CENTRAL MINDANAO UNIVERSITY

University Town, Musuan, Dologon, Maramag, Bukidnon

CASE STUDY:
A Comparison and Contrast on the State of
Mechanization in Developing and developed countries

Submitted to:
Mrs. Michelle Baltazar

Submitted by:
Lyn Heart Auman
 I. Introduction
Agriculture and industries have benefited greatly from mechanization, which has an immense
impact on the economies and standard of living in both developed and developing nations. These
six groups of countries' mechanization levels frequently emphasize differences in infrastructure,
technological adoption, and general economic development. The goal of this comparison and
contrast analysis is to examine the differences in mechanization between industrialized and
developing nations; highlighting the opportunities and difficulties that each has in utilizing
automation and technological advances for the benefit of their respective economies. Through
this study, we may go thoroughly into this case in many nations that have differing rates of
development for various kinds of mechanizations.

A multidimensional concept, mechanization is commonly applied in agriculture. However,

there is a significant difference between the use of mechanization in developed and developing
nations. Developing nations typically create their own approaches to food supply because of the
many challenges that they encounter in managing the effects of environmental degradation,
combating stunted growth, feeding an expanding population, reducing hunger, protecting the
environment, and fighting environmental degradation. With the help of modern technologies, the
strategies aim to promote sustainable agricultural development and, eventually, food security.
Every nation's policy decisions should be based on its own particular circumstances.

II. Every Nation's Technological Development

a) CHINA
 In china’s agricultural mechanization is still in the developing stage. In china’s Sustainable
mechanization, their experiment in Mechanizations was started at 1991 which is their first
experiment in conserving tillage and was commenced in 2002. The developing speed has
fasted and several positive changes have appeared in recent years. The china’s mechanization
level 45.85% was higher 3.38% than 2007, which is highest developing speed in china
history. China's progress in agricultural mechanization has been crucial in enhancing
agricultural output, sustainability, and efficiency.

China has made great strides in implementing contemporary agricultural technologies and
equipment to automate a range of farming operations in recent years. To hasten the pace of
automation, various policies have been put in place, including financial support for the
development of new technologies, training programs for farmers, and incentives for buying
agricultural machinery. The use of machinery in Chinese agriculture, including tractors,
harvesters, irrigation systems, and drones, has steadily increased as a result of these
measures. Higher agricultural productivity is the result of this enhanced crop quality and
decreased labour expenditures.
b) PHILPPINES
 During the American colonial regime (1902-1940), the US military and investors introduced
three-wheel tractors to Mindanao's abaca plantations for cordage production and export. They
also introduced US mechanization technologies, such as the tractor-powered stationary rice
thresher. However, agricultural mechanization development in the Philippines has been
gaining momentum in recent years, aiming to improve efficiency and productivity.

The Philippine government and stakeholders are promoting the adoption of modern
agricultural machinery and technologies, addressing challenges like lack of access to
mechanization services, high labour costs, and an aging farming population. The adoption of
machinery like tractors, rice harvesters, seeders, and irrigation systems has led to improved
crop productivity, reduced post-harvest losses, and increased farm profitability.

c) USA – UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

 In the United States, the agriculture sector's production and efficiency have been greatly
enhanced by agricultural mechanization. The US has emerged as a global leader in
agricultural mechanization thanks to a lengthy history of technological innovation and the
deployment of modern farming machinery. The employment of tractors, combines, planters,
and other specialized machinery has led to major mechanization developments in the U.S.
agriculture business. This has enhanced efficiency across a range of farming operations,
decreased labour costs, and raised farm yield.

The United States' agricultural methods are now more sustainable and precise because to
the use of precision agriculture technologies include drones, automated irrigation systems,
and GPS guiding systems. With the use of these technologies, farmers may maximize yields,
lessen their impact on the environment, and optimize inputs. The US government has
provided financing for research and development, farm equipment subsidies, and extension
programs to teach farmers about the newest technologies as means of supporting agricultural
mechanization. Although the advantages of agricultural automation, there are also
drawbacks, such as the high cost of machinery, small farmers' limited access to financing,
and worries about the environmental effects of heavy mechanized farming methods.

d) JAPAN
 The development of the farm machinery industry in Japan, with a specific focus on the
walking-type tractor, exemplifies the country's commitment to technological innovation and
agricultural advancement. The walking-type tractor, also known as the two-wheel tractor, has
played a crucial role in revolutionizing small-scale and labour-intensive farming practices,
particularly in challenging terrains.

