Determinants of Farm Machinery Adoption among Maize Farmers in Khotang, Nepal

Abstract

Agricultural mechanization is crucial in improving productivity and reducing labor dependency. However, the adoption of machinery in Nepal's hilly regions remains limited.The study was conducted to identify the determinants of farm machinery adoption among maize farmers in Khotang, Nepal. Data were collected from 123 randomly selected farm households through a pre-tested semi-structured interview schedule. Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and Key Informant Interview (KII) were conducted with selected participants. In analyzing data, descriptive statistics and a probit regression model were employed. Consequently, 56.09% of the farmers had adopted at least one type of farm machinery. Power tillers, shellers, and maize planters are the commonly adopted machinery. Regular contact with extension workers and membership in either farmers groups or cooperatives had a highly significant positive effect on the adoption of farm machinery. The most common reasons for non-adoption are high rental costs, lack of technical knowledge and small fragmented landholdings. While, women-specific training is the most needed support reported by women farmers. Hence, this study revealed that institutional and social factors are more important than individual characteristics in adopting mechanization. Strengthening extension services together with farmers groups and cooperatives is an issue of priority in promoting mechanization for maize-based hill farming systems in Nepal.