Keleppaji College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Kerala Agricultural University, Tavanur, Kerala-679 573, India.
Economic analysis of machinery use in consonance with specific agro-climatic situation is essential for planning and implementing an agricultural mechanization strategy. Such an analysis was done for rice combine harvesters which are becoming popular in Kerala. The relevant economic parameters were worked out vis-a–vis the agro-climatic and technical factors for three different combines viz., Claas, Kubota and Kukje. The variation of cost of operation with respect to annual working hours and effective annual area were analyzed to evolve a strategy for mechanization of rice harvesting. The seasonal command areas of combines as well as their demand in the region were estimated. The information thus generated can serve as a guideline to farmers, policy makers and entrepreneurs for the use of rice combines in the region.
