THE TECHNOLOGICAL LEVEL OF AGRICULTURAL MECHANIZATION IN THE STATE OF CEARÁ, BRAZIL

ABSTRACT Agricultural mechanization is a significant factor of agricultural modernization, but there are few data on the technological levels of this mechanization in the State of Ceará, Brazil. To study this topic, we designed a structured questionnaire, and interviews were conducted across the state. The survey data made it possible to calculate an index of agricultural mechanization technology and study hypotheses specific to farms of Ceará. The results indicate that the technology levels are different between farms of different sizes: large and medium farms are level I-M5 (automation), while small farms ranged from level IV-M1/M2 (primary/animal) to III-M3 (preliminary). We conclude that public policy for training should be directed at small farms. There is a need to show new production alternatives to small farmers, which leads to savings, and increases the profitability of the activity.