Agricultural mechanisation policy and strategy. The case of Thailand.

The role of agricultural mechanization in a developing economy is examined in order to enhance the formulation of mechanization policy and strategy. As a result of the review and assessment of the mechanization process, seven distinct stages in the mechanization process are specified and the rationale for mechanization is identified. General guidelines for the formulation of an agricultural technology strategy are given. The need for mechanization policy and strategy is highlighted as a complementary input to agricultural development plans. Agricultural mechanization in Thailand is reviewed as a case study, and its salient features are discussed. To analyze the effect of technical and economic variables on the mechanization process and to support mechanization policy and strategy formulation, a mechanization model (MECHMOD) is developed and, as a test case, applied to the Central Region of Thailand. MECHMOD's basic structure consists of a linear programming tableau which imitates multiple cropping, and in which the demand for labor, draft animals and machinery is specified according to crops, farm operations, working methods and time period. The results of the experiments performed with MECHMOD are discussed in a two-fold fashion. First, the applicability of MECHMOD is discussed. Second, the outcome from the experiments are interpreted in terms of mechanization policy and strategy for Thailand