PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF

TRACTOR DRAWN SEED DRILLS

WITH DIFFERENT SEED METERING
MECHANISMS FOR GROUNDNUT,
RED GRAM AND BENGAL GRAM IN
DRY LAND

R. JAYA PRAKASH
B.Tech. (Agril. Engg.)

MASTER OF TECHNOLOGY
IN
AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING
(FARM MACHINERY AND POWER)

2012
 PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF
TRACTOR DRAWN SEED DRILLS WITH
DIFFERENT SEED METERING
MECHANISMS FOR GROUNDNUT, RED
GRAM AND BENGAL GRAM IN DRY LAND
BY
R. JAYA PRAKASH
B.Tech. (Agril. Engg.)

THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE ACHARYA N. G. RANGA

AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF
THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF THE
DEGREE OF

MASTER OF TECHNOLOGY
IN
AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING
(FARM MACHINERY AND POWER)

CHAIRPERSON: Er. K.V.S. RAMI REDDY

DEPARTMENT OF FARM MACHINERY AND POWER

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING
BAPATLA-522101
ACHARYA N. G. RANGA AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY
2012
 DECLARATION

I, R. JAYA PRAKASH, hereby declare that the thesis entitled

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF TRACTOR DRAWN SEED DRILLS
WITH DIFFERENT SEED METERING MECHANISMS FOR GROUND NUT,
RED GRAM AND BENGAL GRAM IN DRY LAND” submitted to the Acharya N.
G. Ranga Agricultural University for the degree of Master of Technology is the
result of original research work done by me. I also declare that no material contained in
the thesis has been published earlier in any manner.

Place: (R. JAYA PRAKASH)

I. D. No.

Date:
 CERTIFICATE

Mr. R. JAYA PRAKASH has satisfactorily prosecuted the course of research

and that thesis entitled “PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF TRACTOR
DRAWN SEED DRILLS WITH DIFFERENT SEED METERING
MECHANISMS FOR GROUND NUT, RED GRAM AND BENGAL GRAM IN
DRY LAND” submitted is the result of original research work and is of sufficiently
high standard to warrant its presentation to the examination. I also certify that neither
the thesis nor its part thereof has been previously submitted by him for a degree of any
University.

Date: Chairperson
 CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the thesis entitled “PERFORMANCE EVALUATION

OF TRACTOR DRAWN SEED DRILLS WITH DIFFERENT SEED
METERING MECHANISMS FOR GROUND NUT, RED GRAM AND BENGAL
GRAM IN DRY LAND” submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the
degree of Master of Technology in Agricultural Engineering of the Acharya N. G.
Ranga Agricultural University, Hyderabad is a record of the bona fide original research
work carried out by Mr. R. JAYAPRAKASH under our guidance and supervision.

No part of the thesis has been submitted by the student for any other degree or
diploma. The published part and all assistance received during the course of the
investigations have been duly acknowledged by the author of the thesis.

Thesis approved by the student advisory committee

Chairman : Er. K. V.S. RAMI REDDY

Assistant Professor& Head (Ag. Engg.)
Department of Farm Machinery and Power
CAE, Bapatla.

Member : Er. B. HARI BABU

Assistant Professor (Ag. Engg.)
Department of Farm Machinery and Power
CAE,Bapatla,

Member : Er. K. MADHUSUDANA REDDY

Scientist (Ag. Engg.)
ARS,
Anantapur.

Date of final viva-voce:

 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

It is by the immense blessing of Goddess Kanaka Durga matha for her grace
and blessings showered on me in each and every step of my life, that I could achieve
this goal.

I am ineffable to express my esteemed thanks to the esteemed chairperson of my

advisory committee Er. K.V.S. Rami Reddy, Assistant Professor& Head, Department of
Farm Machinery and power, College of Agricultural Engineering, Bapatla for his
dexterous guidance, illuminating suggestions and unremitting help throughout the
period of study, research and in completion of this thesis.

I sincerely accentuate my everlasting gratitude to the revered member of my

advisory committee Er. P. Rajaiah, Assistant Professor, Department of Agricultural
Engineering, Agricultural college, Rajendra Nagar, Hyderabad for his inspiring,
meticulous and valuable guidance during the entire period of my investigation.

I am ineffable to express my esteemed thanks to the revered member of my

advisory committee Er. K. Madhusudana Reddy, Scientist (Agril. Engg), Department of
Soil and Water Engineering, ARS, Anantapur for his keen interest, ardent support and
persistent encouragement showered to me. I owe him a huge debt of gratitude forever
for all that I got from him.

I sincerely acknowledge valuable suggestions received from Er. B. Hari Babu,

Assistant Professor & Head Department of Agricultural structures, College of
Agricultural Engineering, Bapatla. I also thank to him for having acted as advisory
committee member at the time of viva-voce.

I express my thanks to Dr. T.V. Satyanarayana, Dean, Faculty of Agricultural

Engineering and Technology, Hyderabad for encouragement and valuable suggestions
for research work.

I express my thanks to Dr. D. Bhaskara Rao, Associate Dean, College of

Agricultural Engineering, Bapatla for encouragement and valuable suggestions for
research work.

I express my heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Sivala Kumar, Professor and University

Head, Department of Agricultural Process and Food Engineering for his valuable
suggestions and moral support during the course of the project.
 I extend my profound gratitude to Dr. L. Edukondalu, Assistant Professor for
constant encouragement and valuable suggestions.

I extremely thankful to Er. M. Madhava, Assistant Professor & Head,

Department of Agro energy, and Er. A. Sambaiah, Assistant Professor, Department of
Soil and water engineering for their encouragement and support.

I am very much thankful to Teaching Associates Sri. V. Ramanjaneyulu, Er.

Ch. Murali Krishna, Er. A. Rama Rao, Er. D. Sai Gangadhara Rao, and Er. B. Raj
Kiran for their help during the study period.

I express my thanks to Dr. B. Ravindranadha reddy, Associate Dean, College of

Agriculture, Mahanandi for encouragement and valuable suggestions for research
work.

I extremely thankful to Dr. V. Muna Swamy, Principal Scientist and Head, ARS,
Anantapur for constant encouragement and valuable suggestions.

I express my sincere thanks to Er. D. Vijay Kumar, R.A, ARS, Anantapur for
his encouragement and support.

I deem it my privilege to surface out my genuflect love, unbound gratitude and

deep sense of honour to my parents Smt. R. Saraswathi and Sri. R. Raghu Ramaiah,
for their everlasting love, inestimable encouragement throughout my life and inexorable
efforts in molding my character.

I am so much thankful to my beloved Assistant Professor, Department of Soil

and Water Engineering, Er. H.V. Hema Kumar, who was my Guru and helped me to
see the future.

It is different to put my feelings into words of thanks to my beloved sisters,

Parvathi Devi, and Radha Rani, brothers Siva Kumar and Siva Prasadfor their
undiminishing love, benign care and zealous encouragement throughout this endeavor.

I express my sincere thanks to classmates Mr. D. Anand Babu, Ms. Sk.

Haneefa Begum, Mr. D. Ravindra Babu, Mr. G. Samrat and Mr. K. Srinivasa Rao,
for their cooperation.

I extremely thankful to Sri. D.V. Satyanarayana, Jr. Library Assistant, College

of Agricultural Engineering, Bapatla for providing all the necessary books and journals
for literature for the present research work. I am also thankful to computer laboratory
attender Sri Gurunath and Sri A.V. Subba Rao, Mechanic Grade-1, Farm Machinery
and Power Engineering laboratory and all Non-teaching staff for their necessary help
during the course of preparation of this report.

I express my sincere thanks to university authorities for encouragement and

providing stipend.

Place: Bapatla

Date: (R.JAYA PRAKASH)

 CONTENTS

CHAPTER TITLE PAGE NO.

LIST OF TABLES II
LIST OF FIGURES IV
LIST OF PLATES V
LIST OF APPENDICES VII
LIST OF SYMBOLS VIII
I INTRODUCTION 1
II REVIEW OF LITERATURE 4
III MATERIAL AND METHODS 13
IV RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 30
V SUMMARY AND CONCLUTIONS 73
LITERATURE CITED 75
APPENDIX I 78
APPENDIX II 81

i
 LIST OF TABLES

Table Title Page

No. No.
3.1 Physico-chemical properties of soil in experimental sites for groundnut, 14
red gram and Bengal gram
3.2 Main features of five types of seed drills 20
4.1 Observations with seed drills 30
4.2 Observations with ground nut seed in calibration test 31
4.3 Observations with Bengal gram in calibration test 32
4.4 Calibration of seed drills for red gram 36
4.5 Machine and operational parameters of seed drills for ground nut 41
4.6 Machine and operational parameters of seed drills for Bengal gram 43
4.7 Machine and operational parameters of seed drills for red gram 45
4.8 Sowing parameters of seed drills for ground nut 50
4.9 Sowing parameters of seed drills for Bengal gram 52
4.10 Sowing parameters of seed drills for red gram 53
4.11 Average plant population of ground nut 54
4.12 Average plant population of Bengal gram 55
4.13 Average plant population of red gram 55
4.14 Plant height of ground nut 56
4.15 Plant height of Bengal gram 56
4.16 Plant height of Red gram 57
4.17 Number of pods per plant results for ground nut crop from each plot 57
4.18 Number of pods per plant results for Bengal gram crop from each plot 58
4.19 Number of pods per plant results for red gram crop from each plot 58
4.20 Pod yield and halum yield of ground nut 59
4.21 Pod yield and halum yield results of Bengal gram crop 60
4.22 Seed yield and stalk yield results of red gram crop 61
4.23 Harvest index of ground nut crop with various seed drills 62
4.24 Harvest index of Bengal gram crop with various seed drills 62
4.25 Harvest index of red gram crop with various seed drills 63

ii
4.26 Results for operating cost of seed drills for various crops 68
4.27 Cost of inputs per ha for various crops 69
4.28 Cost of seed for various seed drills 69
4.29 Total cost of cultivation for various crops with various seed drills 69
4.30 Gross returns for various crops with various seed drills 70
4.31 Net income for various crops with various seed drills 71
4.32 Results of cost-benefit ratio for various seed drills with various crops 72

iii
 LIST OF FIGURES

Fig. Title Page

No. No.
3.1 Rain fall data during the crop period for ground nut 15
3.2 Temperature data during the crop period for ground nut crop 15
3.3 Relative humidity data during the crop period for ground nut 16
3.4 Rainfall data during the crop period for Bengal gram` 16
3.5 Temperature data during the crop period for Bengal gram 16
3.6 Variation in relative humidity during the crop period for Bengal gram crop 17
3.7 Rainfall data during the crop period for red gram 17
3.8 Temperature data during the crop period for red gram 17
3.9 Relative humidity during the crop period for red gram 18
4.1 Field efficiency of seed drills for ground nut 42
4.2 Field machine index of seed drills for ground nut 42
4.3 Field efficiency of seed drills for Bengal gram 44
4.4 Field machine index of seed drills for Bengal gram 44
4.5 Field efficiency of seed drills for red gram 46
4.6 Field machine index of seed drills for red gram 46
4.7 Seed rates of various seed drills for ground nut 51
4.8 Seed rates of various seed drills for Bengal gram 52
4.9 Seed rates of various seed drills for red gram 53
4.10 Variation in pod and halum yields of ground nut for various seed drills 59
4.11 Variation in pod and halum yields of Bengal gram for various seed drills 60
4.12 Variation in seed and stalk yields of red gram for various seed drills 61
4.13 Variation in harvest index of ground nut with various seed drills 63
4.14 Variation in harvest index of Bengal gram with various seed drills 63
4.15 Variation in harvest index of red gram with various seed drills 64
4.16 Variation of net income for various crops with various seed drills. 71
4.17 Variation of cost-benefit ratio for various seed drills with various crops 72

iv
 LIST OF PLATES

Plate Title Page

No. No.
3.1 Ananta planter with inclined plate seed metering mechanism 18
3.2 Nandyala planter with horizontal plate seed metering mechanism 19
3.3 Kisan automatic planter with trough feed seed metering mechanism 19
3.4 Gujrat seed cum fertilizer drill with cup feed seed metering mechanism 19
3.5 Local seed cum fertilizer drill with manual dropping seed metering 20
mechanism
4.1 Calibration test for Ananta planter 33
4.2 Calibration test for Nandyala planter 33
4.3 Calibration test for Kisan automatic planter 34
4.4 Calibration test for Gujrat seed cum fertilizer drill 34
4.5 Calibration test for Gujrat seed cum fertilizer drill for Bengal gram 35
4.6 Ground nut seed falling in each furrow opener in Kisan automatic planter 35
4.7 Modified seed metering mechanism in Ananta planter to suite red gram 37
4.8 Modified seed metering mechanism in Kisan automatic planter to suite red 37
gram
4.9 Existing seed metering mechanism suitable for red gram in Gujrat seed cum 38
fertilizer drill
4.10 Seed metering mechanism suitable for ground nut, Bengal gram and red 38
gram by manual dropping method for local seed cum fertilizer drill
4.11 Calibration test for modified Gujrat seed cum fertilizer drill for red gram 39
4.12 Measurement of seed collected from each furrow opener with electric 39
balance
4.13 Sowing operation by Ananta planter 47
4.14 Sowing operation by Nandyala planter 47
4.15 Sowing operation by Kisan automatic planter 48
4.16 Sowing operation by Gujrat seed cum fertilizer drill 48
4.17 Sowing operation by manual dropping with local seed drill 49

v
4.18 Sowing operation by manual dropping with local seed drill for Bengal gram 49
and red gram
4.19 Ground nut crop stand during vegetative stage 65
4.20 Ground nut crop stand during harvesting stage 65
4.21 Red gram crop stand during vegetative stage 66
4.22 Red gram crop stand during flowering stage 66
4.23 Bengal gram crop stand during flowering stage 67
4.24 Bengal gram crop stand during harvesting stage 67

vi
 LIST OFAPPENDICES

Table Title Page

No. No.
A1 Weather data during crop period of ground nut 78
A2 Weather data during crop period of Bengal gram 79
A3 Weather data during crop period of red gram 80
2 Economics of operation 81

vii
 LIST OF SYMBOLS
mm Millimetre
cm centimetre
m metre
s second
h hour
l litre
ha hectare
l h-1 litre per hour
-1
l ha litre per hectare
cc cubic centimetre
g gram
kg kilogram
t tonne
t ha-1 tonne per hectare
-1
ha h hectare per hour
q quintal
g/cc gram per cubic centimetre
Rs. h-1 Rupees per hour
Rs.ha-1 Rupees per hectare
kmph kilometre per hour
% percentage
o
C degree celsius
RH relative humidly
et al. and others

viii
 ABSTRACT
_________________________________________________________________
Title of the thesis : PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF TRACTOR
DRAWN SEED DRILLS WITH DIFFERENT SEED
METERING MECHANISMS FOR GROUND NUT, RED
GRAM AND BENGAL GRAM IN DRY LAND

Author : R. JAYA PRAKASH

Chairman : Er. K.V.S. RAMI REDDY

Submitted for the : Master of Technology

Award of degree

Faculty : Agricultural Engineering and Technology

Major field : Farm Machinery and Power

University : Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University

Year of submission : 2012

Dry farming or dry land farming is a practice of growing a profitable crop without
irrigation in areas, which receive an annual rainfall of 500 mm or even less. India is
basically dependent on rain fed agriculture. About 44 per cent of total food production
comes from 67 per cent of total cultivated area, which is rain dependent. Dry lands
contribute more than 40 per cent food grains (80 per cent maize, 95 per cent of pearl millet
and sorghum). About 95 per cent of pulses and 75.5 per cent of oilseeds are also grown in
these areas. The mechanization of Indian agriculture has played dominant role in increasing
agricultural production, productivity and profitability by improving input use efficiency,
timely operation with precision, savings on labour, inputs, improving human comfort and
safety in operation etc.

Most of the farmers in India use traditional methods for planting such as broad
casting and seed dropping behind the plough. Traditional methods of crop planting have
involved planting of excess seed and increase human drudgery. Seed drills of different
types and capacities were developed and now being extensively used in the country for
sowing different kinds of seeds. Placement of seeds at correct depth is very important for
proper germination of seed especially under dry land farming, where soil moisture is at
greater depth.

Hence, an experiment on performance evaluation of tractor drawn seed drills with

different seed metering mechanisms suitable for ground nut, red gram and Bengal gram in
dry land was selected to study the performance parameters, modification of seed metering
mechanisms suitable for ground nut, red gram and Bengal gram and comparison of
economics of seed drills with different seed metering mechanisms. Five types of seed drills
were evaluated namely, 1) Ananta planter with inclined plate seed metering mechanism, 2)
Nandyala planter with horizontal plate seed metering mechanism, 3) Kisan automatic
planter with trough feed seed metering mechanism, 4) Gujrat seed cum fertilizer drill with
cup feed seed metering mechanism and 5) Local seed cum fertilizer with manual dropping
seed metering mechanism at Agricultural Research Station, Anantapur and farmers field.

The seed drills were calibrated in the laboratory at ARS, Anantapur as per BIS test
code IS 6316: 1993 for ground nut, red gram and Bengal gram. The existing seed metering
mechanisms were suitable for ground nut and Bengal gram which were not suitable for red
gram. Hence some modifications of seed metering mechanisms were needed to suite red
gram. Already available existing seed metering mechanisms were modified for red gram as
per requirement.

The highest field capacity was found to be 0.54 ha h-1, 0.47 ha h-1 and 0.54 ha h-1
for ground nut, Bengal gram and red gram crops with field efficiency of 71.9 per cent,
66.75 per cent and 74.15 per cent respectively for Ananta planter among all treated seed
drills whereas The lowest field capacity was found to be 0.43 ha h-1 for Local seed cum
fertilizer drill with field efficiency of 69.17 per cent for ground nut crop, 0.37 ha h-1 and
0.38 ha h-1 for Gujrat seed cum fertilizer drill with field efficiency of 64.11 per cent and
70.83 per cent for Bengal gram crop and red gram crop respectively among all seed drills.

The lowest seed rate obtained in the field was observed as 102.45 kg ha -1, 64.37 kg
ha1 and 34.65 kg ha-1 for ground nut, Bengal gram and red gram crops respectively for
Ananta planter among all seed drills. Whereas the highest seed rate was observed as 130.72
kg ha-1 and 79.15 kg ha-1 for ground nut and Bengal gram respectively for Local seed cum
fertilizer drill among all seed drills and 113.04 kg ha -1 for red gram crop for Nandyala
planter among all seed drills.

The highest pod /seed yield obtained for ground nut, Bengal gram and red gram
crop was found to be 1154.16 kg ha -1, 929.6 kg ha-1 and 2060 kg ha-1 for Ananta planter
among all tested seed drills whereas the lowest pod/seed yield was found to be 895.83 kg
ha-1, 783.3 kg ha-1 and 1276 kg ha-1 for ground nut, Bengal gram and red gram crop for
Gujrat seed cum fertilizer drill among all seed drills. This is due to the fact that the driving
wheel of Gujrat seed cum fertilizer drill was not rotated freely. Such that the seed and
halum yields are less for Gujrat seed cum fertilizer drill.

The highest net profit was found to be Rs. 45094 ha-1, Rs. 29798 ha-1 and Rs. 60339
ha-1 for ground nut, Bengal gram and red gram respectively for Ananta planter among all
tested seed drills whereas the lowest profit was found to be Rs. 28952 ha-1, Rs. 22568 ha-1
and Rs.32298 ha-1 for ground nut, Bengal gram and red gram respectively for Gujrat seed
cum fertilizer among all tested seed drills.

Finally it was observed that the Ananta planter performance was satisfactory for
groundnut, Bengal gram and red gram crops among all seed drills.
 Chapter I

INTRODUCTION

Dry farming or dry land farming is a practice of growing a profitable crop

without irrigation in areas, which receive an annual rainfall of 500 mm or even less.
India is basically dependent on rain fed agriculture. About 44 per cent of total food
production comes from 67 per cent of total cultivated area, which is rain dependent.
India has about 47 million hectares of dry lands out of 108 million hectares of total rain
fed area. Dry lands contribute more than 40 per cent food grains (80 per cent maize, 95
per cent of pearl millet and sorghum). About 95 per cent of pulses and 75.5 per cent of
oilseeds are also grown in these areas. Thus, dry lands and rain fed farming will
continue to play a dominant role in agricultural production. Ground nut, Bengal gram
and red gram are three important crops grown in dry land and also they are drought
resistant crops. (Pandey, M.M. and Ganesan, S., 2005).

Groundnut (Arachis hypogea L) is the 13th most important oilseed crop ofthe
world. It is the world’s fourth most important sourceof edible oil and third most
important source of vegetableprotein. It is grown on 26.4 mha ofland worldwide with a
total production of 36.1 mt (Goteet al, 2010). Groundnut, a native of Brazil, is grown in
more than 100 countries in the world. China is the largest producer of groundnut
followed by India. Ground nut is one of the important oil seed crops in India and ranks
second in the world after China in production. It is grown in an area of 8.4 mha with a
production of 8.20 Mt in India (Anonymous, 2010). Four states namely Gujrat, Andhra
Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka together accounts for 77 per cent of the area and
almost 75 per cent of the production. Andhra Pradesh occupies the first place in
growing area of ground nut of about 1.88 mha, and production of about 1.2 Mt
(Anonymous, 2010). In Andhra Pradesh, Anantapur district stands first both in
cultivated area (0.8 mha) and in production (0.64 Mt).

Red gram (Cajanuscajan L) is an important pulse crop in India ranks sixth

among pulses production in the world. It is also known as pigeon pea, arhar and tur.
Red gram is mainly cultivated and consumed in developing countries of the world.
World production of red gram was 3.2 Mt in 2005 from 4.5 mha (Anonymous, 2010).
India is the largest producer of the red gram constituting 90 per cent of world
1
production and a stagnant production in the country reflects in global output. Red gram
is a native of India as evident from the presence of several wild relatives and diverse
gene pod along with ample evidence in historic literature. India contributes for nearly
90 per cent of total world’s red gram production. (However, it is gaining importance in
African countries due to its adaptability to limited moisture conditions). India is the
largest producer, contribution for about 90 per cent from 3.4 mha, followed by
Myanmar (5,80,000ha), China (60,000 ha) and Nepal (28,000 ha) (Anonymous, 2011).
In Andhra Pradesh, total area under this crop was 0.448 mha with a production of
0.261Mt from productivity of 454 kg ha-1 in 2008-2009. Major growing districts of this
crop are Mahaboob Nagar, Adilabad, Prakasam, Ranga reddy, Kurnool, Nalgonda and
Guntur covering nearly 66 per cent of the area.

Bengal gram (Cicer aritinum L.) is also called chick pea or gram in south Asia
and garbanzo bean in most of the developing countries in the world. India is the major
producer of Bengal gram in the world, accounting for 61.65 per cent of the total world
area under Bengal gram and 68.13 per cent of the total world production (Anonymous,
2010). Bengal gram is a major pulse crop in India, widely grown for centuries and
accounts for nearly 40 per cent of the total pulse production. However, in view of the
domestic requirements, India had been importing Bengal gram. The area in the country
was 8.25 million hectares with productivity of 855 kg ha-1 2008-2009. The important
growing states of Bengal gram in India are Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra
Pradesh and Karnataka.

The mechanization of Indian agriculture has played dominant role in increasing

agricultural production, productivity and profitability by improving input use efficiency,
timely operation with precision, savings on labour, inputs, improving human comfort
and safety in operation etc. In dry land agriculture, soil moisture dictates the priorities
with regard to field operation and sowing. Sowing has to be expeditious to take
advantage of limited soil moisture. Swiftness in sowing should not be at the cost of
optimal plant stand. One of the major constraints has been lack of appropriate machines
and implements to meet timeliness and precision needs of dry land crops. One of the
most important factors that influence the germination of seeds is the uniformity of
distribution of seeds at proper depth. These results in a better crop stand there by
increasing the crop yield (Behera et al., 1995). Most of the farmers in India use
traditional methods for planting such as broad casting and seed dropping behind the
2
plough. Traditional methods of crop planting have involved planting of excess seed and
increase human drudgery. Seed drills of different types and capacities were developed
and now being extensively used in the country for sowing different kinds of seeds.
Placement of seeds at correct depth is very important for proper germination of seed
especially under dry land farming, where soil moisture is at greater depth. Therefore,
precision placement of seeds is necessary for achieving perfect standing of crop. It also
reduces sowing time and thus overcomes the shortages of labor. Therefore, performance
evaluation of existing tractor drawn seed drills with different seed metering mechanisms
is necessary to provide farmers with the required technical information to choose the
best seed drill/planter for ground nut, red gram and Bengal gram in dry land.

In the context of the above knowledge, there is a strong need for assessing the
performance evaluation of tractor drawn seed drills with different seed metering
mechanisms, economics of operation and also a modification of seed metering
mechanisms suitable for ground nut, red gram and Bengal gram in dry land.
This study was therefore, under taken with the following objectives.

1. To evaluate the performance of commercial tractor drawn seed drills with

various seed metering mechanisms for groundnut, red gram and Bengal
gram.

2. To compare the economics of seed drills with different seed metering

mechanisms.

3. Modification of seed metering mechanisms suitable for ground nut, red gram
and Bengal gram in dry land condition.

3
 Chapter II

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

In this chapter an attempt has been made to review the literature of the past research
works relevant to the present study. The available literature on the subject has been
reviewed and presented under the following headlines.

2.1. Performance evaluation of tractor drawn seed drills in dry land.

2.2. Economics of operation of seed drills with different seed metering mechanisms.

2.3. Modification of seed metering mechanisms suitable for ground nut, red gram
and Bengal gram.

2.1. Performance evaluation of tractor drawn seed drills in dry land

Senapati et al. (1988) conducted experiment onfield performance of seeding

devices in rain fed situation in Orissa, India. They concluded that conservation of moisture
and the best utilization of available moisture in soil need better care in rain fed agriculture
for better crop stand and high yield. The solution to the latter problem can be accomplished
by use of seeding devices. From the field experiment it can be concluded that the farmers
of Orissa can use the seed cum fertilizer drill for sowing the paddy seeds under dry land
condition for better crop stand and higher yield. Though the Annapurna seed drill utilizes
minimum energy during its operation, consideringcombined effect of energy utilization,
seed distribution efficiency and grain yield. The seed cumfertilizer drill proved to be better.
Manually operated seed drills perform better in the field than the animal-drawn seed drills.
The performance of the latter is low due to the operational difficulties encountered during
operation of the seed drills.

Bachchan Singh and T.P. Singh (1995) conducted experiment during the year
1991-92 and 1992-93 on development and performance evaluation of zero-till ferti seed
drill. They concluded that there is no effect of suitable height on the performance of zero-
till drill. However, the loose straw spread on the surface, if not burnt, offers some
hindrance in the working of the seed drill. The zero-tillage drilling performed in combine

4
harvested rice field gave almost equal yield as compared to conventional method of sowing
wheat. The zero-tillage sowing was found to be most time and energy saving as compared
to conventional method of sowing. Wheat crop can be sown 10-15 days earlier as compared
to conventional method of sowing. This will result in timely sowing of wheat crop, increase
in yield and more area can be brought under cultivation.

Behera et al. (1995) conducted experiment onevaluation of seeding devices for dry
land paddy. They concluded that the highest return, highest benefit cost ratio, better
vegetative growth and highest seed distribution efficiency was observed for the Naveen
seed cum fertilizer drill. The overall performance index which is a measure of the
performance of the seed cum fertilizer drill in total was also highest for the Naveen seed
cum fertilizer drill. Between the two seed cum fertilizer drills with manual metering of seed
and fertilizer, the GSFC seed cum fertilizer drill gave a higher overall performance index of
0.769 over the CAETseed cum fertilizer drill (0.754) although the later had the highest field
capacity field efficiency and lowest cost of operation. Considering all the machine
parameters and crop parameters it is suggested that medium and large farmers in Orissa
should use Naveen seed cum fertilizer drill whereas the small and marginal farmers should
use GSFC seed cum fertilizer drill for seeding operations. The latter, being a low cost
seeding device, will be acceptable to the small farmers besides being used for other crops
like wheat, finger millet, mustard, peas and grams. The Naveen seed cum fertilizer drill can
also be used for wheat, gram, soybean, safflower, sun flower other than paddy by changing
the fluted roller with minor adjustment.

Abdul Wohab et al. (1999) conducted experiment on design and development of a

multi-crop multi-row seed drill. They concluded that the seeder should be operated at an
average speed of about 2.5 kmph. The optimum orifice diameter and agitator clearance of
different seeds should be selected during laboratory test. The seed metering unit should be
fabricated very carefully. Precise machining of the unit is very essential for better
functioning. Extensive extension and motivation work is recommended for mass scale use
of the seeder in the field.

Karthivel et al. (2005) conducted experiment on performance evaluation of

planters for cotton crop. They concluded that the standard deviation, coefficient of variation
and deviation from the recommended depth were less for the ridger seeder when compared

5
to other seeders. Thus more uniform depth of seed placement was obtained using the ridger
seeder. The planting operation using the ridger seeder, pneumatic planter and cultivator
seeder resulted in 44.00, 42.85, and 41.64 per cent savings in cost respectively, when
compared to conventional method. Among T2, T3 and T4 the savings in cost was higher for
the ridger seeder treatment. There was a saving of 96.4, 96.3 and 96.2 per cent in time
using the ridger seeder pneumatic planter and cultivator seeder respectively, when
compared to the manual sowing.

Isaac Bamgboye et al. (2006) conducted experiment on performance evaluation of

two-row okra planter. They concluded that the manually-operated two row okra planter
developed from locally available materials to suit the need of the peasant farmers was
found to operate at a field capacity of 0.36 ha/h with an average spacing of 51.75 cm. The
planter was able to effectively meter maximum of two seeds per hill with minimum damage
to the seeds. The relative easewith which the machine is adjusted and maneuvered in the
field suits the technical knowhow of the average peasant farmer.

Afzalinia et al. (2006) conducted experiment on performance evaluation of

common grain drills in Iran. They concluded that there was no significant difference
between the grain drills foruniformity of seed distribution, plant population, and yield.
There was a significant difference between the grain drills for uniformity of seed planting
depth, and machine Barzegar had the highest depth uniformity and Keshtgostar had the
lowest depth uniformity. Among the grain drills tested, machine Barzegar required the
maximum draft because of having furrowers for irrigation and Keshtgostar required the
least draft. Of the grain drills tested, Hamadan machine Barzegar grain drill had the
maximum overall performance index and is therefore recommended forplanting wheat
under irrigation in the Fars province of Iran.

Ajay Kumar Verma and Dewangan (2007) conducted experiment during the year
2000-01 and 2001-02 on design, development and evaluation of seed cum fertilizer drill.
They concluded that the test results indicated a satisfactory level of performance of the seed
drill. An average size bullock can meet the draft. By the use of a gravity flow orifice type
metering mechanism no significant mechanical damage in metered seed was observed.

6
Eight to10 per cent higher seed rate was observed in actual field condition as compared to
laboratory test. The seed drill had a field capacity of 0.8 to 1.0 ha d-1.
Patel et al. (2010) conducted experiment on field evaluation of experimental plot
drill. They concluded that the coefficient of uniformity between rows and number of seed
drop were decrease with increase in seed rates as well as operational speeds. The average
ground wheel skid was 5.59, 6.79, 7.61 and 8.51 per cent at 4, 5, 6 and 7 km/h speeds of
operation of the plot seed drill covered more distance than the selected test run as per
manufacture’s calibration table where the percent variation in distance coverage was almost
equal to the ground wheel skid. Therefore, in order to obtain correct seed rate, the quantity
of seed determined for a particular distance had to be decreased in accordance with the
ground wheel skid.

Atul Kumar Shrivastava and Satyendra Jha (2011) conducted experiment on

modification and performance evaluation of tractor drawn improved till plant machine
under vertisol. They concluded that the result of the testing shows that the improved till
plant machine gave problem free and better performance than the other conventional
sowing treatments. The time required for completing the work by tractor drawn cultivator x
1 + Disc harrow x 1 + seed drill x 1 was 72.27 percent higher than tractor drawn zero till
seed cum-fertilizer drill, and 72.3 percent more than tractor drawn till plant machine. The
operation cost was found to be minimum in case of tractor drawn zero till seed cum-
fertilizer drill i.e. Rs. 1899 which is 28.86 percent less than tractor drawn cultivator x 1 +
Disc harrow x 1 + seed drill x 1 and almost equal to tractor drawn till plant machine. The
yield was obtained in case of treatment tractor drawn till plant machine i.e. 2.589 t/ha,
which is slightly more than tractor drawn cultivator x 1 + Disc harrow x 1 + seed drill x 1.
and tractor drawn till plant machine i.e. 25.61, 2.472 t/ ha respectively. Therefore, tractor
drawn till plant machineries recommended as the best treatment among others. Farmers can
perform seed bed preparation and sowing operations simultaneously and can conserve time,
fuel irrigation and manpower with a reduction in the cost of operation, by using the tractor
drawn improved till plant machine. In a double cropped situation due to late harvesting of
the paddy, the wheat is generally sown late as the field conditions do not permit
conventional tillage and sowing. In some cases direct drilling has special significance for
timely planting of wheat for better establishment growth and yield.

7
2.2. Economics of operation of seed drills with different seed metering
mechanisms

Munir Ahmad et al. (1994) conducted experiment on development and adaption of

no-till technology for sowing wheat. They concluded that direct drilling of wheat in rice
stubble has great potential in rice-wheat zone of Punjab, Pakistan. This technique is
equivalent to conventional practices in regard to wheat yield when the crop is sown at the
same time, and economical in terms of resource use. This technique allows the sowing of
wheat about 24 days earlier (time required for conventional tillage operation),which results
in higher yield 24 percent as compared tillage conventional practices. The low-cost drill
designed and developed at the field machine indexis technically as well as economically
suitable to the local conditions of Pakistan. Its price is about Rs. 20,000 (US$800) as
compared to Rs. 1,50,000 (US$6,000) and Rs. 50,000 (US$2,000) for Aitchison and
DESCON drill, respectively. It is lighter in weight and can be easily operated with
commonly available 34 kW (45hp) tractor. A farmer can achieve benefit of Rs. 2, 500/ha
(US$100/ha) by using the no-till technology, and if 60 per cent of wheat in paddy-wheat
zone of Punjab would be sown by direct drilling. About 38.6 million l of diesel fuel, worth
Rs. 231.6 million can be saved annually.

Tahir Wahid et al. (2003) conducted experiment on scope of zero till seed cum
fertilizer drill in dry land wheat crop production in Kashmir valley. They concluded that
there was significant difference in the bulk density under zero tillage and conventional
tillage system. More depletion of soil moisture by the crop at harvesting stage was
observed in zero- tillage system in comparison to conventional tillage system. Better
germination and tillers were observed under zero tillage system due to proper moisture at
sowing time. The grain yield was found almost equal under both the system. The energy
requirement and cost of operation were 4.45 and 3.65 times lesser in zero tillage as
compared to conventional tillage system, respectively.

Vatsa and Sukhbir Singh (2010) conducted experiment on sowing methods with
different seed drills for mechanizing mountain farming. They concluded that the effective
field capacities were 0.039, 0.036, 0.120, 0.035, and 0.024 ha/h with field efficiency of
65.2, 63.3, 69.1, 65.1, and 57.4 with manual seed drill, manual multi crop planter, power
tiller multi crop planter, dropping seed behind hand plough and sowing behind animal
8
plough, respectively. The labour requirement was higher for hand plough and sowing
behind plough than that of seed drills. The cost of operation was 2-4 times lower by using
seed drills and planters. The yield of wheat was significantly higher than with seed drills
and planters compared to the traditional method. Due to more fatigue, it was suggested that
power operated equipment was better than manual operated method for sowing.

2.3. Modification of seed metering mechanisms suitable for ground nut,

red gram and Bengal gram

Bansal et al. (1989) conducted experiment on a roller-type positive-feed

mechanism for seed metering. They concluded that the performance of a roller-type
positive-feed mechanism was found to be satisfactory for metering wheat, barley, and lentil
seeds. In general, a linear relationship was found between the seeding rate and the gap
between the rollers; at wider gaps the seed delivery rate was proportionately higher. The
seeding rate can be controlled by varying either the gap between the rollers or the speed of
the seed drill shaft in relation to that of the ground wheels of the machine. Minimum gap
width (measured along the axis of the shaft) should be 6 mm for wheat and 9.5 mm for
barley for a satisfactory distribution of seeds. The roller-feed mechanism worked well for
lentil, even with 5 mm gap between the rollers. Increasing the gap between the rollers up to
18.5 mm and seed drill shaft to ground-wheel speed ratio from 0.81 to 1.69 had a positive
effect on lentil and wheat seeding ratesand the variability was not more than ±7 per cent at
any setting. However, for barley, the highest setting with 18.5 mm gap and 1.69 speed ratio
gave a highly variable seeding rate. Thus, for barley an 18.5 mm gap width with a 1.37
speed ratio or a 14 mm gap with a 1.69 speed ratio is considered to be the upper limits of
adjustment for the variability to be within ±12.5 per cent of the mean discharge. For all the
three crops the range of seeding rates obtainable with the roller-feed mechanism were so
large that a machine made on this principle could be set to recommended seeding rates
without using undesirable settings for the gap and the speed ratio. Seed damage did not
occur even at the smallest gap width of 5 mm for any of the three crops tested. There were
small variations in the quantities of seeds delivered at different spouts. However, none of
the five spouts gave a high or low seeding rate regularly. Thus, the differences in the
seeding rates from various spouts are considered to be due to the physical properties of the
seeds only. These differences were very small and for practical purposes may be of no

9
consequence to plant stand in the field. The roller-feed mechanism, used on a five row
animal-drawn seed drill, is simple in construction and was found to be effective in
operation. It is easy and cheap to make in small workshops in developing countries. The
roller feed mechanism therefore has potential application on low cost seed drills.

Afzal Tabassum and Abdul Shakoor Khan (1992) developed a test rig for
performance evaluation of seed metering devices. They concluded that a speed of 4.5 kmph
gave more uniform seed distribution for all crops except millet with universal seed wheel
metering unit. In the case of sponge metering unit, a speed of 3.7 kmph was found suitable
for wheat and paddy. A better seed distribution uniformity was found at a speed of 4.5
kmph for millet and rape/mustered. Inconsistent effect of speed was observed on
uniformity of seed distribution with both seed metering units.

Maleki et al. (2006) evaluated seed distribution uniformity of a multi-flight auger

as a graindrill metering device. The study intended to develop a multi-flight auger asa seed
metering device for grain- drills. The study focused on how to increase the uniformity of
seed placement by optimising the auger configuration. Design parameters were derived to
configure the auger groove depth and width, number of grooves or flights, auger outer
diameter and rotation speed. Twelve multi-flight auger configurations were designed and
evaluated for seed uniformity distribution at three travel speeds of 2.86, 4.78 and 6.61
kmph. A laboratory method for evaluating uniformity of seed distribution was used. The
uniformity of seed distribution was described using the coefficient of uniformity. The seed
discharge uniformity tended to increase with increasing auger outer diameter. However, by
increasing the diameter, the seed flow-rate increased so much that it went outside the wheat
seed sowing recommendation. The maximum auger diameter should not be greater than 70
mm. Increasing the depth and width of grooves increased the seed discharge uniformity.
With respect to the seed used in the experiments, the maximum value for depth and width
was 14 mm and resulted in the greater seed discharge uniformity. This value is
approximately two times of seed length. The number of auger grooves or flights is the
crucial auger characteristic to improve seed spacing uniformity. The larger coefficient of
uniformity values was found for augers with more flights. The maximum of seven auger
flights is recommended for higher seed discharge uniformity. The coefficient of uniformity
increased with increasing auger speed. Results showed that speed has ahigher impact on the
10
coefficient of uniformity foraugers with a lower number of grooves, compared to augers
with a higher number of grooves. The best seed discharge uniformity was observed for
augers which had higher flights. The maximum coefficient of uniformity was found for an
auger with seven flights at 30.8 min-1. The same result was found for the fluted roller at this
speed which is commonly available on commercial grain drills. The seed uniformity was
found to be generally equivalent to the fluted roller systems.

Anantachar et al. (2010) conducted experiment onneural network prediction of

performance parameters of an inclined plate seed-metering device and its reverse mapping
for the determination of optimumdesign and operational parameters. They concluded that
artificial neural network (ANN) models were developed for the predictionof the
performance parameters (seed rate, seed spacing and percent seed damage) of the inclined
plate seed metering device using forward speed of the planting equipment, peripheral speed
of the metering plate and area of the cells on the plate as input parameters. Three most
commonly used varieties of peanut seeds were used to collect the data on the performance
parameters under the laboratory conditions. Neural networks of configuration 3-4-2-3 for
variety 1, 3-3-3 for variety 2 and 3-4-3 for variety 3 were developed to model the
performance parameters of the inclined plate seed metering device. The ANN model had
lower mean absolute generalization error and mean percent deviation in prediction of each
individual performance parameter for each variety as compared that of statistical models.
The ANN models predicted the performance parameters of the metering device better than
that of the statistical models developed using regression analysis due to the ability of the
neural network model to fully capture the input–output relationship during training of the
network and its better generalization ability. The applications of neural network were
extended beyond their traditional roles of black box models by applying a modified back
propagation learning rule to the developed ANN models for synthesizing design and
operational parameters of the metering device from desired performanceparameters
(reverse mapping). The optimum values of the input parameters required to obtain the seed
rate of 33.33 number /m2, seed spacing of 100 mm and percent seed damage of 0.2 per cent
with 100 per cent fill of the cells were determined. The optimum peripheral speed ofthe
metering plate was found to be 0.237 m/s for variety 1 and 2 and 0.217 m/s for variety 3.
The optimum forward speed of the planting equipment and area of cells on the metering

11
plate had good correlation with size of seed. Linear regression equations were developed to
predict the optimum forward speed of the planting equipment and area of cells on the
metering plate using the size of seeds. The peripheral speed of metering plate of 0.237 ms-1
can be selected for the size of seeds in the range of 95.42–123.01 mm. The results can serve
the purpose of initial approximation in the selection of design and operational parameters
of the inclined plate seed metering device. But it needs to be verified under actual field
conditions.

12
 Chapter III

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The field and laboratory experiments were conducted to study the performance
evaluation of tractor drawn seed drills, modification of seed metering mechanisms suitable
for ground nut, red gram and Bengal gram and compare the economics of operation with
various seed drills at Agricultural Research Station of Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural
University, Anantapur during the year 2011-2012. The details of materials used,
experimental methodology and measurement techniques adopted during the course of
investigation are described in this chapter.

3.1 Experimental site

The experiment was conducted in the field number 18 of Agricultural Research

Station, Anantapur for ground nut and red gram crops and in Sri. T. Srinivasa Reddy’s field
at Pothu reddy palli village, Putlur mandal, Anantapur District, A.P for Bengal gram crop
during the kharif and rabi season of 2011-2012. The geographical co-ordinates of ARS are
14º41” N latitude and 77º40” E longitudes at an altitude of 350 m above mean sea level.

3.2 Soil and its characteristics

The soil of the experimental site for ground nut and red gram crop was red sandy
loam soil whereas for Bengal gram crop,it was black sandy loam soil. Random soil samples
from the experimental sites were collectedalong with the diagonal lines about 3 m inside
the boundary lines and composite soil sample was analyzed for important physical and
chemical properties (as per BIS code IS : 6288-1971). The values obtained along with the
methods employed for their estimation are summarized in Table 3.1.

13
Table 3.1. Physico-chemical properties of soil in experimental sites for ground nut,
red gram and Bengal gram

Sl. No. Particulars Valuesobtained Method adopted

ground Bengal
nut and gram
red
gram
I Practical analysis
a. Sand, % 68.0 71.3 International pipette method
b. Silt, % 14.5 3.3
c. Clay, % 17.5 25.4
II Chemical Properties
1 Soil pH 6.2 7.4 PH meter
-1
2 Electrical conductivity, dSm 0.1 0.41 Conductivity Bridge
3 Organic carbon, % 0.4 0.46 Wet oxidation method
-1
4 Available nitrogen, kg ha 95 280 Alkaline permanganate method

5 Available phosphorus (P2O5), kg ha-1 66 25.8 Olsen’s method

-1
6 Available potassium, kg ha 260 183.6 Flame Photometer

3.3 Climatic and weather conditions

The data on climatic parameters like maximum and minimum temperature, relative
humidity, rainfall and wind velocity during the period of experimentation as recorded from
meteorological observatory of Agricultural Research Station, Anantapur during 2011 for
ground nut, red gram and Bengal gram crops. The weekly mean meteorological data was
recorded for ground nut, red gram and Bengal gram during the crop growth period are
presented in Table A1, Table A2 and Table A3 in Appendix-A. The maximum temperature
of 34.9°C and minimum temperature of 22.4°C were observed for ground nut during the
crop period whereas the maximum temperature of 34.8°C and minimum temperature of
16.1°C were observed for both red gram and Bengal gram fields during the crop period.
The relative humidity varied from 71 per cent to 81 per cent at pm and 37 per cent to 57 per
cent at pm for ground nut fields whereas 76 per cent to 92 percent at am and 39 per cent to
64 per cent at pm for both red gram and Bengal gram fields during the crop period. There
were 15 rainy days with total rainfall of 177.2 mm during the entire crop period for ground
nut whereas there were 18 rainy days with total rainfall of 277.2 mm during the entire crop
14
period for both red gram and Bengal gram. The weekly mean meteorological data during
crop period is shown in Fig. 3.1, Fig. 3.2 and Fig. 3.3 for ground nut crop, Fig. 3.4, Fig. 3.5
and Fig. 3.6 for Bengal gram crop and Fig. 3.7, Fig. 3.8 and Fig. 3.9 for red gram crop.

3.3.1 For ground nut crop

The sowing date of ground nut crop was 18-06-2011 and harvesting date was 01-
10-2011. During this crop period the meteorological data are shown in following figures for
ground nut crop.

60
50
Rain fall, mm

40
30
20
10
0
4june-…
28May-…

11june-…

27Aug.-…

10Sep-…
6Aug-12Aug
9jul-15jul

24-30Sep.
30Jul.-5Aug.

01-07Oct.
18-24

16-22
23-29

13-19
20-26

17-23
3Sep-9Sep
2jul-8jul
25June-1Jul

Fig 3.1. Rain fall data during the crop period for ground nut

40
Temperature, °C

30
20
10
0
28May-…
4june-…
11june-…

30Jul.-…
6Aug-…

27Aug.-…

10Sep-…
18-24

16-22
23-29

13-19
20-26

17-23
3Sep-9Sep
25June-1Jul
2jul-8jul
9jul-15jul

24-30Sep.
01-07Oct.

Tmax, 0C Tmin, 0C Tmean, 0C

Fig 3.2. Temperature data during the crop period for ground nut crop

15
 150
100

Relative Humidity, %
50
0

28May-…
4june-…
11june-…

30Jul.-…
6Aug-…

27Aug.-…

10Sep-…

01-07Oct.
3Sep-9Sep
2jul-8jul
9jul-15jul
25June-1Jul

24-30Sep.
18-24

16-22
23-29

13-19
20-26

17-23
RH-I, % RH-II, %

Fig 3.3. Relative humidity data during the crop period for ground nut

3.3.2 For Bengal gram crop

The sowing date of Bengal gram crop was 24-07-2011 and harvesting date was 27-
11-2011. During this crop period the meteorological data are shown in following figures for
Bengal gram crop.

70
60
Rainfall, mm

50
40
30
20
10
0

Fig 3.4. Rainfall data during the crop period for Bengal gram`

40
Temperature, °C

30
20
10
0

Tmax, 0C Tmin, 0C Tmean, 0C

Fig 3.5. Temperature data during the crop period for Bengal gram

16
 200

Relative Humidity, %
150
100
50 RH-II, %
0 RH-I, %

Fig 3.6. Variation in relative humidity during the crop period for Bengal gram crop

3.3.3 For red gram crop

The sowing date of red gram crop was 26-07-2011 and harvesting date was 29-12-
2011. During this crop period the meteorological data are shown in following figures for
red gram crop.

70
60
Rainfall, mm

50
40
30
20
10
0

Fig 3.7. Rainfall data during the crop period for red gram

60
Temperature, °C

50
40
30
20
10
0
29Oct.-4Nov.
3Sep-9Sep
6Aug-12Aug

12Dec-18Dec
26Nov-02Dec
10Dec-16Dec
24-31Dec
25June-1Jul
9jul-15jul

01-07Oct.
23-29

20-26

17-23

15-21

Tmax, 0C Tmin, 0C Tmean, 0C

Fig 3.8. Temperature data during the crop period for red gram

17
 200
150

R H, %
100
50
0

RH-I, % RH-II, %

Fig 3.9. Relative humidity during the crop period for red gram

3.4 Experimental details

The laboratory and field experiments were conducted using five commercial tractor
drawn seed drills with different seed metering mechanisms suitable for dry land crops viz.,
ground nut and red gram at Agricultural Research Station of Acharya N.G. Ranga
Agricultural University, Anantapur, and Bengal gram at Pothureddy palli village, Putlur
mandal, Anantapur Dist, A.P. in Sri. T. Srinivasa Reddy’s field. The mechanisms of
existing seed drills with different seed metering mechanisms are shown in following figures
and the details of seed drills are given in Table 3.3.

