Mechanisation in agriculture with special reference to oil palm and rubber

Alladin Hashim, . (1990) Mechanisation in agriculture with special reference to oil palm and rubber. [Proceedings Paper]

The Malaysian agricultural sector is faced with a major problem of declining labour force as a result of rural-urban drift. Coupled with this the problem of decreasing productivity arises from an ageing agricultural labour force. The commodity sector is also faced with challenges from declining prices rising costs of production and increased competition. To remain competitive Malaysian agriculture especially the commodity sector will have to look towards mechanisation of the more labour-intensive farm operations to cut costs and increase productivity. There have been attempts at mechanisation and encouraging progress has been made in the estate sector. Some labour-saving devices and equipment have now been tested and made available for widespread use. However there are still many constraints associated with mechanisation. One major draw-back is the high cost of initial investment. The paper deals briefly on the need for mechanisation and the progress achieved especially in the oil palm and harvesting and the collection operations. The present status of mechanisation and the continued thrust towards further mechanisation is also discussed. To speed up progress on mechanisation specific proposals on research and development are put forward. There is a need to have a separate body specifically for agricultural mechanisation research and also to coordinate the systematic collaboration of all agencies. Funding for research through contributions by major agricultural producers with government support is proposed. International collaboration with farm equipment centres and manufacturers could speed up success.

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Abstract

The Malaysian agricultural sector is faced with a major problem of declining labour force as a result of rural-urban drift. Coupled with this the problem of decreasing productivity arises from an ageing agricultural labour force. The commodity sector is also faced with challenges from declining prices rising costs of production and increased competition. To remain competitive Malaysian agriculture especially the commodity sector will have to look towards mechanisation of the more labour-intensive farm operations to cut costs and increase productivity. There have been attempts at mechanisation and encouraging progress has been made in the estate sector. Some labour-saving devices and equipment have now been tested and made available for widespread use. However there are still many constraints associated with mechanisation. One major draw-back is the high cost of initial investment. The paper deals briefly on the need for mechanisation and the progress achieved especially in the oil palm and harvesting and the collection operations. The present status of mechanisation and the continued thrust towards further mechanisation is also discussed. To speed up progress on mechanisation specific proposals on research and development are put forward. There is a need to have a separate body specifically for agricultural mechanisation research and also to coordinate the systematic collaboration of all agencies. Funding for research through contributions by major agricultural producers with government support is proposed. International collaboration with farm equipment centres and manufacturers could speed up success.

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Item Type:	Proceedings Paper
Additional Information:	Available at Perpustakaan Sultan Abdul Samad Universiti Putra Malaysia 43400 UPM Serdang Selangor Malaysia. S471 M3S471 1990 Call Number.
AGROVOC Term:	Common agricultural policy EC
AGROVOC Term:	Agriculture
AGROVOC Term:	Rural development strategies
AGROVOC Term:	Land
AGROVOC Term:	Resources
AGROVOC Term:	Agricultural development
AGROVOC Term:	Oil palm
AGROVOC Term:	Rubber
AGROVOC Term:	Malaysia
Geographical Term:	MALAYSIA
Depositing User:	Ms. Norfaezah Khomsan
Last Modified:	24 Apr 2025 05:26
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/15057

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