Mechanization of Agriculture: Demand for Tractors and Agricultural Machines in the Northeastern States of Brazil

  • Kelly Samá Lopes de Vasconcelos Universidade Federal de Pernambuco - UFPE
  • Tiago José Jesus da Silva Universidade Federal de Pernambuco - UFPE
  • Sonia Rebouças da Silva Melo Universidade Federal de Pernambuco - UFPE
Keywords: Mechanization Index, Productivity, Elasticity

Abstract

Brazilian northeastern states with the highest demand in agricultural machines and wheeled tractors are identified and the mechanization index and its impacts on productivity are calculated. Data derived from 2009 and 2011 statistical yearbooks published by the National Association of Motor Vehicles Manufacturers (ANFAVEA) and from the yearly statistics of the Municipal Agricultural Production (PAM) of the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) for 2007-2010. A descriptive analysis of data was provided coupled to the calculation of elasticity for some agricultural products. Agricultural mechanization failed to reach homogeneously all Brazilian regions even though several northeastern states were more underscored than others. Whereas the state of Sergipe had the best mechanization index due to the implementation of government policies and to cooperatives of agricultural producers, the state of Paraíba, characterized by traditional agriculture practices, had the worst index.

Author Biographies

Kelly Samá Lopes de Vasconcelos, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco - UFPE
Discente de Ciências Econômicas; Bolsista PIBIC-UFPE; Membro do Grupo de Pesquisa em Economia Aplicada e Desenvolvimento Sustentável – GPEAD pela Universiade Federal de Pernambuco - UFPE-CAA, Caruaru, Pernambuco, Brasil; E-mail: kellydevasconcelos@ig.com.br.
Tiago José Jesus da Silva, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco - UFPE
Discente de Ciências Econômicas Universiade Federal de Pernambuco - UFPE-CAA, Caruaru, Pernambuco, Brasil; e-mail:tiagojesuseco@hotmail.com.
Sonia Rebouças da Silva Melo, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco - UFPE
Doutora em Economia pela Universidade Federal de Pernambuco – UFPE, Caruaru, Pernambuco, Brasil; Docente do Núcleo de Gestão - Graduação em Economia – UFPE/CAA; Membro do GPEAD; e-mail: soniareboucas@gmail.com.
Published
2012-10-18
Section
Agrobusiness