Plate 3.1. Ananta planter with inclined plate seed metering mechanism

18
 1

Plate 3.2. Nandyala planter with horizontal plate seed metering mechanism

Plate 3.3. Kisan automatic planter with trough feed seed metering mechanism

Plate 3.4. Gujrat seed cum fertilizer drill with cup feed seed metering mechanism

19
Plate 3.5. Local seed cum fertilizer drill with manual dropping seed metering
mechanism

Table 3.2. Main features of five types of seed drills

SI.No. Name of No. of Row Effective Type of Overall

seed drill furrow spacing, m operating seed dimensions
openers width, m metering of seed drills
mechanism (lxbxh),cm
1. Ananta Inclined
8 0.30 2.4 255x97x110
planter plate
2. Nandyala Horizontal
8 0.30 2.4 255x97x128
planter plate
3. Kisan
automatic 8 0.30 2.4 Trough feed 255x98x157
planter
4. Gujrat seed
cum
8 0.30 2.4 Cup feed 243x107x130
fertilizer
drill
5. Local seed
cum Manual
8 0.30 2.4 255x92x161
fertilizer dropping
drill

3.4.1 Testing and modification of five types of seed drills in laboratory

The seed drills were calibrated in the laboratory at ARS, Anantapur as per BIS test
code IS 6316: 1993 for ground nut, red gram and Bengal gram. The existing seed metering
mechanisms were suitable for ground nut and Bengal gram which were not suitable for red
gram. The groove size of the seed metering mechanisms require less size for red gram as

20
compared with the groove size of the seed metering mechanisms for ground nut and Bengal
gram. The row spacing for ground nut, Bengal gram and red gram was 30 cm, 30 cm and
60 cm respectively. Hence some modifications of seed metering mechanisms were needed
to suite red gram. Already available existing seed metering mechanisms were modified for
red gram as per requirement. Seed metering mechanisms were not available for Nandyala
planter hence modification was not done for Nandyala planter.

3.4.2. Calibration test for seed drills (laboratory tests)

It was necessary to calibrate the seed drills before modification for ground nut and
Bengal gram and after modification for red gram to find desired seed rate. Calibration was
done to get the pre-determined seed rate of the machine. Seed drills were calibrated by the
following method.

i. The nominal width of coverage of the seed drill was measured by the following
formula.

Nd
=
100

Where,

W= Nominal width, m

N= Number of furrow openers

d= Distance between two adjacent furrow openers, cm

ii. Circumference of the driving wheel was measured by the following formula.

πD
=
100

Where,

L= Circumference of the driving wheel, m

D= Diameter of the driving wheel, cm

21
 iii. Area covered in one revolution of driving wheel was calculated by the following
formula.

A= WL

Where,

A= Area covered in one revolution of driving wheel, m2

L= Circumference of the driving wheel, m

W= Nominal width, m

iv. Number of revolutions to cover 1/25 ha area was calculated. This was calculated
dividing 400 m2 by area covered in one revolution of the driving wheel.
v. The driving wheel was made free to rotate by jack up the drill. A mark was put
on the driving wheel so that the revolutions may be counted easily. The bags or
containers placed under each boot or furrow opener. The seed hopper was filled
with selected seed for conducting the test and rate control setting was adjusted.
vi. The driving wheel was practiced to rotate for fixed number of rotations
calculated above, the weight of the seed was measured which was dropped in
the bags or containers under each furrow opener.
vii. Calculated the seed dropped in kg ha-1 and the data were recorded in data sheet.
viii. Above procedure was repeated till the required seed rate was obtained.

3.5. Field performance of five types of seed drills

The field experiment was carried out at ARS, Anantapur in field no. 18,for ground
nut and red gram whereas for Bengal gram at Pothureddy palli village, Putlur mandal,
Anantapur Dist, A.P. in T. Srinivasa Reddy’s field. A field extent of 3000 m2 area was
selected for ground nut crop and it was divided into five plots of 600 m2, a field extent of
720 m2 area was selected for red gram crop and it was divided into five plots of 144 m2 and
a field extent of 720 m2 area was selected for Bengal gram crop and it was divided into five
plots of 144 m2 for five seed drills.

22
3.5.1 Experimental technique

After completion of calibration test of five seed drills, the field experiment was
conducted. To evaluate the performance of the five seed drills, the following parameters
have been considered.

A) Soil parameters
a. Moisture content of the soil
b. Bulk density of soil
B) Machine and operational parameters
a. Operating time for each operation
b. Speed of the operation
c. Effective field capacity
d. Field efficiency
e. Field machine index
f. Fuel consumption
C) Sowing parameters
a. Seed rate
b. Depth of sowing
c. Seed to seed spacing
D) Crop parameters
a. Average plant population
b. Plant height
c. Number of pods per plant
d. Pod/seed yield
e. Halum/stalk yield
f. Harvest index

23
3.5.2 Measurement of all parameters

3.5.2.1 Soil parameters

1) Moisture content of the soil

To determine the moisture content, soil samples were taken up to the full depth of
core sampler i.e. 115 mm and weighed. The soil samples were kept in an oven for 24 h at
1050 C. After this, the weight of the oven dried samples was taken and moisture content
(d.b.) was calculated by using the following equation.

MC = x 100

Where, MC = Moisture content, per cent on dry basis

w1 = Weight of the wet sample, g

w2 = Weight of the oven dried sample, g

2) Bulk density of soil

Bulk density of a soil is defined as mass per unit volume. Soil samples were
collected randomly from each location of experimental plot with a core sampler. A
number of soil samples were taken from the field. Weight of each sample was
measured by using electronic balance and approximately 100 g soil from each
sample was taken, weighed and kept in an oven at constant temperature of 105 0C
for 24 h and weight of the oven dried sample was taken. The bulk density of each
sample was calculated by using the following relationship.

,
Bulk density, g/cc=
,

24
3.5.2.2 Machine and operational parameters

1) Operating time for each operation

To determine operating time, time was noted at starting and ending point of sowing
by using stop watch, so that actual time required for sowing by seed drills was computed in
terms of h/ha. The time required for one turn of seed drill and time consumed for
adjustments were also noted to compute time loss in operation.

2) Speed of operation

To determine the speed of operation, mark the length of 25 m and the drill was
operated in the marked run length. A stop watch was used to record the time for the drill to
traverse the marked run so that the speed of travel was computed in m s-1.

3) Effective field capacity

Effective field capacity was measured by the actual area covered by the implement,
based on its total time consumed and its width. Effective field capacity was determined by
the following relationship.

,
Effective field capacity, ha h-1 = ,

4) Field efficiency

Field efficiency is the ratio of effective field capacity to theoretical field capacity. It
was determined by the following formula

, ( / )
Field efficiency, % = x 100
, ( / )

Theoretical field capacity is the rate of field coverage of the implement, based on
100 per cent of time at the rated speed and covering 100 per cent of its rated width.

The theoretical field capacity was determined using the following relationship

( ) ( / )
Theoretical field capacity, ha h-1 =

25
5) Field machine index

It indicates the influence of field geometry on working capacity of a machine. Field

machine index was worked out by the following formula.

T
p
FMI = x 100
T T
p t

Where,
FMI= Field machine index, %

Tp= Total productive time, min

Tt= Turning time loss, min

6) Fuel consumption

The fuel consumption has direct effect on economics of the machine. The fuel
consumption was measured by top fill method. The fuel tank of the tractor was filled at its
full capacity. The tractor along with seed drill was run in the test plot at constant speed.
After completion of the test operation, the fuel was refilled in the tank up to the top level.
The quantity of refilled fuel was measured by measuring cylinder. This observation was
used for computation of fuel consumption in l h-1 and l ha-1.

3.5.3.3 Sowing parameters

1) Seed rate

The seed rate was determined by taking the weight of seed before and after sowing
operation. Then subtracted the final weight of seed from initial weight of seed so that the
seed rate was obtained and the results were expressed in terms of kg ha-1.

2) Depth of sowing

Depth of sowing of seeds was determined with the help of steel scale of 0.3m.
Twenty random observations were taken for each plot and their mean was calculated to
represent the depth of sowing.

26
3) Seed to seed spacing

Seed to seed spacing was measured by a steel scale of 0.30 m length after sowing.
The soil was removed carefully without disturbing the seeds at minimum five random
places in 10 row and the mean was determined to represent seed to seed spacing.

3.5.2.4 Crop parameters

1) Average plant population

The average plant population was determined by count the number of plants per
square metre at five random places and the mean value was determined to represent the
average plant population.

2) Plant height

Plant height was measured from the base of stem to the tip of the top most leaf at
five randomly selected areas. The plant height was recorded at different intervals viz.,
vegetative stage, flowering stage, podding stage, maturity stage and harvesting stage.The
mean plant height was calculated and expressed in cm.

3) Number of pods per plant

The pods from five randomly selected plants were separated and total pods was
counted and average number of pods per plant was recorded.

4) Pod/seed yield

Pod/seed yield was determined from 1 m2 area. Five random observations were
taken from each field and thoroughly dried under sun. After completion of sun drying, the
pods are separated from plants and the weight of podsfor ground nut, weight of seeds for
Bengal gram and weight of seeds for red gram were recorded and the conserved to kg ha-1.

5) Halum/stalk yield

The halum/stalk yield was determined from 1 m2 area. Five observations were taken
from each plot was sun dried thoroughly. After sun drying the halum weights for ground
nut and Bengal gram were recorded and stalk weight for red gram was recorded
andexpressed in kg ha-1.

27
6) Harvest index

Harvest index is the ratio of pod yield to the total biological yield (pod + halum)
and expressed in percentage by using the formula, given below:

Pod yield (kg ha-1)

Harvest index,% =____________________________________ × 100
Pod yield (kg ha-1) + halum yield (kg ha-1)
3.5.3. Cost analysis

The total cost of operation of the seed drill in Rs. /h was estimated by considering
the fixed cost and operational cost of the machine by making following assumptions. The
cost of operation was based on the prevailing market rates during the season and location.

3.5.3.1 Fixed cost

Fixed cost includes depreciation, interest, housing, insurance and taxes.

3.5.3.2 Depreciation

It is the loss of value a machine with the passing of time.

CS
D=
LH

Where,

C = Capital cost

D = Depreciation, Rs. /h

S = Salvage value, 10 per cent of capital

H = Number of working hours per year, and

L = Life of machine, year

3.5.3.3 Interest

Interest was calculated on the average investment of the machine taking into
consideration the value of in first and last year.

28
 CS i
I= x
2 H

Where,
I = interest per year
i= interest rate per year, per cent
C = Capital cost

3.5.3.4 Housing, insurance and taxes

Housing, insurance and taxes for the seed drills, each one was taken as the 1 per
cent of the initial investment of the seed drill.

3.5.3.4 Operating cost

Operating cost includes fuel cost, lubricants, repairs, maintenance, and other costs.

3.5.3.6 Fuel cost

Fuel cost was calculated on the basis of actual fuel consumption of the machine.

3.5.3.7 Repairs and maintenance

Cost of repairs and maintenance was taken as 5 per cent of the initial investment of
the machine.

3.5.3.8 Other costs

It includes wages for operator, labour cost based on the prevailing market rates per
day of 8 hours.

29
 Chapter IV

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The performance of tractor drawn seed drills viz., Ananta planter, Nandyala planter,
kisan automatic planter, Gujrat seed cum fertilizer drill and local seed drill with their seed
metering mechanisms viz., inclined plate seed metering mechanism, horizontal plate seed
metering mechanism, trough feed seed metering mechanism, cup feed seed metering
mechanism and manually dropping seed metering mechanism respectively were tested in
laboratory as well as in the field at Agricultural Research Station (ARS) of Acharya N.G.
Ranga Agricultural university, Anantapur during the year 2011-2012. The results obtained
during the research study such as soil physical properties, calibration of seed drills in
laboratory, modification of seed drills suitable for red gram, field experiments of five types
of seed drills with three types of seeds viz., ground nut (K-6 variety), red gram (LRG-41
variety) and Bengal gram (JG-11 variety) and cost analysis were presented in this chapter.

4.1 Testing of seed drills in laboratory

Laboratory test was performed on seed drills with three types of seeds viz., ground
nut (K-6 variety), red gram (LRG-41 variety) and Bengal gram (JG-11 variety). From the
laboratory test following results were obtained. The calibration tests conducted for
planters/seed drills were given in Table 4.1.
Table 4.1. Observations with seed drills
Planters/seed cum fertilizer drills
Sl. No. Observation
Ananta Nandyala Kisan Gujrat Local
1 Number of furrow openers for ground nut and Bengal 8 8 8 8 8
gram
2 Number of furrow openers for red gram 4 4 4 4 4
3 Spacing between two adjacent furrow openers for 30 30 30 30 30
ground nut and Bengal gram, cm
4 Spacing between two adjacent furrow openers for red 60 60 60 60 60
gram, cm
5 Effective working width, m 2.4 2.4 2.4 2.4 2.4
6 Diameter of the driving wheel, cm 41.5 41.5 41.5 39 -
7 Circumference of the driving wheel, m 1.3037 1.3037 1.3037 1.2252 -
2
8 Area covered in one revolution of the driving wheel, m 3.129 3.129 3.129 2.94 -
th
9 Number of revolutions required to cover 1/25 ha 128 128 128 136 -

30
4.2 Laboratory calibration test data for seeds with various seed drills

4.2.1 For ground nut

Seed rates for the ground nut seed observed were 100.45 kg ha-1, 109.15 kg ha-1,
121.45 kg ha-1 and 125.72 kg ha-1, for the tractor drawn seed drills viz., Ananta planter,
Nandyala planter, Kisan automatic planter and Gujrat seed cum fertilizer drill respectively
in the calibration test. The recommended seed rate for ground nut was 100-130 kg ha-1. The
calibrated values were just approaching to the recommended value. Therefore these values
of seed drills were recommended for ground nut crop. The results obtained for ground nut
seed by calibration test for seed drills are presented in Table 4.2.

Table 4.2. Observations with ground nut seed in calibration test

Weight of
Weight of seed collected from each furrow opener, kg
seed Average
Type of Seed
Test collected seed
seed rate, kg
no. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. from all rate, kg
drill ha-1
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 furrow ha-1
openers, kg
1 0.42 0.52 0.49 0.48 0.47 0.69 0.49 0.56 4.12 103.9
Ananta
2 0.43 0.49 0.47 0.48 0.40 0.69 0.44 0.53 3.95 98.75 100.45
planter
3 0.45 0.49 0.48 0.43 0.41 0.66 0.46 0.54 3.95 98.72

1 0.45 0.54 0.52 0.51 0.50 0.71 0.51 0.59 4.36 109
Nandyala
2 0.46 0.55 0.51 0.52 0.51 0.71 0.52 0.58 4.39 109.7 109.15
planter
3 0.45 0.55 0.51 0.50 0.5 0.72 0.52 0.59 4.35 108.8

1 0.56 0.59 0.61 0.60 0.61 0.61 0.62 0.62 4.83 120.8
Kisan
automati 2 0.58 0.60 0.60 0.60 0.61 0.60 0.62 0.62 4.87 121.7 121.45
c planter
3 0.57 0.61 0.60 0.61 0.61 0.62 0.61 0.62 4.87 121.8

1 0.62 0.63 0.61 0.64 0.62 0.62 0.63 0.63 5.02 125.6
Gujrat
seed cum
2 0.62 0.63 0.61 0.63 0.62 0.62 0.63 0.62 5.02 125.8 125.72
fertilizer
drill
3 0.63 0.63 0.60 0.64 0.61 0.62 0.63 0.63 5.03 125.8

31
4.2.2 For Bengal gram

Seed rates for the Bengal gram seed observed were 63.23 kg ha-1, 67.65 kg ha-1,
72.13 kg ha-1 and 74.55 kg ha-1 for the tractor drawn seed drills viz., Ananta planter,
Nandyala planter, Kisan automatic planter and Gujrat seed cum fertilizer drill respectively
in the calibration test. The recommended seed rate for Bengal gram was 60-80 kg ha-1. The
calibrated values were just approaching to the recommended value. Therefore these values
of seed drills were recommended for Bengal gram crop. The results obtained for Bengal
gram seed by calibration test for seed drills are presented in Table 4.3.

