Abstract
Intensive development of innovative technologies allows the mechanization and automation of many production processes. The introduction of such technologies in agriculture increases productivity of enterprises and reduces the negative impact on the environment. The current problem is the imbalance between financial and non-financial factors in the choice of mechanization options in agriculture. The purpose of this work was to develop a rational decision-making model to choose the best options for mechanization based on economic, technical, environmental, and social criteria for the sustainable development of different types of farms. Using various methods (Delphi method, matrix analysis, and ranking of alternatives), a three-stage model for evaluating multiple decision-making criteria was developed. It is shown that among 28 sustainability criteria, the most important in the decision-making process are purchase conditions, warranty service, physical, technical characteristics of machines, power of machinery, fuel consumption, the use of alternative energy sources, safety for the public, and socio-economic benefits. It is possible to find optimal machinery and mechanization system according to the selected criteria for different types of farms, different terrain and soil types, and field sizes. The results obtained can be used by agriculture theorists and practitioners as a guide for evaluating mechanization effectiveness.