Impact of Mechanization on Lowland Rice Production in Nigeria

The study examined the impact of using power tiller as a means of mechanizing lowland rice production in Nigeria. The study was carried out in Bida area, Niger State, where the sawah rice production was disseminated by Watershed Initiative in Nigeria (WIN). And in Ajase Ipo of Kwara State, some of the parameters assessed during the study included average speed of operation, average wheel slip/travel reduction, average draught of implement, and fuel consumption. The cost of operation and yield over five years of usage at Niger State and two years in Kwara State was determined and it was therefore concluded that the power tiller is the most appropriate field machinery for tillage operations such as puddling, leveling on lowland rice production in Nigeria.