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Farm household typologies and mechanization patterns in Nepal Terai: Descriptive analysis of the Nepal living standards survey:

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  • Takeshima, Hiroyuki
  • Adhikari, Rajendra Prasad
  • Poudel, Mahendra Nath
  • Kumar, Anjani

Abstract

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Takeshima, Hiroyuki & Adhikari, Rajendra Prasad & Poudel, Mahendra Nath & Kumar, Anjani, 2015. "Farm household typologies and mechanization patterns in Nepal Terai: Descriptive analysis of the Nepal living standards survey:," IFPRI discussion papers 1488, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
    • Handle: RePEc:fpr:ifprid:1488
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Chaudhary, Ashok Kumar & Pandit, Ram & Burton, Michael, 2022. "Farmyard manure use and adoption of agricultural mechanization among smallholders in the Mahottari District, Nepal," World Development Perspectives, Elsevier, vol. 25(C).
    2. Takeshima, Hiroyuki & Adhikari, Rajendra Prasad & Kumar, Anjani, 2016. "Is access to tractor service a binding constraint for Nepali Terai farmers? :," IFPRI discussion papers 1508, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
    3. Emma Karki & Akriti Sharma & Brendan Brown, 2022. "Farm mechanisation in Nepal's Terai Region: Policy context, drivers and options," Journal of International Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 34(2), pages 287-305, March.
    4. Avinash Gupta, 2018. "Mechanization in Nepalese agriculture : Potential knowledge gaps and significance," Working Papers wp/18/03, South Asia Watch on Trade, Economics and Environment.
    5. Takeshima, Hiroyuki & Adhikari, Rajendra Prasad & Kaphle, Basu Dev & Shivakoti, Sabnam & Kumar, Anjani, 2016. "Determinants of chemical fertilizer use in Nepal: Insights based on price responsiveness and income effects:," IFPRI discussion papers 1507, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).

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    Keywords

    mechanization; households; gender;
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