Limited use of modern farming machinery is one of the principal impediments to higher productivity and improved profits. Modern technology has brought about substantial improvements in agricultural productivity, even for small land holders, with resultant increases in efficiency and profitability.

Advances in farming technology have brought in radical changes in the way agriculture is practised today. ‘Precision farming’ is the new terminology for describing the use of satellite maps and computers to match seeds and fertiliser to local soil types. GPS-based guidance can turn planter sections on and off automatically. Many of these new technologies are designed to cut costs, improve productivity and increase profits.

A wide range of farm activities are now mechanised to save labour, address labour deficits at harvest times and enhance productivity levels. Mechanisation involves the use of farming machinery which comes in various shapes and sizes. The tractor is probably the most popular. The tractor is designed to provide a high pulling force at slow speeds but it can also be used to pull or push other farm machinery for tasks such as tilling, ploughing and planting.

Modern farm tractors are generally powered by large diesel engines and they are classified as two- or four-wheel drives. There are variations of the two-wheel drive with front wheel assist and the four-wheel drive often comes with articulated steering. There are also the track tractors which come with powered rubber tracks. Farm tractors in general drive other farm implements attached to their rear by a draw-bar or a three-point hitch. In addition, precision technology now facilitates the use of auto-steer system drones on tractors so as to avoid overlap when planting.

Safety of the tractor operator is of paramount importance. To protect against tractor-related injuries, especially tractor overturns, modern tractors are now equipped with a roll over protection structure (ROPS) designed to protect the operator from being crushed during tractor overturns. In conjunction with the use of the seat belts, ROPS significantly reduces the hazards of production agriculture, especially those associated with the use of tractors.

Rotary tillers are motorised cultivators that work the soil using rotating blades or tines. They are often attached to a two- or a four-wheel tractor but they can also be self-propelled, especially when used in domestic gardens. When attached to a two-wheeled tractor and powered by couplings to the tractors’ transmission, they can provide powerful, inexpensive alternatives to the four-wheel tractors, but when attached to a four-wheel tractor by a three-point hitch, the tillers are driven by a power take-off shaft and they serve as the primary tillage.

Irrigation machinery assists with the artificial application of water to the soil. They are very useful in dry areas and for weed suppression in rice fields. Irrigation techniques vary depending on the way water is obtained from the source and the method of distribution within the field. Water can be supplied to the roots of plants in trickles by a method called drip irrigation. It is an effective way of supplying the entire field uniformly with water. High tech machines are now available to achieve this objective efficiently with optimal use of available water.

High pressure sprinklers installed on risers can supply water to various locations in the field. Rotors are sprinklers that can rotate as they spread the water. Centre pivot sprinklers have several segments of pipe joined together and supported by trusses mounted on wheeled towers. They are fed with water from the pivot at the centre of the arc.

Broadcast spreaders are used to spread seeds, pesticides or fertilisers evenly and they can cover a lot of ground quickly and efficiently. They are hooked up to tractors. A control lever enables the operator vary the pattern of spread. They are versatile, strong and can be put to heavy use.

Crop harvesting is undertaken by combined harvesters which combine the tasks of harvesting, threshing and cleaning. Modern combine harvesters are powered by diesel engines. They are self-propelled and most of them are equipped with hydrostatic drives, a system of hydraulic pumps and motors which drives the input shaft of the transmission.

In general, modern farm machinery is invaluable for reaping the benefits of large scale production as they can enhance productivity levels and increase profits.