The Cost of Mechanized Agricultural Operations in the Mekeo District of Papua.

Abstract

The labour resources of the Territory of Papua and New Guinea are limited and considerable interest is being shown in the possibility of introducing mechanization not only to reduce costs but also to enable the labour force to be used to the maximum extent for those operations which cannot be mechanized. Little experimental work has been carried out with regard to the suitability of various types of machinery to Territorial conditions ; Australian experience does not necessarily apply fully in the Territory where different soils, vegetation and climatic conditions are encountered. During the past three seasons mechanical operations have been costed at the Department’s Experiment Station at Epo and the results are presented in this article.