Level of Oil Palm Production Mechanization in Selected Local Government Areas of Oyo and Osun States, Nigeria.

Abstract

Productivity of any agricultural produce such as oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) can be enhanced using mechanical means for the removal of drudgery from the entire production processes.  This study investigates the level of mechanization in the production and processing of oil palm in Oyo and Osun States so as to determine the research needs towards the development of appropriate machines for this purpose. Questionnaires were administered and on-the-field assessments were made to obtain the necessary information. The data collected were analyzed with descriptive statistical tools. Eight selected local government areas where oil palm production was adjudged to be popular were visited. The study revealed that pre-planting, planting and post planting operations involving crop protection, weeding and fertilizer application receive low mechanization. Harvesting was carried out completely by manual operations. Threshing of fruits was semi- mechanized. Palm oil extraction processes had approximately 30% of mechanization which was obtained from few palm oil mills. Kernel cracking and palm kernel oil extraction had 50% level of mechanization. The study concluded that the level of oil palm mechanization in Oyo and Osun States was very low especially the pre-planting, planting and harvesting operations and Agricultural Engineers should be encouraged and rise up to the challenges of providing the required machinery.

Keywords: mechanization, oil palm, planting and post planting operations, postharvest handling.