PRESENT SITUATION AND FUTURE-DEMAND OF AGRICULTURAL MECHANIZATION IN VIETNAM

Vietnam as an agricultural country is focusing on increasing rice production for local consumption and exprot in medium and small irrigated fields of private farm holdings. The use of tractors has to considerate the specific conditions and especially the limits of trafficability. Measures to improve the trafficability of soils and to reduce energy demand for tillage have been investigated and recommendations made. Motor-mechanization ist relatively far advanced (35.000-40.000 one- and two-axle tractors in operation; 0,5 kW/ha). Plans go far beyond and foresee an increase of the tractor-cultivated land from 25% to 60%. Also the necessary tractor power levels have been identified (80% < 10 kW). There is a demand for improved quality of farm machinery, for improved training in farm machinery use and for improved post-harvest technology.