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AGRICULTURAL MACHINARIES Part 2

1. The history of agriculture is as old as human civilization. Farming is the way of life for major
portion of the population in India even today. But in recent years the younger generation is moving
away from their farms. Cultivation and production of food grain has come down. Shortage of farm
labour is one of the major problems of Indian agriculture. This has opened the door for farm
mechanization. These machines imported from developed countries may not suit fully to our farm
conditions. But it is the ray of hope of our farmers. Farm mechanization will bring down the cost of
production in long run and improve the efficiency of farming. Hence it can improve the profitability and
sustainability of Indian agriculture. We have visualized successful farm equipment from reputed
companies like Oleomac, Agrimate, and Stihl etc. We will explain both positive and negative aspects
of each machine. Rotary tiller, different types of sprayers, mist blower, chain saws, pole pruners, Bioshredder, earth auger, high pressure washer, garden equipment etc. are the machineries shown in
this documentary film.
2. Rotary Tiller / Power Weeder: We have tractors and regular tillers for big farms. But this mini tiller is
developed and designed for kitchen gardens; inter cultivation between narrow rows and around the
tree base. No doubt it is less efficient compared to conventional tillers. But it is most suitable for these
specific works. Though there are many brands Oleomac rotary tiller is most popular. Petrol models
are more common than diesel mini tillers.
3. This Oleomac rotary tiller runs with Honda 4 stroke petrol engine. It has only one gear for forward
movement. Front small wheel is useful for shifting the tiller from block to block. It is kept folded
upwards in operation. The rotor has 3 sets of tilling blades on either side which enables tilling for 2.5
feet width. Depth of tilling is 1.5 to 2 inches depending on the soil condition. Hence it is more suitable
for inter-cultivation, weeding and fine tilling of top soil than original tilling work. That is why it is known
as power weeder also. Chain cover is strong enough to protect the chain from hitting stones in
operation. Height of the handle can be adjusted to comfortable position for the operator. There is a
provision to attach a small trailer also.
4. Off course there are some limitations for this tiny machine. It is not suitable for soil with stones,
thick surface roots and soil without enough moisture. However it can be used effectively for intercultivation between narrow rows, mixing manures in to the soil and many more purposes. Apart from
this, the engine power can be used to run a small generator for domestic electricity supply. We can
attach a big water pump for lifting water from open wells or tanks. One can run bio-shredder

with the help of pulley and belt. We can use this as a power sprayer by attaching HTP pump to this
engine. Power of this engine may be used to run grinder, mini mills for flour, dhal or oil for domestic
purpose. Hence this rotary tiller is a multipurpose machine for our farmers. Many state governments
provide subsidy for this mini tiller. Agrimart sells this Oleomac rotary tiller across India.
5. Chain Saw: Cutting trees is one of the important works of rural life. Conventional manual saw
needs two people to operate. Mechanized chain saw is the best alternative for this laborious and
tricky job. Chain Saws of many brands are available in the open market. However Stihl, a German
MNC is words no.1 in chain saw. Oleomac chain saws are also very popular and dependable.
Government subsidy is available for this machine under few schemes in many states. But this
equipment is costly for an individual small farmer at full cost. However one chain saw is sufficient for
4 to 5 farmers.
6. Sawing is very fast and easy with this chain saw compared to manual saws. Vibration is also less.
It runs with 2 to 3 HP 2 stroke petrol engine. It weighs around 4 to 5 kilograms depending on make
and model. Hence it is not so heavy for the operator in operation. Clean the air filter once in a while if
the work is continuous. The saw chain gets lubricated automatically. Hence be sure of proper oil level
before starting the work. The metal bar on which the chain runs is thin but strong enough to sustain
pressure while sawing. Sharpen the tooth of the saw chain after continuous work only with the file
supplied by the manufacturer of the machine.
7. The operator should know the traditional tricks of felling tree in the desired direction. Otherwise it
may damage the chain saw and the operator. It is necessary to have the traditional knowledge of
cutting the fallen tree also. Otherwise the chain bar may get locked in the cleft. If the operator knows
these tricks sawing is very easy with this chain saw. However it is difficult to cut trees with very high
diameter with this machine. Apart from these big chain saws small- handy chain saws are also
available. Operator can run this chain saw with single hand and prune the branches like this. Electric
chain saws are also available. These are useful for the work in home yards. No doubt these chain
saws made the work of cutting trees easy unlike ever before. The manufacturers of these outdoor
power tools recommend safety wearing like helmet, ear pad, eye glass and hand gloves. Even though
farmers may not use all these, taking enough precaution while using these power tools is quite
essential. These chain saws are available with the distributors of the respective companies.
8. Pole Pruners: Coffee, tea and cardamom plantations maintain tall growing trees for partial shade.
It is necessary to prune the branches once or twice a year for the regulation of shade.

