SCIENCE CITY OF MUÑOZ (PIA) — Agricultural engineers from the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) have introduced an innovative “AutoBoat Tractor,” designed to make land preparation more efficient, affordable, and inclusive for Filipino rice farmers.
Inspired by boat-style tractors commonly seen in Southeast Asia, the locally fabricated prototype features a simple hand-lever steering system, making it easier to operate for older farmers, women, and youth.
PhilRice Supervising Science Research Specialist Jasper Tallada stated that the team continuously thought of ways to simplify land preparation for farmers who prefer to avoid heavy mud or expensive tractors.
The AutoBoat tractor has a 12-horsepower diesel engine, an idle clutch mechanism, and a boat-shaped metal hull that allows for independent operation.
Field tests show it can reach speeds of 5 to 7 kilometers per hour, allowing it to cover 0.66 hectares per hour with an efficiency rate of 81 percent.
Compared to a conventional four-wheel tractor, which costs the same as three to four AutoBoat units, the innovation allows smallholder farmers to cut machinery investments by up to 75 percent.
PhilRice engineers are currently conducting field tests and exploring service-based models, such as leasing through local providers, to improve access and reduce ownership risks.
“By reducing labor demand and machine ownership costs, while being more inclusive to users, the AutoBoat offers a practical solution for land preparation. The team envisions incorporating remote-control electronics into the machine to further enhance its capabilities,” Tallada explained.
The project has already gained recognition, with the “AutoBoat Tractor: A Novel Machine for Rice Production” winning second best poster and third best technical paper at the 74th Annual National Convention of the Philippine Society of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineers. (CLJD/CNG, PIA Region 3-Nueva Ecija)
