Development and Evaluation of Engine Operated Maize Planter for Small Farmers of Jammu and Kashmir

Abstract

newline Maize (Zea mays L.) is a staple crop in Jammu and Kashmir, traditionally planted using manual methods such as broadcasting and dibbling. A study was conducted to determine the physical and engineering properties of three maize varieties JMC-3, JHM-Double and PHM-34 to support the development of a maize planter. The average length, width, thickness, geometric mean diameter (GMD), and sphericity were found to be 10.81and#8239;±and#8239;1.01 mm, 7.99and#8239;±and#8239;0.77 mm, 4.43and#8239;±and#8239;0.72 mm, 6.99and#8239;±and#8239;0.49 mm, and 0.65and#8239;±and#8239;0.06 for JMC-3; 10.73and#8239;±and#8239;1.36 mm, 9.46and#8239;±and#8239;1.09 mm, 4.95and#8239;±and#8239;0.88 mm, 7.73and#8239;±and#8239;0.46 mm, and 0.74and#8239;±and#8239;0.09 for JHM-Double; and 11.44and#8239;±and#8239;1.73 mm, 9.65and#8239;±and#8239;0.81 mm, 4.40and#8239;±and#8239;0.73 mm, 7.65and#8239;±and#8239;0.39 mm, and 0.68and#8239;±and#8239;0.08 for PHM-34, respectively. Among these three the JMC-3 variety was selected for prototype development. newlineAn engine-operated maize planter prototype was developed, consisting of a main frame, inclined plate-type seed metering mechanism, PVC seed tubes, reversible shovel-type furrow openers, depth control wheels and a ground wheel-driven transmission using chain and bevel gears. The overall dimensions of the machine were 1433 mm × 1500 mm × 1061 mm, with a total weight of 150 kg. The prototype was evaluated with three variables: forward speed (1.5-2.5and#8239;km/h), metering disc material, and disc inclination (45°-55°). Effective field capacity ranged from 0.126 to 0.391and#8239;ha/h, and field efficiency from 69.58% to 82.22%. The missing index ranged from 4.58% to 9.16%, and the multiple index from 5.10% to 10.50%. QFI varied between 81.43% and 88.58%, with seed damage between 0.00% and 2.62%. Optimization using RSM identified 2.5and#8239;km/h forward speed, aluminium disc, and 55° inclination as optimal, yielding 78.01% field efficiency, 86.8% QFI, and 0.28% seed damage. Economic analysis showed a BCR of 1.35, a break-even point of 159and#8239;hours, and a payback period of 842and#8239;hours. The developed planter was found to be both mechanically effective and economically sustainable under the agro-climatic conditions of Jammu and Kashmir. newline