Development of a Battery-Operated Single-Row Vegetable Transplanter with Rotating Cup-Type Metering Mechanism

Abstract

Small-scale vegetable farming plays a critical role in global food security and rural livelihoods, yet traditional manual transplanting methods remain labor-intensive, inefficient, and prone to inconsistent plant spacing, limiting productivity. Mechanized solutions are often costly, fuel-dependent, or unsuitable for smallholder farmers, creating a need for affordable, sustainable alternatives. The study presents the development of a battery-operated single-row vegetable transplanter equipped with a rotating cup-type metering mechanism, designed to address the challenges of labor-intensive and inconsistent manual transplanting methods in small-scale farming. The transplanter features a lightweight, durable frame constructed from mild steel and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) components, powered by a 24V DC motor and lead-acid batteries, ensuring energy efficiency with an operational capacity of 3 hours per charge. The rotating cup mechanism ensures precise seedling placement, maintains spacing variations of less than ±1.5 cm, and achieves a field efficiency of 55.55% at 1.0 km/h. Field tests demonstrated significant labor savings (86% reduction) and energy efficiency (2.25–3.0 kWh/ha), with operational costs reduced by 80% compared to manual methods. The machine affordability, adaptability to various crops, and environmental sustainability make it a viable solution for smallholder farmers in resource-constrained regions. Future improvements may include solar-assisted charging and adjustable cup sizes for broader crop compatibility.