A Key Input for Reducing of Mechanization Cost in Smallholdings: Mini Tractor Drawn Multi Task Toolbar

Abstract

The present study aims to determine the key input for reducing of mechanization cost in smallholdings: Mini tractor-drawn multi task toolbar. Farm power and mechanization are essential inputs agricultural production system and will raise the labour and land productivity. Inadequate equipment and practices can damage severely natural resources. A focus on only one aspect, primary tillage (or) seeding (or) tilling (or) spraying results in low utilization rate which is not profitable to small holder farmer. Hence the attempt was made and developed "multi-task tool frame" that can house all the components required for a variety of operations such as seeding, fertilizing, weeding, tilling, spraying and transportation thereby reducing investment, operating cost, time and fuel for operation. The use of multi-task tool frame could reduce the cost of sowing and fertilizer application reduced from Rs. 3800/- to Rs. 1674/- per ha through developed machine planting. Moreover, the man hour requirement came down from 152 hour to 3 hours. Combining the spraying and weeding operation found to be good in 1st speed ie 1.8 kmph over the 2nd speed 3.2 kmph. However, the cost of reduction was 71 percent in machine operation when compared to manuel weeding & spraying and 44 percent over independent machine (spraying weeding) operation, moreover and saving in man-days about 48 man days per hectare. Fuel-saving of 8.15 Lha-1 which amounts to 47.8% due to combining the two operations like tilling and spraying compared to independent operations.