Agricultural mechanization

 Agricultural mechanization can be defined as the economic application of engineering technology to enhance the effectiveness and productivity of human labour. FAO and UNIDO (2008) concluded that agricultural mechanization aims at reducing human drudgery, increasing yields through better timeliness of operations because of the availability of more power, bringing more land under cultivation, providing agriculture-led industrialization and markets for rural economic growth, and ultimately improving the standard of living of farmers. The technology can be applied to aspects of agriculture such as: land preparation, weeding, harvesting, pest control, irrigation and drainage, transportation and crop processing and storage. Tractors of various types and sizes may be involved while animal and human power are also important, as are other forms of internal combustion engines, electric motors, solar power and other methods of energy conversion. Levels and types of technologies need to be compatible with local, agronomic, socio-economic, environmental and industrial conditions.

United Nations Industrial Development Organization