Mechanization Projects
The Mechanization Projects area is directly implementing two projects that are focused on rapidly addressing systemic issues related to agricultural mechanization
Tef Row Planter:
The objective of the tef row planter project is to identify and procure tractor mounted row planters for tef, potentially applicable to other crops such as wheat and sesame, for demonstration to smallholder farmers. The project also seeks to demonstrate service provider business models in four regions (Oromia, Amhara. SNNPR and Tigray) in the proper utilization of the planters. It targets smallholder farmers covering up to 2,000 hectares in the 2011 planting season.
Key Targets by end of GTPII:
- At least 2,000 hectares of smallholder farms planted with the tractor mounted row planters
- 48 machine operators trained to provide services for farmers using the procured tractor mounted row planters
- 36 prototypes of the improved ATA-IDEO tef row seeder produced for demonstration and wider scale up through selected local manufacturers
- One technical operational guideline developed and shared to beneficiaries (service providers, experts, etc.) as part of ensuring sustainability and scaling up of the utilization of tractor mounted row planters.
Mechanization Service Center Pilot
This project is currently under design and aims to improve the access of smallholder farmers to mechanization services to enhance their production and productivity. It seeks to establish mechanization service centres in selected strategic, high-potential areas in four regions: Oromia, Amhara, SNNP, and Tigray. The project will be launched in 2011 and will engage Cooperative Unions and other non-Cooperative actors to own and run the service centers and deliver mechanization services to smallholder farmers.
Key Targets by end of GTPII:
- To be determined.