gender-friendly equipment for postharvest operations. Four international research organizations coordinated the tour. http://blog.cimmyt.org/?p=10406
Tk2.3bn Lost Annually in Traditional Harvesting
A government study in Bangladesh finds that farmers lose up to 7% of paddy each year, valued at $30 million, due to traditional harvesting techniques, which are often delayed. http://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/2013/jun/03/tk23bn-lost-annually-traditional-harvesting
375 Farmers Graduate from Radio University
The Department of Agriculture program to curb rice losses called, ‘University-on-the-Air on Rice Postharvest and Mechanization‘, recently graduated at least 375 farmers. The use of radio allows farmers to participate without spending money on transportation. The government expects the program to cut losses by a minimum of 5%. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/tacloban/local-news/2013/06/01/375-farmers-graduate-radio-university-285334
Mechanizing Agriculture for Food Security
A critique of mechanizing the Philippine’s agricultural sector and finding more culturally-acceptable solutions was made by a senator calling for more training for farmers and a general “attitude change” on behalf of the government. http://agrihunt.blogspot.com/2012/07/mechanizing-agriculture-for-food.html
Applying ‘Pull Mechanisms’ to Food Security Challenges
An article analyzing the use of pull mechanisms in food security challenges, particularly in view of the AgResults Initiative launched by the G20 leaders, remains positive and hopeful for the results. It also examines a case study in Nigeria of similar nature. http://dalberg.com/blog/?p=1077&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=applying-pull-mechanisms-to-food-security-challenges
Philippine Farmers Among Least Mechanized in Southeast Asia
The Philippine’s high reliance on manual labor as opposed to mechanization has led it to be among the least mechanized in Southeast Asia. Machines that are used are often inefficient and lead to high PHL, particularly in rice. Although the country has set a goal of self-sufficiency in this staple crop by 2013, farmers are […]
Gambia: GEAPP Inaugurates 23 Seed Stores
Under a two-year European Commission-funded project, the Gambia Emergency Agricultural Production Project (GEAPP) will create 23 village seed stores across the country. The GEAPP concluded Feb, 29, 2012, but did succeed in project goals by providing farmers with resources and tools, including power tillers, multi-crop threshers, milling machines, seeds, fertilizers, and much-needed seed stores. http://allafrica.com/stories/201203020843.html
Mechanization: Essential for Rice Production and Processing
AfricaRice, a leading pan-African rice research organization, released an impact assessment estimating 0.9 million tonnes of milled rice was saved by halving on-farm post-harvest losses through the use of appropriate technologies. This would save almost 17% of current rice imports, with a value of US$ 410 million in 2011 prices—in turn raising about 2.8 million […]