Harvester Evaluation Using Real-Time Kinematic GNSS and Hiring Service Model

To reduce human drudgery and the risk of labor shortages in Asian developing countries, appropriate introduction agricultural machinery, especially combine harvesters, is an urgent task. Custom hiring services (CHSs) are expected to contribute making paddy harvesters prevalent countries; however, economic performance has been rarely quantified. The study was carried out precisely evaluate machine attributes medium large using real-time kinematic (RTK) global navigation satellite system (GNSS) estimate CHSs Japan, as a typical case countries. financial profitability evaluated by four major indicators: net present value, benefit–cost ratio, internal rate return, payback period. indicators showed that both types harvester could be considered financially viable. Thus, investment can highly profitable for CHS business local service provider custom-hire entrepreneur, providing great opportunity use without initial general farmers. findings demonstrated high feasibility while they highlighted further needed other