Development and Evaluation of Power Tiller Operated Ridge Plastering Attachment

Abstract

Mechanization indeed presents a promising solution to address the challenges faced in agriculture, particularly in regions where labour shortages are prevalent. The decreasing rural population is becoming increasingly responsible for feeding the growing urban population, increase in productivity of agriculture has become an essential feature in stepping towards sustainability. Replacing manual processes with mechanized ones not only enhances efficiency but also makes agriculture more attractive to the younger generation who are often deterred by the labour-intensive nature of traditional farming methods. Mechanization provides advantages such as increased efficiency, reduced labour requirements and improved profitability. The traditional manual ridge making and plastering process is one of the perfect examples of a task that can benefit greatly from mechanization. By introducing mechanized equipment to prepare untilled soil near ridges and corners of fields, farmers can significantly save the time and energy required for these tasks. This not only boosts productivity but also improves the overall profitability of paddy cultivation by reducing labour costs and increasing output. Moreover, mechanization brings about improvements in the quality and strength of the bunds, thereby enhancing their effectiveness in water management and soil conservation. This is crucial for sustainable agriculture, especially in the context of climate change and increasing pressure on agricultural resources. Furthermore, investing in research and development to innovate and improve mechanized farming technologies will be key in ensuring its widespread adoption and long-term sustainability in agriculture. Farm mechanization should prioritize the development of technologies tailored to local conditions, ensuring compatibility with socioeconomic and field realities. Many farming operations, such as field preparation, transplanting, weeding, and harvesting, have already undergone complete mechanization. Ridge plastering, a crucial step involving trimming and compacting field bunds, has also seen mechanization advancements. Commercially available tractor-drawn machines, ranging from 35-45 hp, effectively handle ridge plastering tasks by utilizing the tractor's full power take-off (PTO) capacity. Additionally, to cater to the needs of small and marginal farmers, power tillers have gained prominence in India. Power tiller operated ridge plastering machines has more advantages than the tractor operated as it is more suitable to the small and medium land holding farmers and reduces the risk of sinkage. Addressing this need, a power tiller-operated ridge plastering machine was developed and evaluated at the Department of Farm Machinery and Power Engineering, Kelappaji College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Tavanur, Malappuram, Kerala. This innovative unit, compatible with power tillers ranging from 9-12 hp, features with two sets of twisted blades on its blade holders cut, pulverize and throw the soil against the cover. The plastering disc with conical shape trims and plasters the existing or the new ridges and the roller at the end of the conical disc compact the soil from the top. The roller attached to the rotating disc compresses the soil, ensuring the ridge reaches a height of 200 mm efficiently. The cost analysis of the power tiller-operated ridge plaster machine reveals significant savings, with a 62.64% reduction in operational costs compared to traditional manual methods and 23% savings over tractor-operated machines, underscoring its economic viability and efficiency. The financial assessment shows that the machine pays for itself in just over three years, with a benefit-cost ratio of 2:1, highlighting its long-term profitability.