University of Tasmania
Browse

File(s) under permanent embargo

Farm household typologies and mechanization patterns in Nepal Terai

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-21, 21:24 authored by Takeshima, H, Rajendra Adhikari, Poudel, MN, Kumar, A
Although Nepal formulated an agricultural mechanization promotion policy in 2014, there is still much to learn about tailoring mechanization policies to different types of farm households. The Terai belt in Nepal has seen steady growth in tractor use in the past 20 years, but heterogeneity exists among farm households. In this study, we use Nepal Living Standards Survey data to analyze such heterogeneity from a farm typology perspective. We characterize farm households based on use of external agricultural inputs, including tractors. Growth of tractor use in the Terai is associated with input use intensification per cultivated area, rather than significant expansion of cultivated area. Tractor use in the Terai appears to have grown as part of such land-saving intensification, although larger farm owners do hire in more tractors. We find that differences in household income portfolios are not straightforward between tractor renters and nonrenters, without clear differences in specialization of economic activities as well as farming systems. Tractor renters consist of various types, including the power-intensive mechanizer, intensive labor hirer, and fertilizer-based intensifier. Such heterogeneity recommends the use of tailored mechanization policy options.

History

Publication title

International Food Policy Research Institute Discussion Paper

Article number

01488

Number

01488

Pagination

1-56

ISSN

1933-6012

Department/School

Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA)

Publisher

International Food Policy Research Institute

Place of publication

United States of America

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Management and productivity not elsewhere classified

Usage metrics

    University Of Tasmania

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC