Development of Ergonomically Designed Self-Propelled Planter for NEH Region

Abstract

In narrow terraces of North Eastern Hilly Region use of tractor operated planters and other conventional planter is not feasible. Due to the uneven topography and smaller size of terraces, machines made for the plain regions are not suited for use in the hills. Line sowing is almost non-existent in hill farming due to a lack of a suitable sowing device. Therefore, a lightweight self-propelled planter is required for timely operation with less drudgery in terraced terrain with a vertical interval more than 1 m.The developed machine was consisted of frame, furrow opener, seed box, seed metering plate, engine, power transmission system, seed tube, drive wheel, support wheel and handle. The cost of the developed planter was assessed to be ₹ 32314.00 and the operational cost was observed to be ₹ 192.65 per hour, payback period, break-even point and benefit-cost ratio were obtained to be 2-year, 50 h. yr-1 and 5.70. The self-propelled planter was precise in operation, ergonomically comfortable and cost effective.