In these times when local farmers are getting older and the younger generation prefers white collar professions than agriculture, farm mechanization is the way to go. It’s for a number of good reasons.
In the past, about the only form mechanization in the Philippines was the use of tractors in tilling the land. That was fine but times have changed.

Some have expressed before that mechanization would displace the manual workers in the farm. That is not true. With more machines that produce bigger harvests, there are new opportunities for people to be employed in higher-paying employment in the community. With higher income of farmers, there are new investments that could be made.

Today, it is possible to mechanize many farm chores. The latest we have gathered is that FIT Corea which distributes various Korean farm machines in the Philippines is introducing a direct-seeding machine for rice. This can seed four hectares in one day, according to FIT Corea president Philip Kim.

The good thing about the direct seeding machine besides being able to sow the seeds fast is that the rows are straight. And this will facilitate mechanical weeding and harvesting.

Of course, many people know that rice transplanters and combine harvesters are now becoming increasingly popular in the country. And the trend could continue as more machinery companies introduce their machines. At the forthcoming Agrilink trade show, for instance, the Korean agricultural machinery industry cooperative (KAMIKO) will be showcasing their products in their pavilion which is said to be the biggest in the trade expo.

Efficient rice milling is another important form of mechanization that can increase profitability among farmers. The trend, according to Philip Kim, is the use of compact rice mills that can do the function of the big rice processing complexes (RPC). He said that the compact machines require only little space and they also don’t require three-phase electric connection which could be a big problem in the countryside.

FIT Corea is also distributing a compact brown rice mill that is also very efficient. In a recent demonstration at the Palawan State University in Puerto Princesa, the machine proved its worth. It produced clean brown rice in just one passing.

If you are interested in farm mechanization, make sure to visit the Agrilink expo on October 6-8 at the World Trade Center. You can contact PHILIP KIM at 0917-547-8487 or Malou Bautista at 0927-946-6160, both of FIT Corea.

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