Abstract:
The study attempted to analyze the impact of using different types
of combine harvesters namely Balkar, Standard, Claas and Agrotech
for harvesting paddy on timeliness, harvesting cost and labour use and
evaluate effectiveness and suitability of combine harvesters in Ampara
District. The major reason given for the use of combine harvester was
severe shortage of labour during the peak season. The primary data
needed to this study were gathered through a survey from 61 farmers
and 62 owners of combine harvesters. A descriptive evaluation and
analysis were carried out to identify the objectives. The analysis of
Variance (ANOVA) was used to find out the suitability and effectiveness
of combine harvesters. The results shows combine harvesters ensure
rapid harvesting, reduces harvesting cost, minimize the labour
requirement and raises the farmer’s income as well as machine owner’s
profit. The combine harvesters replaced the labour by 75 to 85 %,
reduced the harvesting cost by 50%. The negative aspects of using
combine harvesters were also reported as displacement of labours, low quality paddy, climatic and soil constrains for the tyre type harvesters
than the chain types, non availability of local technical supports and the
difficulties in fixing charges due to competitions. However it could be
shows that the prospects for using combine harvesters for harvesting
paddy is becoming popular in the Ampara district. According to the
analysis in Ampara district different types of soils are available and the
results finding will suggest, that, chain type combine harvesters can work
in clay and pours soils but the tyre harvesters can only better in sandy
soils. So the farmers have to be clear on using the combine harvesters
regarding to the field condition and climate. With proper technical
support, practical demonstration and appropriate training program in
using combine harvesters will enhance the profit of the farmers as well
as machine owners can be increased.
