Utilization of tractors and implements owned by individual farmers in the Gezira scheme, Sudan

Gezira scheme, in Sudan, is the largest one in the region. Recently, many individual farmers owned tractors and implements. This study aimed at analyzing the use of those tractors and implements. Data were collected through questionnaire and statistically analyzed. 154 tractors (75 to 80 hp.) accompanied with 678 implements were studied. Massey Ferguson represented 58.4 % of the tractors. Tractors’ average age was six years. Land preparation, seeding, spraying, threshing and post harvesting implements, represented 86.7%, 4.1%, 2.1%, 6.0% and 1.1%, from the total number of implements, respectively. Implements average age was between two and six years. Sprayer obtained the highest work rate (9 fed/h). Disk plow consumed the greatest fuel (6.6 l/fed) and the highest annual working hours (310 hours). The ridger covered the highest annual area (365 fed). Tractor annual working hours was between 774 and 535 hours. Several combinations of implements accompanying a tractor were found. Combinations three and four implements were the most frequent, they repeated 36 and 35 times, respectively. The combination of disk plow, ridger and ditcher were repeated ten times; while the combination of disk plow, leveler, ridger and ditcher was repeated eight times. The furnished information help in determining implements that necessary in the scheme. Economic feasibility of tractors and implements owned by individual farmers in the Gezira scheme is suggested.