The walking-type tractor first appeared in the 1940s to meet the demand for more
effective and adaptable farm equipment. Farmers soon came to love it for its affordable,
 small size, and ease of manoeuvrability. The design, operation, and performance of the
tractor have all significantly improved as a result of on-going research and development
initiatives. Walking-type tractors are becoming increasingly popular across the nation,
largely due to government support in the form of extension services, machinery purchase
rebates, and policies encouraging agricultural modernization.

e) THAILAND
 Thailand's agricultural sector has experienced rapid mechanization, with a focus on locally
adapted small-scale machinery to meet the needs of smallholders. Traditional tools and
animal-drawn implements were used by farmers. Mechanization with power technology
began in 1891 with the government importing steam power tractor and rotary hoes. Research
and development in agricultural mechanization began in the 1920s but failed due to lack of
trained personnel and World War II.

In 1947, a single axle tractor with rotary hoes was imported, but its low chassis was
unsuitable for swampy fields. In the 1950s, 4-wheeled tractors were imported but
unsuccessful. In 1957, the Agricultural Engineering Division released the design of an axial
flow pump and a 4-wheeled tractor, "Debaridhi water pump." Ford and Massey Ferguson
established assembly lines for four-wheeled tractors in 1960 and 1964. In 1975, the AED
constructed a prototype for an axial flow rice thresher, but it was not widely used due to its
low capacity.

f) RUSSIA

 Russia, with its extensive agricultural land and diverse climatic conditions, has been
investing in mechanization technologies to enhance productivity and competitiveness in the
global market. The adoption of agricultural machinery and equipment in Russia has been
steadily increasing, with a focus on technologies such as tractors, harvesters, seeders, and
irrigation systems. These modern tools have enabled Russian farmers to improve cultivation
practices, reduce labour costs, and increase crop yields across various agricultural regions.
Between 2000 and 2020, 9.8 thousand tractors and 6.8 thousand combines were produced in
the Russian Federation, accounting for 21.2% of the total volume of agricultural machinery.

Tractors accounted for 65.4% of the total machinery in 2000, but by 2020, they
accounted for 10.6%. The Russian Federation's agricultural production with machinery is
declining, with a 1.1% decrease in tractors per 1000 hectares of arable land and 3.2%
decrease in grain harvesters. The number of agricultural machines, including cultivators and
sowing machines, is also decreasing. However, there is a trend towards more powerful,
energy-saturated equipment, with an increase in energy supply by 0.8%. The load standard
for one combine harvester has increased from 196 hectares to 451 hectares, resulting in a
56.5% increase in productivity.
III. CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the agricultural mechanization development in China, the Philippines,

USA, Japan, Thailand, and Russia represents a significant stride towards modernization,
efficiency, and sustainability in farming practices across the globe. Each country has tailored
its mechanization efforts to address unique challenges while aiming to enhance productivity,
optimize resources, and ensure food security. From embracing advanced technologies to
overcoming labor shortages and promoting sustainable practices, these nations exemplify the
diverse approaches to leveraging mechanization for the benefit of agricultural sectors and
rural communities. As they continue to innovate and adapt, the collective progress in
agricultural mechanization underscores its pivotal role in shaping the future of farming
worldwide.

IV. CITATION AND REFERENCE

Rossana Marie C. Amongo, Ph. D. & Maria Victoria L. Larona, Ph. D. (2015). Agricultural
Mechanization Policies in the Philippines.

https://un-csam.org/sites/default/files/2020-10/PB201501.pdf

Mohammad Emami, Morteza Almassi, Hossein Bakhoda & Issa kalantari, (23 March, 2018).
Agricultural mechanization, a key to food security in developing countries. Retrieved from:

https://agricultureandfoodsecurity.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40066-018-0176-2

Thomas Daum, (25 January, 2023). Mechanization and Sustainable agri-food System
Transformation in the Global South. A Review:
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13593-023-00868-x

Henrylito D. Tacio, (August 16, 2022). Why today’s farmers need to mechanize. Retrieved
from: https://rcef.philmech.gov.ph/?
page=newsStories&action=getFullStory&RecordID=202282484053AMa6f3cd#:~:text=Unfo
rtunately%2C%20the%20Philippines%20is%20still,not%20favorable%20to
%20mechanization%20agriculture.