Table 4.3. Observations with Bengal gram in calibration test

Weight of seed from each furrow opener, kg Weight of seed Average

Seed
Type of Test collected from seed
No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. rate, kg
seed drill no. all furrow rate kg
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 ha-1
openers, kg ha-1
1 0.32 0.31 0.31 0.30 0.32 0.31 0.31 0.32 2.52 63.07
Ananta
2 0.31 0.32 0.31 0.31 0.32 0.31 0.32 0.31 2.54 63.47 63.23
planter
3 0.32 0.32 0.31 0.30 0.31 0.31 0.31 0.31 2.53 63.17
1 0.34 0.33 0.34 0.34 0.32 0.34 0.33 0.34 2.71 67.74
Nandyala
2 0.33 0.34 0.34 0.33 0.33 0.34 0.34 0.34 2.72 68.11 67.65
planter
3 0.34 0.33 0.34 0.33 0.32 0.34 0.33 0.34 2.71 67.71
1 0.35 0.36 0.36 0.35 0.36 0.36 0.37 0.35 2.88 72.13
Kisan
automatic 2 0.35 0.36 0.36 0.36 0.36 0.35 0.36 0.35 2.88 71.98 72.13
planter
3 0.35 0.36 0.36 0.35 0.36 0.36 0.36 0.35 2.89 72.28
Gujrat 1 0.37 0.36 0.37 0.37 0.36 0.37 0.38 0.36 2.98 74.64
seed cum
2 0.37 0.37 0.37 0.38 0.36 0.36 0.37 0.37 2.97 74.47 74.55
fertilizer
drill 3 0.37 0.36 0.37 0.38 0.36 0.37 0.38 0.36 2.98 74.54

Calibration test for various seed drills are shown in Plates 4.1-4.6.

32
Plate 4.1. Calibration test for Ananta planter

Plate 4.2. Calibration test for Nandyala planter

33
Plate 4.3. Calibration test for Kisan automatic planter

Plate 4.4. Calibration test for Gujrat seed cum fertilizer drill

34
Plate 4.5. Calibration test for Gujrat seed cum fertilizer drill for Bengal gram

Plate 4.6. Ground nut seed falling in each furrow opener in Kisan automatic planter

35
4.3 Modification of seed drills by change the existing seed metering mechanisms
suitable for red gram
The existing seed metering mechanisms were suitable for ground nut and Bengal
gram which were not suitable for red gram.Hence some modificationsin seed metering
mechanisms were done to suite red gram. Already available existing seed metering
mechanisms were modified for red gram as per requirement and the row spacing for red
gram was changed to 60 cm. Seed metering mechanisms were not available for Nandyala
planter hence seed metering mechanism modification was not done for Nandyala planter.
Only the row spacing was changed to 60 cm. After the modification of seed drills the
calibration test was conducted for red gram. From the calibration test the following results
were obtained for red gram. Seed rates for the red gram seed observed was 32.28 kg ha -1,
110.89 kg ha-1, 33.12 kg ha-1 and 36.60 kg ha-1 for the tractor drawn seed drills viz., Ananta
planter, Nandyala planter, Kisan automatic planter and Gujrat seed cum fertilizer drill
respectively in the calibration test. The recommended seed rate for red gram was 30-40 kg
ha-1. The calibrated values were just approaching to the recommended value for all seed
drills except Nandyala planter. Therefore these values of seed drills were recommended for
red gram crop. The results obtained for red gram seed by calibration test for seed drills are
presented in Table 4.4.
Table 4.4. Calibration of seed drills for red gram

Weight of seed collected from each

Type of furrow opener, kg Weight of seed Average
Seed rate,
seed Test no. collected from all seed rate,
kg ha-1
drill No.1 No.2 No.3 No.4 furrow opener, kg kg ha-1

1 0.320 0.314 0.328 0.331 1.293 32.28

Ananta
2 0.324 0.312 0.323 0.334 1.293 32.28 32.28
planter
3 0.329 0.319 0.318 0.328 1.294 32.30
1 1.151 1.095 1.034 1.164 4.444 110.96
Nandyala
2 1.162 1.102 1.032 1.155 4.451 111.13 110.89
planter
3 1.148 1.087 1.035 1.159 4.429 110.58
1 0.332 0.341 0.329 0.325 1.327 33.13
Kisan
automati 2 0.330 0.338 0.332 0.323 1.323 33.03 33.12
c planter
3 0.336 0.342 0.324 0.328 1.33 33.20
Gujrat 1 0.360 0.376 0.357 0.360 1.453 36.33
seed cum
2 0.366 0.381 0.360 0.363 1.47 36.76 36.6
fertilizer
drill 3 0.631 0.385 0.356 0.363 1.468 36.71

36
Plate 4.7. Modified seed metering mechanism in Ananta planterto suite red gram

Plate 4.8. Modified seed metering mechanism in Kisan automatic planterto suite red
gram

37
Plate 4.9. Existing seed metering mechanism suitable for red gram in Gujrat seed cum
fertilizer drill

Plate 4.10. Seed metering mechanism suitable for ground nut, Bengal gram and red
gram by manual dropping method for local seed cum fertilizer drill

38
Plate 4.11. Calibration test for modified Gujrat seed cum fertilizer drill for red gram

Plate 4.12. Measurement of seed collected from each furrow opener with electric
balance

39
4.4 Field performance of five types of seed drills

For timely sowing and precision in dry land agriculture and to remove the problems
in operation of seed drills in dry land, the performance of tractor drawn seed drills with
different seed metering mechanisms were evaluated at ARS, Anantapur. After the
laboratory test, the seed drills were tested in the field.

4.4.1 Soil parameters

Soil parameters which include bulk density and moisture content of the soil were
determined.

4.4.1.1 Bulk density

The bulk density of the soil at the time of sowing was observed as 1.47 g/cc, in
ground nut plot, 1.44 g/cc in red gram plot and 1.42 g/cc in Bengal gram plot.

4.4.1.2 Moisture content of the soil

The moisture content of the soil at the time of sowing was observed as 21.22 per
cent (d.b) in ground nut plot, 21.35 per cent in red gram plot and 26.3 per cent in Bengal
gram plot.

4.4.2 Machine and operational parameters

The field evaluation parameters which include total time required for operation,
speed of operation, effective field capacity, theoretical field capacity, field efficiency, time
loss for turning and adjustments, field machine index and fuel consumption were measured
to assess the performance of seed drills.

40
4.4.2.1 For ground nut

The highest field capacity was found to be 0.54 ha h-1 for Ananta planter with field
efficiency of 71.9 per cent at an average speed of 3.17 kmph followed by 0.54 ha h-1, 0.47
ha h-1and 0.45 ha h-1with an field efficiency of 71.27 per cent, 70.07 per cent and 70.08 per
cent at an average speed of 2.95 kmph, 2.79 kmph and 2.71 kmph for Nandyala planter,
Gujrat seed cum fertilizer drill and Kisan automatic planter respectively. The lowest field
capacity was found to be 0.43 ha h-1 for local seed cum fertilizer drill with field efficiency
of 69.17 per cent at an average speed of 2.62 kmph. The work performance of the selected
seed drills were measured by the time required to sow in a given area. The total sowing
time in the field included productive time and non-productive times. The later was
comprised of time spent in turning along head-lands and adjustment activities. The lowest
operating time for sowing was found to be 0.1095 h for Ananta planter and highest
operating time for sowing was found to be 0.1379 h for local seed cum fertilizer drill. The
results obtained for ground nut seed in the field are presented in Table 4.5.
Table 4.5. Machine and operational parameters of seed drills for ground nut

Gujrat seed Local seed

Kisan
Ananta Nandyala cum cum
Sl.No. Parameters automatic
planter planter fertilizer fertilizer
planter
drill drill
1 Plot area, m2 600 600 600 600 600

2 Speed of operation, kmph 3.17 2.95 2.71 2.79 2.62

Effective field capacity, ha
3 0.54 0.54 0.45 0.47 0.43
h-1
Theoritical field capacity, ha
4 0.76 0.70 0.65 0.67 0.62
h-1
5 Field efficiency,% 71.90 71.27 70.08 70.07 69.17
Actual operating time for
6 0.1095 0.1189 0.1315 0.1276 0.1379
test plot, h
Time lost for turnings and
7 35 41 47 49 55
adjustments, s
8 Field machine index, % 91.12 90.42 90.07 89.33 88.92
-1
9 Fuel consumption, l h 4.405 4.440 3.990 4.200 3.820
10 Fuel consumption, l ha-1 8.04 8.80 8.75 8.95 8.80

41
 72.5
72
71.5

Field efficiency, %
71
70.5
70
69.5
69
68.5
68
67.5
Ananta Nandyala Kisan Gujrat seed Local seed
planter planter automatic cum fertilizer cum fertilizer
planter drill drill

Fig 4.1. Field efficiency of seed drills for Ground nut

91.5
91
Field machine index, %

90.5
90
89.5
89
88.5
88
87.5
Ananta Nandyala Kisan Gujrat seed Local seed
planter planter automatic cum fertilizer cum fertilizer
planter drill drill

Fig 4.2. Field machine index of seed drills for ground nut

4.4.2.2 For Bengal gram

The highest field capacity was found to be 0.47 ha h-1 for Ananta planter with field
efficiency of 66.75 per cent at an average speed of 2.97 kmph followed by 0.45 ha h-1, 0.42
ha h-1and 0.41 ha h-1 with an field efficiency of 65.53 per cent, 65.98 per cent and 63.44 per
cent at an average speed of 2.88 kmph, 2.66 kmph and 2.73 kmph for Nandyala planter,

42
Kisan automatic planterand Local seed cum fertilizer drill respectively. The lowest field
capacity was found to be 0.37 ha h-1 for Gujrat seed cum fertilizer drill with field efficiency
of 64.11 per cent at an average speed of 2.46 kmph. The work performance of the selected
seed drills were measured by the time required to sow in a given area. The lowest operating
time for sowing of Bengal gram was found to be 0.0302 h for Ananta planter and highest
operating time for sowing was found to be 0.038 h for Gujrat seed cum fertilizer drill. The
results obtained for Bengal gram seed in the field are presented in Table 4.6 and variation
of field efficiency and field machine index are shown in Fig 4.3 and 4.4.

Table 4.6. Machine and operational parameters of seed drills for Bengal gram

Sl. No. Parameters Ananta Nandyala Kisan Gujrat Local

planter planter automatic seed cum seed cum
planter fertilizer fertilizer
drill drill
1 Plot area, m2 144 144 144 144 144
2 Speed of 2.97 2.88 2.66 2.46 2.734
operation, kmph
3 Effective field 0.47 0.45 0.42 0.37 0.41
capacity, ha h-1
4 Theoritical field 0.71 0.71 0.64 0.59 0.65
capacity, ha h-1
5 Field efficiency, % 66.78 65.53 65.98 64.11 63.44
6 Actual operating 0.0302 0.0318 0.0341 0.038 0.0346
time for test plot, h
7 Time lost for 10 12 13 16 19
turnings and
adjustments, s
8 Field machine 91.57 90.51 90.42 89.52 86.76
index, %
9 Fuel consumption, 4.26 4.07 3.83 3.448 3.66
l h-1
10 Fuel consumption, 8.94 8.99 9.08 9.10 9.25
l ha-1

43
 68

67

66
Field efficiency, %
65

64

63

62

61
Ananta Nandyala Kisan Gujrat seed Local seed
planter planter automatic cum fertilizer cum fertilizer
planter drill drill

Fig 4.3. Field efficiency of seed drills for Bengal gram

92

91
Field machine index, %

90

89

88

87

86

85

84
Ananta Nandyala Kisan Gujrat seed Local seed
planter planter automatic cum fertilizer cum fertilizer
planter drill drill

Fig 4.4. Field machine index of seed drills for Bengal gram

44
4.4.2.3 For red gram

The highest field capacity was found to be 0.54 ha h-1 for Ananta planter with field
efficiency of 74.15 per cent at an average speed of 3.04 kmph followed by 0.5 ha h-1, 0.43
ha h-1and 0.39 ha h-1 with an field efficiency of 72.59 per cent, 71.81 per cent and 68.3 per
cent at an average speed of 2.9 kmph, 2.76 kmph and 2.4 kmph for Kisan automatic
planter, Nandyala planter and local seed cum fertilizer drill respectively. The lowest field
capacity was found to be 0.38 ha h-1 for Gujrat seed cum fertilizer drill with field efficiency
of 70.83 per cent at an average speed of 2.9 kmph. The work performance of the selected
seed drills were measured by the time required to sow in a given area. The lowest operating
time for sowing of red gram was found to be 0.0266 h for Ananta planter and highest
operating time for sowing was found to be 0.0385 h for Kisan automatic planter. The
results obtained for red gram seed in the field are presented in Table 4.7 and variation of
field efficiency and field machine index are shown in Fig. 4.5 and 4.6.

Table 4.7. Machine and operational parameters of seed drills for red gram

Gujrat
Local seed
Kisan seed
Ananta Nandyala cum
Sl. No. Parameters automatic cum
planter planter fertilizer
planter fertilizer
drill
drill

1 Plot area, m2 144 144 144 144 144

2 Speed of operation,
3.04 2.76 2.9 2.9 2.4
kmph
3 Effective field capacity,
0.54 0.43 0.50 0.38 0.39
ha h-1
4 Theoritical field
0.73 0.6 0.69 0.54 0.57
capacity, ha h-1
5 Field efficiency, % 74.15 71.81 72.59 70.83 68.3
6 Actual operating time for
0.0266 0.0332 0.0385 0.0373 0.0366
test plot, h
7 Time lost for turnings
8 12 11 13 13
and adjustments, s
8 Field machine index, % 91.64 90.87 90.31 91.17 91.01
9 Fuel consumption, l h -1
4.46 3.78 4.45 3.43 3.58
10 Fuel consumption, l ha -1
8.25 8.73 8.82 8.89 9.1

45
 75
74
73

Field efficiency, %
72
71
70
69
68
67
66
65
Ananta Nandyala Kisan Gujrat seed Local seed
planter planter automatic cum fertilizer cum fertilizer
planter drill drill

Fig 4.5. Field efficiency of seed drills for red gram

92

91.5
Field machine index, %

91

90.5

90

89.5
Ananta Nandyala Kisan Gujrat seed Local seed
planter planter automatic cum fertilizer cum fertilizer
planter drill drill

Fig 4.6. Field machine index of seed drills for red gram

The sowing operations with all five seed drills are shown in Plates 4.13-4.18.

46
Plate 4.13. Sowing operation by Ananta planter

Plate 4.14. Sowing operation by Nandyala planter

47
Plate 4.15. Sowing operation by Kisan automatic planter

Plate 4.16. Sowing operation by Gujrat seed cum fertilizer drill

48
Plate 4.17. Sowing operation by manual dropping with local seed drill

Plate 4.18. Sowing operation by manual dropping with local seed drill for Bengal
gram and red gram

49
4.4.3 Sowing parameters of seed drills

The sowing parameters included seed rate, depth of sowing and seed to seed
spacing were measured and noted to assess the performance of seed drills.

4.4.3.1 For ground nut

The recommended seed rate, average depth of sowing and average seed to seed
spacing for ground nut crop was 100-130 kg ha-1, 3-5 cm and 5-10 respectively. The lowest
seed rate obtained in the field for ground nut was observed as 102.45 kg ha -1with an
average seed spacing of 9.8 cm for Ananta planter whereas highest seed rate obtained was
found to be 130.72 kg ha-1with an average seed spacing of 7.43 cm for local seed cum
fertilizer drill. The seed rates obtained in the field were almost within the range of
recommended seed rate for ground nut. The highest average depth of sowing was obtained
as 7.7 cm for Ananta planter and lowest depth of sowing was obtained as 5.9 cm for Kisan
automatic planter. The results are presented in Table 4.8 and variation of seed rates of seed
drills are shown in Fig 4.7.

