Mechanization Index for Selected Crops in Rain-fed Large-scale Agricultural Schemes of Sudan; Case Study: Gedarif State

Abstract

Assessment of mechanization status in rain-fed areas of Sudan is necessary to identify critical farm operations that are needed. This study aimed at evaluating the use of machinery in large-scale rain fed agricultural schemes of Gedarif State in terms of power availability, tractor density and power use efficiency. In addition, computation of all mechanization indexes for seedbed preparation, seeding, weed control and harvest operations for five crops namely; sorghum, millet, sesame, sunflower and cotton. The required data were collected through structured questionnaire for 54 farmers. The collected data for each crop was prepared in a separate excel worksheet and the intended indicators were computed using the standard procedures. The results indicated that power availability was 0.16 kWha-1 and tractor density was found to be 2.7 tractors/1000 ha, whereas tractor power use efficiency was 63.7%. Seedbed preparation and seeding operations for all crops, which were fully mechanized, resulted in 98% mechanization index. The mechanization index for weed control operation in sorghum, millet, sesame, sunflower and cotton crops was 68, 67, 10, 90 and 58%, respectively. The overall average mechanization index of harvesting operation was 73, 71, 46.5 and 96% for sorghum, millet, sesame and sunflower, respectively. However, cotton harvesting was carried manually. The results showed that the total mechanization index for sorghum, millet, sesame, sunflower and cotton crops was 84, 83, 56, 97 and 35%, respectively. The overall mechanization index for all crops in the studied area was found to be 71%. The furnished information thought to help engineers, researchers and farmers to introduce and use the necessary machinery in the rain-fed areas of Sudan for the specified crops.