Suitability of Farm Tractors for Nepalese Agriculture

• Agriculture in Nepal depends on human as well as animal power.
• Up to 2065/66; total number of four- & two-wheel tractors registered, reaches to 44767 in number although it is estimated that there is a potential for 90,000 tractors in the country.
• The suitable tractor for terai has found to be 35 to 50 bhp range.
• Four-wheel tractor in hill and mountain is not suitable because of steep slopes and narrow traces.
• However, power tillers and small four-wheel tractor can be used in these areas.
• Lack of roads and low purchasing capability of farmers poses problems for farmers for purchasing tractor.
• This has decreased potential productivity of land in terai.
• Most tractors are suitable for large farm holdings. So, farmers are trying to increase the suitability of the use of tractors by increasing the plot size.
• The problem of labor in agriculture is also forcing to adopt the use of tractor for agricultural operations.