Table 4.8. Sowing parameters of seed drills for ground nut

Seed rate Average

Average seed to
Sl.No. Name of seed drill obtained, depth of
seed spacing, cm
kg ha-1 sowing, cm
1 Ananta planter 102.45 7.7 9.8
2 Nandyala planter 109.92 7.3 8.4
3 Kisan automatic planter 123.55 5.9 9.5
4 Gujrat seed cum fertilizer drill 126.45 6.0 9.0
5 Local seed cum fertilizer drill 130.72 7.5 7.43

50
 140

Seed rate obtained, kg ha-1

120

100

80

60

40

20

0
Ananta Nandyala Kisan Gujrat seed Local seed
planter planter automatic cum fertilizer cum fertilizer
planter drill drill

Fig 4.7. Seed rates of various seed drills for ground nut

4.4.3.2 For Bengal gram

The recommended seed rate and average depth of sowing for Bengal gram crop was
60-80 kg ha-1 and 8-10 cm respectively. The lowest seed rate obtained in the field for
Bengal gram was observed as 64.37 kg ha -1with an average seed spacing of 7.16 cm for
Ananta planter whereas highest seed rate obtained was found to be 79.15 kg ha-1with an
average seed spacing of 9.33 cm for local seed cum fertilizer drill. The seed rates obtained
in the field were almost within the range of recommended seed rate for Bengal gram. The
highest average depth of sowing was obtained as 8 cm for local seed cum fertilizer drill and
lowest depth of sowing was obtained as 4.6 cm for Gujrat seed cum fertilizer drill. The
results are presented in Table 4.9 and variation of seed rates of seed drills are shown in Fig
4.8.

51
Table 4.9. Sowing parameters of seed drills for Bengal gram

Seed rate
Average depth Average seed to
Sl. No. Name of seed drill obtained,
of sowing, cm seed spacing, cm
kg ha-1
1 Ananta planter 64.37 7.33 7.16
2 Nandyala planter 69.14 7.66 8.4
3 Kisan automatic planter 73.72 4.6 8.0
Gujrat seed cum fertilizer
4 76.45 7.16 10.33
drill
Local seed cum fertilizer
5 79.15 8.0 9.33
drill

90
80
Seed rate obtained, kg ha-1

70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Ananta Nandyala Kisan Gujrat seed Local seed
planter planter automatic cum fertilizer cum fertilizer
planter drill drill

Fig 4.8. Seed rates of various seed drills for Bengal gram

4.4.3.3 For red gram

The recommended seed rate, average depth of sowing and average seed to seed
spacing for red gram crop was 30-40 kg ha-1, 3-4 cm and 10-20 respectively. The lowest
seed rate obtained in the field for red gram was observed as 34.65 kg ha-1with an average
seed spacing of 7.53 cm for Ananta planter whereas highest seed rate obtained was found to
be 113.04 kg ha-1 with an average seed spacing of 3.73 cm for Nandyala planter. The seed
rates obtained in the field were almost within the range of recommended seed rate for

52
Bengal gram for all seed drills except Nandyala planter because the larger grooves of seed
metering mechanism which was not suitable for sowing of red gram crop. The highest
average depth of sowing was obtained as 7.93 cm for Ananta planter and lowest depth of
sowing was obtained as 7 cm for Nandyala planter. The results are presented in Table 4.10
and variation of seed rates of seed drills are shown in Fig 4.9.

Table 4.10. Sowing parameters of seed drills for red gram

Average Average
Seed rate
Sl. No. Name of seed drill depth of seed to seed
obtained, kg ha-1
sowing, cm spacing, cm
1 Ananta planter 34.65 7.93 7.53
2 Nandyala planter 113.04 7 3.73
3 Kisan automatic planter 36.23 7.8 10.1
4 Gujrat seed cum fertilizer drill 38.13 7.16 8.5
5 Local seed cum fertilizer drill 40.31 7.26 8.3

120
Seed rate obtained, kg ha-1

100

80

60

40

20

0
Ananta Nandyala Kisan Gujrat seed Local seed
planter planter automatic cum fertilizer cum fertilizer
planter drill drill

Fig 4.9. Seed rates of various seed drills for red gram

53
4.4.4 Crop parameters

The crop parameters includedaverage plant population per m2, plant height, number
of pods per plant, pod/seed yield, halum/stalk yield and harvest index were measured and
noted to assess the performance of seed drills.

4.4.4.1 Average plant population

The numbers of plants per m2 at five random places were counted and the mean
value was determined to represent the average plant population. The values obtained in the
field for various crops are presented in Table 4.11, Table 4.12 and Table 4.13.

(a) For ground nut

The highest plant population for ground crop was found to be 40.47 with
local seed cum fertilizer drill whereas the lowest plant population was found to be
32.32 with Ananta planter. The results were presented in Table 4.11.

Table 4.11. Average plant population of ground nut

Average plant population per

Sl. No. Name of seed drill
m2
1 Ananta planter 32.32
2 Nandyala planter 36.29
3 Kisan automatic planter 34.74
4 Gujrat seed cum fertilizer drill 37.89
5 Local seed cum fertilizer drill 40.47

(b) For Bengal gram

The highest plant population for Bengal gram crop was found to be 38.31 with local
seed cum fertilizer drill whereas the lowest plant population was found to be 29.33 with
Kisan automatic planter. The results are presented in Table 4.12.

54
Table 4.12. Average plant population of Bengal gram

Average plant population

Sl. No. Name of seed drill
per m2
1 Ananta planter 33.49
2 Nandyala planter 35.84
3 Kisan automatic planter 29.33
4 Gujrat seed cum fertilizer drill 31.91
5 Local seed cum fertilizer drill 38.31

(c) For red gram

The highest plant population for red gram crop was found to be 43.96 with
Nandyala planter whereas the lowest plant population was found to be 26.31 with Gujrat
seed cum fertilizer drill. The results are presented in Table 4.13.

Table 4.13. Average plant population of red gram

Average plant population

Sl. No. Name of seed drill
per m2
1 Ananta planter 25.53
2 Nandyala planter 43.96
3 Kisan automatic planter 29.27
4 Gujrat seed cum fertilizer drill 26.31
5 Local seed cum fertilizer drill 31.83

4.4.4.2 Plant height

Plant height was measured from the base of stem to the tip of the top most leaf at
five randomly selected plants. The plant height was recorded at different intervals viz.,
vegetative stage, flowering stage, podding stage, maturity stage and harvesting stage.

(a) For ground nut

The result obtained in the field for plant height at different intervals of
ground nut crop is presented in Table 4.14.
55
Table 4.14. Plant height of ground nut

Plant height, cm
Name of seed
Sl.No. Vegetative Flowering Podding Maturity Harvesting
drill
stage stage stage stage stage
1 Ananta planter 10.83 20.9 23.5 27.66 27.69
2 Nandyala 10.6 20.8 23.4 27 27.43
planter
3 Kisan automatic 9.95 20.67 21.28 27.33 27.83
planter
4 Gujrat seed cum 10.4 19.1 21.95 27.33 27.51
fertilizer drill
5 Local seed cum 10.5 19.59 22.3 26.44 27.35
fertilizer drill

(b) For Bengal gram

The results obtained in the field for plant height at different intervals of
Bengal gram crop is presented in Table 4.15.
Table 4.15. Plant height of Bengal gram

Plant height, cm
Name of seed Vegetative Flowering Podding Maturity Harvesting
Sl.No.
drill stage stage stage stage stage
1 Ananta planter 23.4 28.9 30.1 30.4 30.733
2 Nandyala planter 22.87 28.13 28.68 29.02 29.17
3 Kisan automatic 22.38 27.56 28.53 28.73 29.06
planter
4 Gujrat seed cum 21.27 26.33 27.87 28.3 28.35
fertilizer drill
5 Local seed cum 22 26.87 28.2 28.63 28.68
fertilizer drill

(c) For red gram

The result obtained in the field for plant height at different intervals of red
gram crop was presented in Table 4.16.

56
Table 4.16. Plant height of red gram

Sl.No. Name of seed Plant height, cm

drill Vegetative Flowering Podding Maturity Harvesting
stage stage stage stage stage
1 Ananta planter 24.4 61.2 92.9 115.1 133.8
2 Nandyala planter 21.6 47 76 109.4 125.9
3 Kisan automatic 21.4 46.9 81.4 110.6 129.2
planter
4 Gujrat seed cum 20.9 41.4 78.5 103.5 127.4
fertilizer drill
5 Local seed cum 23.8 57.7 93.9 113.6 134.2
fertilizer drill

4.4.4.3 Number of pods per plant

The pods from five randomly selected plants were separated and total pods were
counted and average number of pods per plant was recorded.

(a) For ground nut

The results obtained in the field for number of pods per plant for ground nut
crop is presented in Table 4.17.

Table 4.17. Number of pods per plant results for ground nut crop from each plot

Sl.No. Name of seed drill Number of pods per plant

1 Ananta planter 15.8

2 Nandyala planter 15.8
3 Kisan automatic planter 12.6
4 Gujrat seed cum fertilizer drill 13.7
5 Local seed cum fertilizer drill 14.57

(b) For Bengal gram

The results obtained in the field for number of pods per plant for Bengal
gram crop is presented in Table 4.18.
57
Table 4.18. Number of pods per plant results for Bengal gram crop from each plot

Sl.No. Name of seed drill Number of pods per plant

1 Ananta planter 16.4

2 Nandyala planter 15.6
3 Kisan automatic planter 15.33
4 Gujrat seed cum fertilizer drill 14.85
5 Local seed cum fertilizer drill 15.33

(c) For red gram

The results obtained in the field for number of pods per plant for red gram
crop is presented in Table 4.19.

Table 4.19. Number of pods per plant results for red gram crop from each plot

Sl.No. Name of seed drill Number of pods per plant

1 Ananta planter 485.94

2 Nandyala planter 466.32
3 Kisan automatic planter 473.28
4 Gujrat seed cum fertilizer drill 396.88
5 Local seed cum fertilizer drill 429.94

4.4.4.4 Pod/seed yield and halum/stalk yield

Pod/seed yield and halum/stalk yields were determined from 1 m2 area. Five
random observations were taken from each field and dried thoroughly under sun. After
completion of sun drying the pods are separated from plants and the weight of pods and the
weight of halum for ground nut, weight of seeds and the weight of halumfor Bengal gram
and weight of seeds and the weight of stalk for red gram were recorded and expressed in kg
ha-1.

58
 (a) For ground nut

The highest pod yield obtained for ground nut crop was found to be 1154.16
kg ha-1 with Ananta planter whereas the lowest pod yield was found to be 895.83 kg
ha-1 with Gujrat seed cum fertilizer drill. The highest halum yield was found to be
2645.83 kg ha-1 with local seed cum fertilizer drill and the lowest halum yield was
found to be 1895.83 kg ha -1 with Gujrat seed cum fertilizer drill. The problem for
Gujrat seed cum fertilizer drill found at the field was the driving wheel was not
rotated freely. Such that the pod and halum yields are less for Gujrat seed cum
fertilizer drill. The results are presented in Table 4.20 and the variation of pod yield
and halum yield for various seed drills are shown in Fig 4.10.

Table 4.20. Pod yield and halum yield of ground nut

Sl.No. Name of seed drill Pod yield, kg ha-1 Halum yield, kg ha-1

1 Ananta planter 1154.16 2479.16

2 Nandyala planter 1020.83 2520.83
3 Kisan automatic planter 937.50 2104.16
4 Gujrat seed cum fertilizer drill 895.83 1895.83
5 Local seed cum fertilizer drill 1020.83 2645.83

3000
2500
Yield, kg ha-1

2000
1500
1000 Pod yield, kg ha-1

500 Halum yield, kg ha-1

0
Ananta Nandyala Kisan Gujrat seed Local seed
planter planter automatic cum cum
planter fertilizer drill fertilizer drill

Fig 4.10. Variation in pod and halum yields of ground nut for various seed drills
59
 (b) For Bengal gram

The highest pod yield obtained for Bengal gram crop was found to be 929.6
kg ha-1 withAnanta planter whereas the lowest pod yield was found to be 783.3 kg
ha-1 with Gujrat seed cum fertilizer drill. The highest halum yield was found to be
3831 kg ha-1 withAnanta planter and the lowest halum yield was found to be 3178
kg ha-1with Gujrat seed cum fertilizer drill. The results are presented in Table 4.21
and the variation of pod yield and halum yield for various seed drills are shown in
Fig 4.11.

Table 4.21. Pod yield and halum yield results of Bengal gram crop

Sl.No. Name of seed drill Seed yield, kg ha-1 Halum yield, kg ha-1

1 Ananta planter 929.6 3831

2 Nandyala planter 866.6 3818
3 Kisan automatic planter 846.2 3764
4 Gujrat seed cum fertilizer 783.3 3178
drill
5 Local seed cum fertilizer 815.4 3564
drill

4500
4000
3500
yield, kg ha-1

3000
2500
2000
1500 Seed yield, kg ha-1
1000
Halum yield, kg ha-1
500
0
Ananta Nandyala Kisan Gujrat seed Local seed
planter planter automatic cum cum
planter fertilizer fertilizer
drill drill

Fig 4.11. Variation in pod and halum yields of Bengal gram for various seed drills

60
 (c) For red gram

The highest seed yield obtained for red gram crop was found to be 2060 kg
ha-1 with Ananta planter whereas the lowest seed yield was found to be 1276 kg ha-1
with Gujrat seed cum fertilizer drill. The highest stalk yield was found to be 5789
kg ha-1 with Nandyala planter and the lowest stalk yield was found to be 4905 kg
ha-1 with Gujrat seed cum fertilizer drill. The results are presented in Table 4.22 and
the variation of seed yield and stalk yield for various seed drills are shown in Fig
4.12.

Table 4.22. Seed yield and stalk yield results of red gram crop

Sl.No. Name of seed drill Seed yield, kg ha-1 Stalk yield, kg ha-1

1 Ananta planter 2060 5648

2 Nandyala planter 1746 5789
3 Kisan automatic planter 1859 5209
4 Gujrat seed cum fertilizer drill 1276 4905
5 Local seed cum fertilizer drill 1493 5193

4500
4000
3500
3000
yield, kg ha-1

2500
2000
Seed yield, kg ha-1
1500
Halum yield, kg ha-1
1000
500
0
Ananta Nandyala Kisan Gujrat seed Local seed
planter planter automatic cum cum
planter fertilizer drill fertilizer drill

Fig 4.12. Variation in seed and stalk yields of red gram for various seed drills
61
4.4.4.5 Harvest index

Harvest index is the ratio of grain yield to the total biological yield (grain+straw)
and expressed in percentage by using the formula.

Grain yield, kg ha-1

Harvest index, % = ------------------------------------------------------ × 100
Grain yield, kg ha-1 + Straw yield, kg ha-1

The results obtained for the harvest index of ground nut, Bengal gram and red gram
are presented in Tables 4.23, 4.24 and 4.25. The variation of harvest index for various seed
drills are presented in Fig 4.13, 4.14 and 4.15.

Table 4.23. Harvest index of ground nut crop with various seed drills

Sl.No. Name of seed drill Harvest index, %

1 Ananta planter 31.76
2 Nandyala planter 28.82
3 Kisan automatic planter 30.82
4 Gujrat seed cum fertilizer drill 32.08
5 Local seed cum fertilizer drill 27.84

Table 4.24. Harvest index of Bengal gram crop with various seed drills

Sl.No. Name of seed drill Harvest index, %

1 Ananta planter 19.52
2 Nandyala planter 18.49
3 Kisan automatic planter 18.35
4 Gujrat seed cum fertilizer drill 19.77
5 Local seed cum fertilizer drill 18.61

62
Table 4.25. Harvest index of red gram crop with various seed drills

Sl.No. Name of seed drill Harvest index, %

1 Ananta planter 26.72
2 Nandyala planter 23.17
3 Kisan automatic planter 26.3
4 Gujrat seed cum fertilizer drill 20.64
5 Local seed cum fertilizer drill 22.33

33
32
Harvest index, %

31
30
29
28
27
26
25
Ananta Nandyala Kisan Gujrat seed Local seed
planter planter automatic cum fertilizer cum fertilizer
planter drill drill

Fig 4.13. Variation in harvest index of ground nut with various seed drills

20
Harvest index, %

19.5

19
18.5
18

17.5
Ananta Nandyala Kisan Gujrat seed Local seed
planter planter automatic cum fertilizer cum fertilizer
planter drill drill

Fig 4.14. Variation in harvest index of Bengal gram with various seed drills
63
 30

25

Harvest index, %
20

15

10

0
Ananta Nandyala Kisan Gujrat seed Local seed
planter planter automatic cum fertilizer cum fertilizer
planter drill drill

Fig 4.15. Variation in harvest index of red gram with various seed drills

The crops grown at various stages are shown in plates 4.19-4.24

64
Plate 4.19. Ground nut crop stand during vegetative stage

Plate 4.20. Ground nut crop stand during harvesting stage

65
Plate 4.21. Red gram crop stand during vegetative stage

Plate 4.22. Red gram crop stand during flowering stage

66
Plate 4.23. Bengal gram crop stand during flowering stage

Plate 4.24. Bengal gram crop stand during harvesting stage

67
4.5 Cost analysis

4.5.1 Operating cost of seed drills

The cost of sowing operation of seed drills selected for ground nut, Bengal gram
and red gram were estimated. The process of operating cost is presented in Appendix-B.
The results obtained are presented in Table 4.26.

