Comparative socio-economic analysis of manual and mechanized transplantation method of spring rice (Oryza sativa) production in Chitwan, Nepal
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.26832/24566632.2025.1002021Keywords:
Benefit cost ratio, Labour cost, Manual and mechanized transplantation, Spring riceAbstract
This study aimed to assess and compare the socioeconomic aspects of mechanized and manual transplantation methods in spring rice production. A survey was conducted in 2024 through pre-tested interview schedules and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) to collect primary data, while secondary data were collected from relevant publications. A total of 90 farmers (45 using manual transplantation and 45 using mechanized transplantation) were selected through simple random sampling from two purposively chosen municipalities. Among the respondents, 51.1% continued using the traditional manual transplantation method, while 48.9% adopted the mechanized transplantation method, citing cost-effectiveness as a key factor. Similarly, 36.69% of labour cost was accounted for total cost of production in manual transplantation method whereas only 23.45% of labour cost was accounted for total cost of production in mechanized transplantation method. The average gross margin per hectare in mechanized transplantation method (NPR 93325.25/ USD 681.58) was higher than the manual transplantation method (NPR 64654.561/ USD 472.19). Using mechanized transplantation method was more profitable (BCR: 1.76) than using manual transplantation method (BCR: 1.50) in spring rice production. The findings indicated that mechanized transplantation method significantly (p<0.05 reduces dependence on labour and enhances profitability in spring rice production. Therefore, I creased promotion of mechanization, along with policy measures and access to appropriate machinery, could reverse the productivity decline and improve the economic resilience of rice farmers in Chitwan, Nepal.
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