Problem Statement:

Low-cost, labour-saving Seed Drill

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Detail:

Low-cost, labour-saving Seed Drill The tractor-mounted seed drill has 6 to 11 tines, and it costs Rs.18, 500. It can cover one hectare in 2 hours. In these seed-drills the steel seed-pipes can be changed to suit the seeds of different size. The implements can be fabricated with local materials, and this sturdy implement needs little maintenance. Any repair can be attended to locally, according to Mr. S. Gnanamani, one of three sons of this enterprising farmers, who fabricates all these seed-drills. The seed-drills designed by Sri. Somasundaram has several advantages over others developed elsewhere. "As a dry land farmer, I have personally felt the need for such implements, and I have incorporated all the features that a dry land farmer in a remote village will look for in such implements. The diameter in the seed pipes can be adjusted according to the type of seed whether it is ragi or groundnut. The low cost implements can be collectively owned by a group of farmers, and the effectively used by all of them in rotation, "said this enthusiastic farmer. 1. By using this implement seed rate can be reduced. For example for dry land paddy the seed rate can be reduced to 12 kgs per acre instead of normal 30 kgs adopted by farmers: for one square metre a population of 60 seeds is sufficient instead of 120 seeds. By using this seed drill the seed rate can be reduced to a greater extent. Crops % of seeds saved a. Groundnut, Castor 10% b. Paddy, bajra, Gingelly, Ragi, Cholam, Blackgram, Echinocloa (Banyard millet) Foxtail millet (setaria italica) 50% 2. The bullock drawn seed drill can cover 3-4 acres instead of 1\2 acre by conventional sowing. The tractor drawn seed drill will easily cover 6-8 acres instead of 1 acre in conventional sowing. 3. The cost of seeding is cheaper. 4. Crops raised through thus method of seeding will come for harvest 15 days earlier due to quick maturity and exposed to good sunlight. Benefits: 1. By using this implement seed rate can be reduced. For example for dry land paddy the seed rate can be reduced to 12 kgs per acre instead of normal 30 kgs adopted by farmers: for one square metre a population of 60 seeds is sufficient instead of 120 seeds. By using this seed drill the seed rate can be reduced to a greater extent. Crops % of seeds saved a. Groundnut, Castor 10% b. Paddy, bajra, Gingelly, Ragi, Cholam, Blackgram, Echinocloa (Banyard millet) Foxtail millet (setaria italica) 50% 2. The bullock drawn seed drill can cover 3-4 acres instead of 1\2 acre by conventional sowing. The tractor drawn seed drill will easily cover 6-8 acres instead of 1 acre in conventional sowing. 3. The cost of seeding is cheaper. 4. Crops raised through this method of seeding will come for harvest 15 days earlier due to quick maturity and exposed to good sunlight.

Knowledge Provider / Innovator: Somasundaram Somasundaram Somasundaram
Address: Viyasarpadi Chennai Tamil Nadu
City: Chennai
State: Tamil Nadu
PIN Code 600039

Manufacturing Capacity: b) Design Support c) Sub-contracting e) Franchising
Problem Scale: Mild and local
News Link 5:

• Performance study of a low cost manually operated seed drill for sowing of jute -
  https://www.researchgate.net/publication/333480920_Performance_study_of_a_low_cost_manually_operated_seed_drill_for_sowing_of_jute