Intensificação de sistemas de produção através da mecanização na região da Transamazônica: limites e possibilidades

Abstract

This study focuses on the use of mechanisation within the context of smallholder farming. Research results are based on two complementary activities; a Mechanisation Project developed by Altamira Town Hall, Pará and a study of experiments developed by farmers in Uruará County, Pará. Research hypotheses were developed based on existing literature on the transition from migratory to fixed farming. The study confirmed the problem of maintenance of soil fertility as a limiting factor, in addition to other aspects such as low income, reduced interest in annual cropping and area available for the continuation of itinerant farming, which revealed that there would be a shortage of demand for mechanisation in the region. The current conditions in terms of agrarian system evolution do not facilitate the transition to fixed farming or the intensification of production systems based on mechanisation. Nevertheless, the authors draw attention to the specificity of the results in function of collective interests, and the necessity of undertaking more detailed studies with farmers who were using animal traction with apparent success.