El Niño refers to a natural phenomenon in which the temperature of the Pacific Ocean rises abnormally, which has a major impact on the global climate. This phenomenon can lead to an increase in droughts, floods and other extreme weather events, posing a serious threat to agricultural yields. However, small agricultural machinery is emerging as a powerful solution to this challenge.

The emergence of small agricultural machinery provides farmers with more efficient and reliable agricultural production tools. Their compact design makes them suitable for a variety of farm sizes, whether a small family farm or a large-scale agricultural enterprise. These machines are easy to operate, and farmers can easily master the skills to use them and improve work efficiency.

There are unique challenges faced during El Niño events.
1. Unstable rainfall patterns: El Niño disrupts traditional rainfall patterns, leading to irregular rainfall distribution and prolonged droughts. Small-scale farmers who rely on rain-fed agriculture face difficulties keeping their crops growing.
2. Water shortage: Ongoing drought has exacerbated water shortages among small-scale farmers, especially those without access to advanced irrigation systems. This restriction hinders crop growth, resulting in lower yields and potential crop failure.
3. Temperature extremes: Increased temperatures associated with El Niño can adversely affect crops, causing heat stress, reduced photosynthesis, and lower yields for small-scale farmers who farm under these challenging conditions.
4. Increased pressure from pests and diseases: The warm and dry climate conditions during El Niño create a favorable environment for the growth of pests and diseases. Small-scale farmers are particularly vulnerable because they lack the resources to effectively address these issues.

The functions of small agricultural machinery:
1. Efficient farmland preparation: Compact tractors and cultivators play a vital role in efficient farmland preparation. It helps small farmers break soil efficiently and ensure optimal seedbed conditions for planting. This is particularly important during El Niño, where timely and effective land preparation is crucial.
2. Precision planting of crops: Small-scale farmers can use precision planting equipment to optimize seed sowing and spacing. This ensures that crops are adequately resourced and can use water more efficiently, which is crucial during periods of water shortages caused by El Niño.
3. Crop drip irrigation system: Compact drip irrigation system provides small-scale farmers with an affordable and water-saving crop irrigation system.
Irrigation method. These systems can be adapted to a variety of plot sizes, ensuring water is applied precisely where it is needed, minimizing waste during droughts.
4. Crop harvesting efficiency: Small-scale farmers can benefit from compact harvesting equipment, such as small combine harvesters or handheld harvesters, to increase efficiency during harvesting. Timely and efficient harvesting is critical, especially as El Niño threatens to shorten the growing season.

How to increase yields with small agricultural machinery:
1. Crop rotation and diversification: Compact machinery facilitates the practice of crop rotation and diversification, which is an important factor in mitigating disasters.Important strategies for the impact of the El Niño phenomenon. By effectively preparing their land and planting different crops, small-scale farmers can enhance soil health, reduce pest pressure, and achieve more resilient farming systems.
2. Conservation agriculture practices: Small farm machinery supports conservation agriculture practices such as reduced tillage and cover cropping. These practices help preserve soil, retain moisture, and improve overall soil health—key factors in facing the challenges posed by El Niño.
3. Portable greenhouses and mulchers: Compact portable greenhouses enable small-scale farmers to protect crops from extreme temperatures, pests and diseases. These structures provide a controlled environment that allows farmers to extend the growing season and protect sensitive crops during El Niño events.

All in all, small agricultural machinery serves as a beacon of hope for small-scale farmers facing the challenges of El Niño. These compact and efficient tools provide practical solutions for increasing productivity, conserving resources and increasing agricultural resilience. As we face a future where climate uncertainty becomes more prevalent, the role of small agricultural machinery in ensuring sustainable and prosperous small-scale farming operations becomes increasingly critical. The adoption of these technologies not only empowers farmers but also contributes to the broader goal of global food security in changing circumstances.