بررسی روند تغییرات شاخص سطح مکانیزاسیون زراعت برنج در استان گیلان

Introduction
Effective planning in agricultural mechanization hinges on a thorough understanding of the current status. To accurately assess and compare mechanization levels across different regions, the utilization of well defined, meaningful indices and criteria is paramount. Awareness of the present mechanization landscape, alongside the disparity between existing and optimal levels, is crucial for designing targeted development programs and addressing regional deficiencies and inequalities. While previous research has documented the mechanization levels within Guilan Province, a systematic analysis of the year-over-year trend of this index has remained underexplored. This study, therefore, aims to investigate and elucidate the temporal dynamics of the mechanization level index (horsepower per hectare) in the paddy fields of Guilan Province over a consecutive four-year period (2021–2024). By comparing the mechanization index data across the four-year study period, this research offers a comprehensive evaluation of the progress in applying mechanical power. The findings derived here are intended to provide a robust foundation for policymakers and planners, enabling them to formulate effective strategies and policies for the development and optimization of mechanization in this vital agricultural region of Iran.

Materials and Methods
Guilan province, one of the northern provinces of Iran with an area of 14,711 km², ranks second in terms of rice cultivation area, accounting for 31% of the country’s rice cultivation area. This study was conducted with the aim of determining mechanization indicators and providing solutions to improve their status in different stages of rice production in Gilan province during the years 2022 to 2024. The required information and data were collected through questionnaire completion, referring to available statistical sources, field surveys, and interviews with stakeholders. The statistical population of this research consisted of rice farmers in Guilan province; more than 190,000 farmers in this province are engaged in rice cultivation annually. The sample size for rice farmers was determined to be 391 individuals using Cochran’s formula. The questionnaire included two sections: individual and professional characteristics of the farmers, and mechanization status. A multi-stage sampling method was used; after random selection of villages, the sample individuals were randomly selected from each of these villages. To collect information related to the cultivation area of rice varieties, self-propelled machinery, and other agricultural machinery active in rice cultivation in each county, as well as the technical specifications of the machinery used and the calendar of rice cultivation activities in each county, data from reputable sources such as the Provincial Agricultural Jihad Organization (Mechanized Agriculture Technology Department, Agronomy Affairs Management, and Statistics and Information Technology and Network Equipment Department), County Agricultural Jihad Managements, Agricultural Services Centers, and the statistical yearbooks of the Ministry of Agriculture Jihad were utilized. Finally, the mechanization level index (hp/ha) was calculated based on the obtained information

Results and Discussion
The results of this study indicate an overall upward trend in mechanization in the province during the study period, but with significant disparities at the county level. The average mechanization level increased from 3.5 to 3.9 horsepower per hectare, and the total motive power increased by 14.8 percent. However, this growth was moderate, and a considerable gap between counties is evident; Astaneh-ye Ashrafiyeh leads with 6.8 horsepower per hectare, while Shaft is at the lowest level with 1.9 horsepower per hectare. The power of transplanters, reapers, rice combine harvesters, and tractors increased by 12.3%, 5.4%, 21.1%, and 11.7% respectively, confirming an improvement in productivity in the rice production sector. Nevertheless, Rasht and Langarud counties experienced a decrease in this regard. Additionally, a 6.3% growth in tiller power across the province was accompanied by a decrease in counties such as Amlash and Rasht. These differences are attributed to factors such as rice cultivation methods, land size, access to self-propelled machinery, farmers’ economic status, and support policies. These results emphasize the need for developing mechanization strategies tailored to the specific capacities and needs of each county.

Conclusion
The findings of this study indicate that the level of mechanization in Guilan province from 2021 to 2024, despite an overall upward trend, faces significant disparities at the county level. To enhance agricultural mechanization in the province, there is a need to develop specific programs tailored to the needs and potentials of each county. Furthermore, to compensate for developmental lags and improve mechanization in underserved regions, providing targeted financial, credit, and supportive facilities is essential. It is vital to investigate the factors affecting the mechanization trend in different regions, identify the root causes of potential declines, and provide corrective solutions. Encouraging farmers to adopt modern technologies and efficient self-propelled machinery, conducting training courses and extension workshops, and improving necessary infrastructure will be effective steps in accelerating the process of mechanization