H. Azadi, E. Karami,
Volume 5, Issue 3 (10-2001)
Abstract
Cooperative have always been considered institutions capable of solving major problems in the process of development in different countries. These institutions has evolved along with theories of development from government dependent organization to independent, people centered with the objective of being equal-opportunity systems for all members in order to be responsive to current goals of development. The aim of the present research was to determine the level of success in mechanized companies in Fars Province (12 Mechanized Companies, 24 Rural Cooperatives and 8 Production Cooperatives) in achieving development goals through a survey research.
The findings indicated that production cooperatives were more successful in promoting farmers' income and participation of members in community activities, increasing equity and farmers' work related welfare while mechanized companies had more achievements in flexibility and participation of members in making decisions regarding farming activities and in terms of payment to farmers. In other words, production cooperatives have been more successful in achieving development goals (increasing income, participation, and work related welfare and decreasing inequity). Mechanized companies rank a position in the middle of the success scale, but rural cooperatives had the lowest success level in achieving development goals.
N. Loveimi, M. Almassi,
Volume 7, Issue 2 (7-2003)
Abstract
This study aims to evaluate mechanization quality and quantity for improvement purposes. Northern Ahwaz including five districts with a total area of 286,800 hectares was selected for evaluation. The current potentials for scientific mechanization and suitable production methods in the study area were identified within the framework of a field study. In addition to a holistic study of the area and the qualitative and quantitative factors, a plain with an area of 1,100 hectares was selected for a more concentrated and specific analysis of the results. Some of the factors uniquely investigated in the study area were not able to be studied in other parts of the region.
The evaluation suggests that the level of mechanization in the region is 1.1 horse power/ha, which, despite its general desirability, is low for many farming technologies in the region such that most farmers use tractors for many farming activities like plowing and furrowing. In other words, the quality of mechanization in the region (worker skills, machinery management, support services, etc.) in terms of the evaluated parameters such as lower rates of tractor efficiency (40%), steep fall in reaping wheat by combine harvesters (9.4%), and a failure in farmers’ machinery training is undesirably low, far from the mechanization level in the region.
The results indicate that to increase machinery efficiency, in addition to training of farmers, efforts must be addressed at providing support services. To promote the suitable technology and the level of mechanization, appropriate technologies must be identified and the required machinery and equipment should be supplied under the supervision of research and extension centers. However, regarding the low level of innovation and also low acceptance of new technologies by local farmers, it is suggested that in addition to training and extension services, typical farms must be used and mechanization service companies should be encouraged and supported in the region to supply the technologies and machinery.
