MECHAINSED RICE SHARE FARMING IN PERMATANG PAUH SEBERANG PERAI,MALAYSIA-A MANAGEMENT EXPERIENCE

Individual farming involving small land parcel (0.5 to 1.0ha) is declining because it is uneconomic and unable to incorporate modern technological innovation to improve its production efficiency. A centrally managed medium scale mechanised rice share farming was implemented at Permatang Pauh, Sebeerang Perai, Malaysia in 1988-1991 for eight seasons on a contiguous 57 ha rice land rented from 100 owners. Ten participants were chosen to participate in this project which perpetuated from revolving fund of MR 165.000. The objective of the project was to overcome problem of production efficiency and to provide a stable income to farmers operating on a medium and full time basis. Mechanisation was given prime emphasis to optime and reduce labour requirement and meeting the targeted crop scheduling. Direct seeding and mechanical transplanting methods of crop establishment were adopted. Land preparations, crop establishment and crop care were done using machineries purchased by the group. Selected participants were trained to operate machineries which composed 2 and 4 wheel tractors, mechanical transplanters, motorised seeders and sprayers. Harvesting and transportation of rice to the mills were done on contractual basis using combine harvesters and bulk handling via 3-4 ton lorries respectively. The net clean yield (less 10-20 percent deduction at rice mills) obtained in such project has contributed to stabilise the production and income of participating farmers.