Economic Analysis and Feasibility of Self-propelled Rotor Power Weeder

Abstract

The manual weeding process is laborious, requires significant effort, and is a costly operation. Farmers typically allocate 30 to 40 percent of their total crop production expenses to the weeding process. The research was carried out by development and economic feasibility of self-propelled weeder for small category farmers. Economic analysis and feasibility of developed mechanical weeder was evaluated by considering cost of operation, breakeven point and payback period. The utilization of a self-propelled weeder for mechanical weeding can result in cost savings of up to 45% compared to the manual weeding method. The estimated break-even point (BEP), calculated based on time and area, indicates potential savings of 209.6 hours and 13.63 ha. The payback period, assessed on a time basis for the rotary power weeder, was determined to be 1.02 years. The total development cost for the self-propelled power weeder was recorded as 8050 Rupees. By adopting self-propelled power weeder, farmer saving 1856 ₹/ha directly over manual method.