A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Engineering, School of Environment, Resources and Development

Thesis (M.Eng.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2006

The data were collected from 105 farmers to determine current socio-economic status, production cost, and mechanization prospects. Study revealed that power tillers of 10 hp were widely used. Most power tillers were used for less than 3 years and assembled with different brand of engines and gear boxes. Phnom Penh was the center for purchasing of power tillers. 83.7% owners bought the power tillers by own saving. Farm operations were normally done by family members with average operating time 8.27 h/day. The spare parts were available at local shops and only 18.4% farmers were familiar with power tiller repairs. All tractors were second hand with different brand names. Tractors of 22 to 43 hp and 80 hp were found in use. Tractor and its spare parts were purchased from Phnom Penh. Only 34.8% owners could afford to buy. Most owners hired labor to operate. The average working hour per day was 11.74. Only 26.1% farmers were familiar with tractor repairs. Cost per hour and per crop area of farm power decreased considerably with the increase of annual use and crop area respectively. The net profit of MTZ80 tractor, 22-43 hp tractor, new power tiller, old power tiller and cattle was about USS 1,443; 891; 650; 584; and 242 per year respectively. Break-even for cattle, old power tiller, new power tiller, 2243 hp tractor and MTZ80 tractor was about 9, 12, 8, 55 and 51 ha respectively