Table 4.26. Results for operating cost of seed drills for various crops

Operating cost of seed drill, Rs. ha-1

Bengal
Sl.No. Name of seed drill ground nut gram red gram
1 Ananta planter 972 1099 990
2 Nandyala planter 1114 1195 1208
3 Kisan automatic planter 1053 1116 1005
4 Gujrat seed cum fertilizer drill 1111 1263 1209
5 Local seed cum fertilizer drill 1126 1154 1209

4.5.2 Input cost

The cost of inputs include seed cost, seed bed preparation, weeding operation cost,
pesticide/insecticide cost, labour cost for harvesting and threshing. The cost details are
presented as follows and Table 4.27 and Table 4.28

Seed cost for ground nut = Rs. 80/kg

Seed cost for Bengal gram = Rs. 40/kg
Seed cost for red gram = Rs. 110/kg
Labour cost per person = Rs. 150

68
Table 4.27. Cost of inputs per ha for various crops

Cost, Rs. ha-1

Sl.No. Operation ground nut Bengal gram red gram
1 Seed bed preparation 865 865 865
2 Weeding 2250 2400 1500
3 Pesticides/ Insecticides 2290 1595 1595
4 Harvesting 2000 2500 1500
5 Threshing 1000 1000 1500
6 Total cost 8405 8360 6960

Table 4.28. Cost of seed for various seed drills

Seed cost, Rs. ha-1

Sl.No. Name of seed drill ground nut Bengal gram red gram
1 Ananta planter 8196 2575 3812
2 Nandyala planter 8794 2766 12435
3 Kisan automatic planter 9844 2949 3986
4 Gujrat seed cum fertilizer drill 10116 3058 4195
5 Local seed cum fertilizer drill 10458 3166 4435

4.5.3 Total cost of cultivation

The total cost of cultivation was determined by the addition of operating cost of
seed drills and input costs. The results are presented in Table 4.29

Table 4.29. Total cost of cultivation for various crops with various seed drills

Total cost of cultivation, Rs. ha-1

S.No. Name of seed drill ground nut Bengal gram red gram
1 Ananta planter 17573 12034 11761
2 Nandyala planter 18312 12331 20602
3 Kisan automatic planter 19302 12425 11950
4 Gujrat seed cum fertilizer drill 19632 12681 12363
5 Local seed cum fertilizer drill 19988 12680 12603

69
4.5.4 Gross income

The gross income was determined by market price of various produces. The market
price for ground nut cost was found to be Rs. 500/t, halum of ground nut cost was found to
be Rs. 2000/t, Bengal gram cost was found to be Rs. 450/t and red gram was found to be
Rs. 350/t. The results are presented in Table 4.30

Table 4.30.Gross returns for various crops with various seed drills

Gross return, Rs. ha-1

Name of seed Bengal
Sl.No. Ground nut Red gram
drill gram
ground nut @ Halum @ Grain @ Grain @
Rs. 500/t Rs. 2000/t Rs. 450/t Rs. 350/t
1 Ananta planter 57708 4959 41832 72100
2 Nandyala planter 51042 5042 38997 61110
Kisan automatic
3 planter 46875 4209 38079 65065
Gujrat seed cum
4 fertilizer drill 44792 3792 35249 44660
Local seed cum
5 fertilizer drill 51042 5292 36693 52255

4.5.5 Net income

The net income was determined by deduction of cost of cultivation from the gross
income. The highest net income was found to be Rs. 45094 per ha with Ananta planter
whereas the lowest net income was found to be Rs. 28953 with Gujrat seed cum fertilizer
drill for ground nut crop. The highest net income was found to be Rs. 29798 per ha with
Ananta planter whereas the lowest net income was found to be Rs.22568 with Gujrat seed
cum fertilizer drill for Bengal gram crop. The highest net income was found to be Rs.
60340 per ha with Ananta planter whereas the lowest net income was found to be Rs.32298
with Gujrat seed cum fertilizer drill for red gram crop. The results are presented in Table
4.31 and the variation of net income for various seed drills are presented in Fig. 4.15.

70
Table 4.31. Net income for various crops with various seed drills

Net income, Rs. ha-1

Sl.No. Name of seed drill Bengal Red
Ground nut
gram gram
1 Ananta planter 45094 29798 60340
2 Nandyala planter 37772 26667 40509
3 Kisan automatic planter 31782 25655 53116
4 Gujrat seed cum fertilizer drill 28953 22568 32298
5 Local seed cum fertilizer drill 36346 24014 39653

70000
60000
50000
40000
30000
20000
Net income Rs. ha-1

10000
0
Ananta Nandyala Kisan Gujrat seed Local seed
planter planter automatic cum fertilizer cum fertilizer
planter drill drill

Name of seed drill Ground nut Net income, Rs ha-1 Bengal gram
Net income, Rs ha-1 Red gram

Fig 4.16 Variation of net income for various crops with various seed drills.

4.5.6 Benefit-cost ratio

The benefit-cost ratio was determined by dividing cost of cultivation by net income.
The results are presented in Table 4.32 and the variation of benefit-cost ratio for various
seed drills with various crops is shown in Fig. 4.16.

71
Table 4.32. Results of benefit-cost ratio for various seed drills with various crops

Benefit- cost ratio per ha

Sl.No. Name of seed drill
Ground nut Bengal gram Red gram
1 Ananta planter 2.56 2.47 5.13
2 Nandyala planter 2.06 2.16 1.96
3 Kisan automatic planter 1.46 2.06 4.44
4 Gujrat seed cum fertilizer drill 1.47 1.77 2.61
5 Local seed cum fertilizer drill 1.81 1.89 3.14

5
Benefit-cost ratio

4
Benefit- cost ratio per ha
3
Ground nut
2 Benefit- cost ratio per ha
Bengal gram
1
Benefit- cost ratio per ha Red
0 gram
Ananta Nandyala Kisan Gujrat Local seed
planter planter automatic seed cum cum
planter fertilizer fertilizer
drill drill

Fig 4.17. Variation of benefit-cost ratio for various seed drills with various crops

72
 Chapter V

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS

In dry land agriculture soil moisture dictates the priorities with regard to field
operation and sowing. Placement of seeds at correct depth is very important for proper
germination of seed especially under dry land farming where soil moisture is at greater
depth. Therefore precision placement of seeds is necessary for achieving perfect standing
of crop. Hence the performance evaluation of existing tractor drawn seed drills with
different seed metering mechanisms is necessary to provide farmers with the required
technical information to choose the best seed drill for ground nut, Bengal gram and red
gram in dry land. Based on the experimental results, the following conclusions are drawn.

1. It was observed that the performance of Ananta planter was satisfactory for ground
nut, Bengal gram and red gram crops among all seed drills.
2. The highest field capacity was found to be 0.54 ha h-1, 0.47 ha h-1 and 0.54 ha h-1
for ground nut, Bengal gram and red gram crops with field efficiency of 71.9 per
cent, 66.75 per cent and 74.15 per cent respectively for Ananta planter among all
treated seed drills. The lowest field capacity was found to be 0.43 ha h-1 for local
seed cum fertilizer drill with field efficiency of 69.17 per cent for ground nut crop,
0.37 ha h-1 and 0.38 ha h-1 for Gujrat seed cum fertilizer drill with field efficiency of
64.11 per cent and 70.83 per cent for Bengal gram crop and red gram crop
respectively among all seed drills.
3. The lowest seed rate obtained in the field was observed as 102.45 kg ha -1, 64.37 kg
ha1 and 34.65 kg ha-1 for ground nut, Bengal gram and red gram crops respectively
for Ananta planter among all seed drills. Whereas the highest seed rate was
observed as 130.72 kg ha -1 and 79.15 kg ha-1 for ground nut and Bengal gram
respectively for local seed cum fertilizer drill among all treated seed drills and
113.04 kg ha-1 for red gram crop for Nandyala planter among all seed drills.
4. The highest pod/seed yield obtained for ground nut, Bengal gram and red gram crop
was found to be 1154.16 kg ha -1, 929.60 kg ha-1 and 2060.00 kg ha-1 for Ananta
planter among all seed drills. The lowest pod/seed yield was found to be 895.83 kg
ha-1, 783.30 kg ha-1 and 1276.00 kg ha-1 for ground nut, Bengal gram and red gram

73
 crop for Gujrat seed cum fertilizer drill among all seed drills. Such that the seed and
halum yields are less for Gujrat seed cum fertilizer drill.
5. The highest net profit was found to be Rs. 45094 ha-1, Rs.29798 ha-1 and Rs. 60339
ha-1 for ground nut, Bengal gram and red gram respectively with Ananta planter
among all seed drills. The lowest net profit was found to be Rs. 28952ha-1,
Rs. 22568 ha-1 and Rs. 32297 ha-1 for ground nut, Bengal gram and red gram
respectively with Gujrat seed cum fertilizer among all seed drills.
6. The cost-benefit ratio was highest for red gram crop for all seed drills except
Nandyala planter in all three crops. The Nandyala planter seed metering mechanism
was not suitable for red gram. Even though the net income for red gram was found
to be Rs. 40509 ha-1 which was third highest income among all seed drills.

74
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experimental plot drill. Agricultural Mechanization in Asia, Africa and Latin
America. 41(3): 46-51.

Phillipson, A. and Dwyer, M.J.1966. Distributing Fertilizer by a Seed Drill Mechanism.

Journal of Agricultural Engineering. 11(3): 218-221.

Pandey, M.M. and Ganesan, S. 2005. Farm mechanization package for dry land agriculture.
Central institute of agriculture engineering. Nabibagh, Berasia road, Bhopal. 1-2.

76
Senapati, P.C., Mohapatra, P.K. and Satpathy, D. 1988. Field Performance of Seeding
Devices in Rainfed Situation in Orissa, India. Agricultural Mechanization in Asia,
Africa and Latin America. 19(1): 35-38.

Tahir Wahid, Jagvir Dixitand Naveen ChandraShahi. 2003. Scope of zero- till seed cum
fertilizer drill in dry land wheat crop production in Kashmir valley. Agricultural
Engineering Today. 27(5-6): 40-45.

Vatsa, D.K and Sukhbir Singh 2010. Sowing methods with different seed drills for
mechanizing mountain farming. Agricultural Mechanization in Asia, Africa and
Latin America. 41(1): 51-54.

77
 APPENDIX I

Table A 1. Weather data during crop period of ground nut

RH- RH- Rainy

Standard Tmax Tmin Tmean Wind Rainfall
I II days
week (0C) (0C) (0C) Velocity (mm)
(%) (%) (no.)
(kmph)
28May-
36.6 25.1 30.8 67 38 11.3 047.2 2
3June
04-10June 35.1 24.8 30.0 73 43 12.0 000.6 0
11-17June 35.1 25.0 30.0 73 39 21.1 000.0 0
18-24June 34.9 24.5 29.7 71 38 22.8 001.0 0
25June-
35.1 24.2 29.6 75 37 18.6 001.0 0
1July
2-8July 33.7 23.8 28.7 75 45 14.9 017.2 2
9-15July 34.3 23.7 29.0 77 40 18.1 005.0 1
16-22July 34.3 24.7 29.5 79 43 19.9 007.0 1
23-29July 33.0 23.5 28.2 80 53 14.7 040.2 2
30July-
32.3 23.3 27.8 76 46 16.6 006.6 2
5Aug
6-12Aug 34.5 24.1 29.3 78 39 16.1 000.0 0
13-19Aug 33.5 23.7 28.6 78 45 12.5 010.4 2
20-26Aug 31.0 23.3 27.1 85 57 19.0 053.2 3
27Aug-
31.7 23.0 27.3 83 52 15.2 008.6 1
2Sep
3-9Sep 33.0 22.9 27.9 80 47 14.6 000.0 0
10-16Sep 33.7 22.9 28.3 80 48 10.6 027.0 1
17-23Sep 33.2 22.9 28.0 81 51 12.4 000.0 0
24-30Sep 34.8 22.4 28.6 77 38 07.6 000.0 0
01-07Oct 33.6 23.5 28.5 83 48 05.7 005.6 1

78
Table A2. Weather data during crop period of Bengal gram

RH- RH- Rainy

Standard Tmax Tmin Tmean Wind Rainfall
I II days
week (0C) (0C) (0C) Velocity (mm)
(%) (%) (no.)
(kmph)
25June-
35.1 24.2 29.6 75 37 18.6 001.0 0
1July
2-8July 33.7 23.8 28.7 75 45 14.9 017.2 2
9-15July 34.3 23.7 29.0 77 40 18.1 005.0 1
16-22July 34.3 24.7 29.5 79 43 19.9 007.0 1
23-29July 33.0 23.5 28.2 80 53 14.7 040.2 2
30July-
32.3 23.3 27.8 76 46 16.6 006.6 2
5Aug.
6-12Aug 34.5 24.1 29.3 78 39 16.1 000.0 0
13-19Aug 33.5 23.7 28.6 78 45 12.5 010.4 2
20-26Aug 31.0 23.3 27.1 85 57 19.0 053.2 3
27Aug.-
31.7 23.0 27.3 83 52 15.2 008.6 1
2Sep.
3-9Sep 33.0 22.9 27.9 80 47 14.6 000.0 0
10-16Sep 33.7 22.9 28.3 80 48 10.6 027.0 1
17-23Sep 33.2 22.9 28.0 81 51 12.4 000.0 0
24-30Sep 34.8 22.4 28.6 77 38 07.6 000.0 0
01-07Oct 33.6 23.5 28.5 83 48 05.7 005.6 1
8-14Oct 32.7 22.9 27.8 85 54 04.4 062.0 1
15-21Oct 33.9 22.5 28.2 83 40 03.8 000.0 0
22-28Oct 31.9 22.2 27.0 83 57 06.8 032.6 2
29Oct-
29.9 21.5 25.7 90 62 07.1 012.4 1
4Nov
05-11Nov 30.8 17.1 23.9 82 35 05.4 000.0 0
12-18Nov 31.6 16.8 24.2 87 34 05.5 000.0 0
19-25Nov 30.3 16.1 23.2 87 36 06.7 000.0 0
26Nov-
29.2 20.5 24.9 92 64 08.3 013.6 2
02Dec

Table A3. Weather data during crop period of red gram

79
 RH- RH- Rainy
Standard Tmax Tmin Tmean Wind Rainfall
I II days
week (0C) (0C) (0C) Velocity (mm)
(%) (%) (no.)
(kmph)
25June-
35.1 24.2 29.6 75 37 18.6 001.0 0
1July
2-8July 33.7 23.8 28.7 75 45 14.9 017.2 2
9-15July 34.3 23.7 29.0 77 40 18.1 005.0 1
16-22July 34.3 24.7 29.5 79 43 19.9 007.0 1
23-29July 33.0 23.5 28.2 80 53 14.7 040.2 2
30July-
32.3 23.3 27.8 76 46 16.6 006.6 2
5Aug
6-12Aug 34.5 24.1 29.3 78 39 16.1 000.0 0
13-19
33.5 23.7 28.6 78 45 12.5 010.4 2
Aug
20-26
31.0 23.3 27.1 85 57 19.0 053.2 3
Aug
27Aug-
31.7 23.0 27.3 83 52 15.2 008.6 1
2Sep
3-9Sep 33.0 22.9 27.9 80 47 14.6 000.0 0
10-16Sep 33.7 22.9 28.3 80 48 10.6 027.0 1
17-23Sep 33.2 22.9 28.0 81 51 12.4 000.0 0
24-30Sep 34.8 22.4 28.6 77 38 07.6 000.0 0
01-07Oct 33.6 23.5 28.5 83 48 05.7 005.6 1
8-14Oct 32.7 22.9 27.8 85 54 04.4 062.0 1
15-21Oct 33.9 22.5 28.2 83 40 03.8 000.0 0
22-28Oct 31.9 22.2 27.0 83 57 06.8 032.6 2
29Oct-
29.9 21.5 25.7 90 62 07.1 012.4 1
4Nov
05-11
30.8 17.1 23.9 82 35 05.4 000.0 0
Nov
12-18
31.6 16.8 24.2 87 34 05.5 000.0 0
Nov
19-25
30.3 16.1 23.2 87 36 06.7 000.0 0
Nov
26Nov-
29.2 20.5 24.9 92 64 08.3 013.6 2
02Dec
03-09Dec 31.2 17.7 24.5 92 42 05.4 000.0 0
10-16Dec 30.4 17.7 52.6 90 40 07.3 000.0 0
17-23Dec 28.5 14.5 21.5 92 37 06.8 000.0 0
24-31Dec 30.1 14.7 22.4 84 35 06.4 000.4 0

APPENDIX II

80
Economics of operation

Estimating the cost of tractor used for operation

The cost of tractor is divided under two heads known as fixed cost
and operating cost.

