FARM MECHANIZATION OF RICE PRODUCING COMMUNITY IN DOLORES, EASTERN SAMAR

The study aimed to assess the farm mechanization of rice producing community in Dolores, Eastern Samar Specifically in the following areas: socio-demographic profile of the rice farmers, farm machines and equipment used by rice farmers, ownership status and mode of acquisition of the different farm machineries and equipment of the rice farmers, benefits derived from farm mechanization in sustainable rice production It was conducted on February-April, 2019 at the selected Barangay of Dolores Eastern Samar namely: Barangay Malaintos, Gap-ang, Jicontol, Hinolaso and Rizal. A one-on- one interview was utilized to collect the appropriate data. The result indicated that majority the respondents are male and tenant of the land they cultivated, used traditional and modernized tools and equipment in rice farming, ownership status of the equipment's are mostly rented and mode of acquisition are through the aid of LGU and NGOs, agreed on the benefits derived from mechanization for sustainable rice production Conclusion were made based on the results of the study. Rice farmer's average income is enough to sustain their needs, they not have the capability to invest in capital-intensive facility in rice farming, farmers attitude towards farm mechanization are very positive, support service from the government is important. The researchers recommend rice farmers to accelerate farm mechanization to increase rice productivity for food security, department of agriculture should establish farm machinery training and demonstration, financial assistance and loans must continue to provide machinery owned to provide machinery owners of continued farm production operation and conduct similar studies in other localities spearheaded by different campuses of Eastern Samar State University.