Report on mechanisation of small peanut farms in the Eastern Caribbean
1989
Percy, M.J.
Presents recommendations for the mechanisation of small-scale (1-5 acre) peanut growers operating within the constraints characteristic of small farms principally engaged in farming crops by manual methods. Peanuts is one of the crops grown in these territories which has the potential to raise standards of living. Factors identified as affecting the planning, operation and profitability of a mechanized system include: price of output, communications, spares availability, labour management and credit among others. General agronomic operations of peanut growing are discussed. Constraints to mechanization noted includes sloping topography and small farm size. The machines selected should have high drawbar pull at low speeds, possess power, mobile support and control for a variety of attachments capable of performing a number of operations. Recommends that initial land preparation be performed by a higher horse power four wheeled unit in order to get faster work and better depth of cultivation. Then all follow up operations be done by the individual farmer with a lighter two wheeled or walking tractive unit. Technical aspects of 2 wheel tractors are discussed and concludes that the Gravely 5245 two wheeled unit is most suited to small scale peanut farmers of the Eastern Caribbean.
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