Fixed cost
Tractor model John Deere 5310
Cost of the tractor (C) Rs.630000
Life of the machine (L) 10 years
Working hours per year (H) 1000 hours
Salvage value (S) 10% of initial cost
Rate of interest (I) 10 % per annum
Housing, insurance and taxes Each@ 1% of initial cost
Operating cost
Wages for operator (per day of 8 h) Rs. 200
Wages for labor (per day of 8 h) Rs.150
Diesel cost Rs. 45/liter
Cost of lubricants 30% of fuel cost (Jagdishwarsahay, 1971)
Repair and maintenance 10% of initial cost
Fuel consumption l/h
Seed drill Ground nut Bengal gram Red gram
Ananta planter 4.405 4.262 4.466
Nandyala planter 4.44 4.079 3.786
Kisan automatic
3.992 3.834 4.456
planter
Gujrat seed cum
4.208 3.448 3.432
fertilizer drill
Local seed cum
3.828 3.662 3.58
fertilizer drill

Fixed cost

(i) Depreciation

It is the cost of value of a machine with the passing of time.

D=

Where,

81
 C = initial cost

S = salvage value, 10% of initial cost

L= life of seed drill in years

H= working hours per year

, , ( , , / )]
D= = Rs. 57/h
∗

(ii) Interest

I= x
Interest @ 10 % of initial cost

I= x = Rs. 34.65/h

(iii) Housing cost, insurance and taxes.

Each @ 1% of the initial cost of the machine

, ,
Housing cost = = Rs. 6.3/h
∗

Insurance cost = Rs. 6.3/h

Taxes etc. = Rs. 6.3/h
Total fixed cost = 57+34.65+6.3+6.3+6.3= Rs. 110/
h

Operating cost

(i) Fuel cost/h

Fuel cost @ Rs.45/- per liter

82
 Fuel cost Rs./h
Name of seed drill For ground nut For Bengal gram For red gram
Ananta planter 4.405x45=198.225 4.262x45=191.79 4.466x45=200.97

Nandyala planter 4.44x45=199.8 4.079x45=183.55 3.786x45=170.37

Kisan automatic
3.992x45=179.64 3.834x45=172.53 4.456x45=200.52
planter
Gujrat seed cum
4.208x45=189.36 3.448x45=155.16 3.432x45=154.44
fertilizer drill
Local seed cum
3.828x45=172.26 3.662x45=164.79 3.58x45=161.1
fertilizer drill

(ii) Lubricant cost/h

Lubricant cost @ 30% of fuel cost

Lubricant cost in Rs/h

Name of seed
For ground nut For Bengal gram For red gram
drill
198.225x(30/100)= 191.79x(30/100)= 200.97x(30/100)=
Ananta planter
59.46 57.53 60.29
Nandyala 199.8x(30/100)= 59.94 183.55x(30/100)= 170.37x(30/100)=51.11
planter 55.06
Kisan 179.64x(30/100)= 172.53x(30/100)= 200.52x(30/100)=60.15
automatic 53.89 51.75
planter
Gujrat seed 189.36x(30/100)=56.80 155.16x(30/100)= 154.44x(30/100)=46.33
cum fertilizer 46.54
drill
Local seed cum 172.26x(30/100)= 164.79x(30/100)= 161.1x(30/100)=48.33
fertilizer drill 51.67 49.43

83
 (iii) Repairs and maintenance cost/h

Repair and maintenance cost @ 10% of initial cost

= 630000 x

= Rs. 63000/ year

= (63000/1000) = Rs. 63/ h

(iv) Wages of operator/h

Wages cost @ Rs. 200/ day of 8 h

Wages per hour = 200 / 8

= Rs. 25/ h.

Total operating cost

Total operating cost Rs. /h

Name of
For ground nut For Bengal gram For red gram
seed drill
Ananta 198.225+59.46+63+25= 191.79+57.53+63+25= 200.97+60.29+63+25=
planter 345.69 337.327 349.261
Nandyala 199.8+59.94+63+25= 183.55+55.06+63+25= 170.37+51.11+63+25=
planter 347.74 326.621 309.481
Kisan 179.64+53.89+63+25= 172.53+51.75+63+25= 200.52+60.15+63+25=
automatic 321.532 312.289 348.676
planter
Gujrat seed 189.36+56.80+63+25= 155.16+46.54+63+25= 154.44+46.33+63+25=
cum fertilizer 334.168 289.708 288.772
drill
Local seed 172.26+51.67+63+25= 164.79+49.43+63+25= 161.1+48.33+63+25=
cum fertilizer 311.938 302.227 297.43
drill

84
 Total cost/h = Fixed cost+ Operating cost

Total cost in Rs. /h

Name of
For ground nut For Bengal gram For red gram
seed drill
Ananta 345.69+110= 455.69 337.327+110=447.327 349.261+110=459.261
planter
Nandyala 347.74+110=457.74 326.621+110=436.621 309.481+110=419.481
planter
Kisan 321.532+110=431.532 312.289+110=422.289 348.676+110=458.676
automatic
planter
Gujrat seed 334.168+110=444.168 289.708+110=399.708 288.772+110=398.772
cum fertilizer
drill
Local seed 311.938+110=421.938 302.227+110=412.227 297.43+110=407.43
cum fertilizer
drill

Estimating the cost of seed drills used for sowing operation

The cost of seed drills are divided under two heads known as fixed
cost and operating cost.

i. For Ananta planter

Fixed cost
Type of seed drill used Ananta planter
Cost of the tractor Capital ( C) 55000
Life of the machine (L) 10 years
Working hours per year (H) 200 hours
Salvage value (S) 10% of initial cost
Rate of interest (I) 10 % per annum
Housing, insurance and taxes each@ 1% of initialcost
Operating cost
Wages/ labor =Rs 150 (per day of 8 h) No labour required
Repair and maintenance 10% of initial cost

85
Fixed cost

Depreciation

It is the cost of value of a machine with the passing of time.

D=

Where, C = initial cost

S = salvage value, 10% of initial cost

L= life of seed drill in years

H= working hours per year

, ( , / )]
D= = Rs. 24.75/h
∗

Interest

I= x

Interest @ 10 % of initial cost

I= x = Rs.15.125/h

Housing cost, insurance and taxes

Each @ 1% of the initial cost of the machine

Housing cost per hour = = Rs 2.75/h

∗

Insurance cost = Rs 2.75/h

Taxes etc. = Rs 2.75/h
Total fixed cost = 24.75+15.125+2.75+2.75+2.75 =
= Rs. 48.125/ h

86
Operating cost

Repairs and maintenance cost/h

Repair and maintenance cost @ 10% of initial cost

= 55000 x

= Rs. 5500/ year

= (5500/200) = Rs. 27.5/ h.

Total cost/h = Fixed cost+ Operating Cost

= 48.125+27.5
= Rs. 75.625/h

Total cost of seed drill for sowing with tractor

Time taken to cover sowing for 1 ha for ground nut

= 1.828 h
For ground nut = 455.69+75.625
= Rs. 531.315/h and Rs. 971.78/ha
Time taken to cover sowing for 1 ha for Bengal gram
= 2.100 h
For Bengal gram = 447.327+75.625
= Rs. 522.952/h and Rs. 1099/ha.
Time taken to cover sowing for 1 ha for red gram
= 1.848 h
For red gram = 459.261+75.625
= Rs. 534.886/h and Rs. 989.16/ha

87
 ii. For Nandyala planter

Fixed cost
Type of seed drill used Nandyala planter
Cost of the tractor ( C) Rs.75000
Life of the machine (L) 10 years
Working hours per year (H) 200 hours
Salvage value (S) 10% of initial cost
Rate of interest (I) 10 % per annum
Housing, insurance and taxes each@ 1% of initialcost
Operating cost
Wages/ labor =Rs 150 (per day of 8 h) No labour required
Repair and maintenance 10% of initial cost

Fixed cost

Depreciation

It is the cost of value of a machine with the passing of time.

D=

Where, C = initial cost,

S = salvage value, 10% of initial cost

L= life of seed drill in years

H= working hours per year

, ( , / )]
D= = Rs. 33.75/h
∗

Interest

I= x

Interest @ 10 % of initial cost

I= x = Rs. 20.625/h

88
 Housing cost, insurance and taxes

Each @ 1% of the initial cost of the machine

Housing cost per hour = = Rs 3.75/h

∗

Insurance cost = Rs 3.75/h

Taxes etc. = Rs 3.75/h
Total fixed cost = 33.75+20.625+3.75+3.75+3.75
= Rs. 65.625/ h

Operating cost

Repairs and Maintenance cost/h

Repair and maintenance cost @ 10% of initial cost

= 75000 x

= Rs. 7500/ year

= (7500/200) = Rs. 37.5/ h

Total cost/h = Fixed cost+ Operating Cost

= 65.625+37.5
= Rs 103.125/h

Total cost of seed drill for sowing with tractor

Time taken to cover sowing for 1 ha for ground nut

= 1.984 h
For ground nut = 457.74+103.125
= Rs.560.365/h and Rs 1113.323/ha
Time taken to cover sowing for 1 ha for Bengal gram
= 2.212 h
For Bengal gram = 436.621+103.125
= Rs.539.746/h and Rs.1194.682/ha.
Time taken to cover sowing for 1 ha for red gram
= 2.309 h

89
 For red gram = 419.481+103.125
= Rs.522.605/h and Rs.1207.519/ha
iii. For Kisan automatic planter

Fixed cost
Type of seed drill used Kisan automatic planter
Cost of the tractor ( C) Rs.35000
Life of the machine (L) 10 years
Working hours per year (H) 200 hours
Salvage value (S) 10% of initial cost
Rate of interest (I) 10 % per annum
Housing, insurance and taxes each@ 1% of initialcost
Operating cost
Wages/ labor =Rs 150 (per day of 8 h) No labour required
Repair and maintenance 10% of initial cost

Fixed cost

Depreciation

It is the cost of value of a machine with the passing of time.

D=

Where, C = initial cost

S = salvage value, 10% of initial cost

L= life of seed drill in years

H= working hours per year

, ( , / )]
D= = Rs. 15.75/h
∗

Interest

I= x

Interest @ 10 % of initial cost

90
 I= x = Rs.9.625/h

Housing cost, insurance and taxes

Each @ 1% of the initial cost of the machine

Housing cost per hour = = Rs. 1.75/h

∗

Insurance cost = Rs. 1.75/h

Taxes etc. = Rs. 1.75/h
Total fixed cost = 15.75+9.625+1.75+1.75+1.75
= Rs. 30.625/ h

Operating cost

Repairs and Maintenance cost/h

Repair and maintenance cost @ 10% of initial cost

= 35000 x

= Rs. 3500/ year

= (3500/200) = Rs. 17.5/ h

Total cost/h = Fixed cost+ Operating Cost

= 30.625+17.5
= Rs. 48.125/h

Total cost of seed drill for sowing with tractor

Time taken to cover sowing for 1 ha for ground nut

= 2.192 h
For ground nut = 431.532+48.125
= Rs. 479.44/h and Rs. 1052.427/ha
Time taken to cover sowing for 1 ha for Bengal gram
= 2.369 h
For Bengal gram = 422.289+48.125
= Rs.470.414/h and Rs. 1115.317/ha.
91
 Time taken to cover sowing for 1 ha for red gram
= 1.980 h
For red gram = 458.676+48.125
= Rs. 506.801/h and Rs. 1004.061/ha

iv. For Gujrat seed cum fertilizer drill

Fixed cost
Type of seed drill used Gujrat seed cum fertilizer drill
Cost of the tractor (C) Rs.65000
Life of the machine (L) 8 years
Working hours per year (H) 250 hours
Salvage value (S) 10% of initial cost
Rate of interest (I) 10 % per annum
Housing, insurance and taxes each@ 1% of initialcost
Operating cost
Wages/ labor =Rs 150 (per day of 8 h) No labour required
Repair and maintenance 10% of initial cost

Fixed cost

Depreciation

It is the cost of value of a machine with the passing of time.

D=

Where, C = initial cost

S = salvage value, 10% of initial cost

L= life of seed drill in years

H= working hours per year

, ( , / )]
D= = Rs. 29.25/h.
∗

92
 Interest

I= x

Interest @ 10 % of initial cost

I= x = Rs.14.3/h

Housing cost, insurance and taxes

Each @ 1% of the initial cost of the machine

Housing cost per hour = = Rs.2.6/h

∗

Insurance cost = Rs.2.6/h

Taxes etc = Rs.2.6/h
Total fixed cost = 29.25+14.3+2.6+2.6+2.6
= Rs. 51.35/ h

Operating cost

Repairs and maintenance cost/h

Repair and maintenance cost @ 10% of initial cost

= 65000 X

= Rs. 6500/ year

= (6500/250) = Rs. 26/ h.

Total cost/h = Fixed cost+ Operating Cost

= 51.35+26
= Rs.77.35/h

Total cost of seed drill for sowing with tractor

Time taken to cover sowing for 1 ha for ground nut

= 2.127 h
For ground nut = 444.168+77.35
= Rs.521.518/h and Rs.1110.144/ha
Time taken to cover sowing for 1 ha for Bengal gram
93
 = 2.645 h
For Bengal gram= 399.708+77.35
= Rs.477.058/h and Rs.1262.719/ha.
Time taken to cover sowing for 1 ha for red gram
= 2.590 h
For red gram = 398.772+77.35
= Rs.476.122/h and Rs.1208.473/ha

v. For Local seed cum fertilizer drill

Fixed cost
Type of seed drill used Local seed cum fertilizerdrill
Cost of the tractor Capital ( C) Rs.25000
Life of the machine (L) 8 years
Working hours per year (H) 250 hours
Salvage value (S) 10% of initial cost
Rate of interest (I) 10 % per annum
Housing, insurance and taxes each@ 1% of initialcost
Operating cost
Wages/ labor =Rs 150 (per day of 8 h) 2 labour required
Repair and maintenance 10% of initial cost

Fixed cost

Depreciation

It is the cost of value of a machine with the passing of time.

D=

Where, C = initial cost

S = salvage value, 10% of initial cost

L= life of seed drill in years

H= working hours per year

94
 , ( , / )]
D= = Rs. 11.25/h
∗

Interest

I= x

Interest @ 10 % of initial cost

I= x = Rs.5.5/h

Housing cost, insurance and taxes

Each @ 1% of the initial cost of the machine

Housing cost per hour = = Rs.1/h
∗

Insurance cost = Rs.1/h

Taxes etc. = Rs.1/h
Total fixed cost = 11.25+5.5+1+1+1
= Rs. 19.75/ h

Operating Cost

Repairs and maintenance cost/h

Repair and maintenance cost @ 10% of initial cost

= 25000 x

= Rs. 2500/ year

= (2500/250) = Rs. 10/ h

Wages of operator/h

Wages cost @ Rs. 150/ day of 8 h, 2 labour required for sowing.

Wages per hour = (150 / 8) X 2

= Rs. 37.5/ h
Total operating cost = Rs.47.5/h

Total cost/h = Fixed cost+ Operating Cost

= 19.75+47.5 = Rs. 67.25/h

95
Total cost of seed drill for sowing with tractor

Time taken to cover sowing for 1 ha for ground nut

= 2.298 h
For ground nut = 421.938+67.25
= Rs. 489.188/h and Rs. 1125.144/ha
Time taken to cover sowing for 1 ha for Bengal gram
= 2.403 h
For Bengal gram = 412.227+67.25
= Rs. 479.477/h and Rs. 1153.189/ha.
Time taken to cover sowing for 1 ha for red gram
= 2.544 h
For red gram = 407.43+67.25
= Rs.474.68/h and Rs.1208.473/ha

96