It is difficult to use ladders in this undulating terrain. Mechanized pole pruners from Stihl and Oleomac
companies are quite useful for this pruning work. Working of this pole pruner is similar to the chain
saw. Cutting chain bar can be adjusted in 5 different angles to suit the situation. This telescopic
aluminium pole with safe locking system will reach the cutting bar to 10 to 15 feet height depending
on the make and the model. This entire machine weighs just 6 to 7 kilograms and hence one can
operate comfortably by holding like this.
9. The main limitation of this pole pruner is the reach of height. We can use it up to 10 to 15 feet from
the ground. Both hands are necessary to operate this. Hence operator can not work standing on the
ladder. Again the labour has to climb the tree to prune the upper branches with sickle. Manual pole
pruners are available with the same companies which will go up to 20 to 25 feet height. These are
very systematic and sharp compared to local implements. But the cost of the manual pole pruner is
high for a farmer. However these pole pruners are quite helpful for teak and other agro forestry
plantations with large number of trees.
10. Earth Auger: Digging pits for pendal or fence posts is a routine work on the farms. Opening large
number of shallow pits is necessary in tea, coffee and forest plantations. Earth augers of Stihl,
Oleomac and other companies are useful for these purposes. Single man operated small machines
and two men operated heavy duty earth augers are available. This machine runs with 2 HP petrol
engine. We can use the auger bits of 6 to 8 inches diameter for this machine.
11. This earth auger has its limitations. It will not dig hole properly in the soil with lot of stones and
roots and also in dry soils. We have to use big earth auger for bigger pits. However this earth auger is
quite useful in the rainy season in tea, coffee and forest plantations. This machine can reduce
pressure on the labour by attending at least a part of the work.
12. Mist Blower cum Duster: Now let us demonstrate different types of mist blowers and sprayers. A
mist blower is the equipment which sprays the spray liquid in the form of fine mist. Spray solution
comes down in this plastic pipe by gravity. Air stream in this bigger pipe breaks the liquid particles in
to mist and sprays it on the crop plant. This machine is useful for crops on large area. Spray solution
covers the whole crop plant due to mist form. Wastage of the liquid is very minimal. However operator
should walk fast matching to the spraying by the mist blower. It is possible to cover 3 to 4 acres in a
day. Many brands are available in this mist blower category. We are using Oleomac and Stihl mist
blowers for our demonstration.

13. We find petrol engines of 4 to 5 HP depending on the make and the model. Liquid tank capacity
is 14 to 16 liters. Discharge rate is 3 to 5 liters per minute. This mist blower has the booster engine
and hence the spray can reach the pepper vine of this height. It is very popular for spraying in rubber
plantations also. However the spray stream spreads wider with the height and wastage of the liquid
will be more. Hence it is not suitable for targeted spray for areca nut bunches. This mist blower is best
suited for field crops on large area. If you reduce the air stream it works like any other sprayer.
14. There is a provision for converting this mist blower in to a duster by using a small it kit. Put
sulphur, Melathion or any other dust in to the tank and dust like this. This duster machine is useful for
mango, grape, paddy and many more crops. This mist blower cum duster is an efficient and useful
machine for crops on large area. But it is not suitable for restricted and targeted sprays.
15. This is the mechanized sprayer suitable for crops on large area. Oleomac, Agrimate and many
more brands are popular in this category. Tank capacity is 20 to 25 liters. This Agrimate model runs
with 25 cc 4 stroke1 HP Honda engine. Discharge rate is 5 to 7 liters per minute. Spray liquid breaks
in to fine droplets and hence it spreads on the crop plant effectively. However, the operator should
walk fast to avoid the wastage of spray solution.
16. Now we shall study the improved versions of conventional sprayers. We have demonstrated
Agrimate models. This is the very common and basic model. Tank is made up of good quality fiber to
avoid rust and corrosion. Operating the handle is made very easy. Tank capacity is 12 or 16 liters.
This is the improved Agrimate high-tech manual sprayer. This stores more air pressure which
improves spraying. Durability of this sprayer is more compared to other manual sprayers. We find
mini hand held sprayers for back yard or kitchen gardens. This is baby sprayer. This is a slightly
bigger sprayer which is fitted on two small wheels for pulling. This is one more mini sprayer which
hangs on the shoulder. All these mini sprayers are useful for home gardens.
17. This is HTP sprayer. This Agrimate model is fitted with 35.8 cc, 3.1 HP Honda engine. It uses
petrol and kerosene as fuel. To match the capacity of this sprayer we need to employ 2 people with
two spray guns at a time. Discharge rate is 25 to 30 liters per minute. This HTP sprayer is useful for
field crops on large area or plantation crops like coffee, tea, grapes etc. We can fit this HTP pump on
mini tiller or any other engine of required capacity.
18. This is Agrimate mobile sprayer. Tank capacity is 50 liters and it can be pulled on the wheels
easily. It is fitted with 25 cc 4 stroke 1 HP Honda engine. Rate of discharge is 7 liters per minute. The
spray can reach 15 to 20 feet height. However the spray spreads wider with height

and the wastage will be more. Even though there are many brands and number of models in these
sprayers none of them are effective for targeted spraying for areca nut bunches. Oleomac and
Agrimate portable sprayers have entered the market to match this requirement. It is said to be a
replacement for manual Gator sprayers commonly used in areca nut gardens. This portable sprayer
has 1 to 2 HP petrol engine. Spray reaches up to 15 to 20 feet height effectively. However the spray
spreads wider with heavy wind and height resulting in the wastage of spray solution. Even then it is
acceptable in the rainy season for the control of quick spreading nut decay disease of areca nut. It
can replace manual sprayer in conventional spraying method also.
19. This is battery sprayer becoming popular in recent years. It is very similar to manual back pack
sprayers in capacity, spraying method etc. But we need not put effort to build air pressure. Hence the
operator can work throughout the day. This works with 12 volt battery. Overnight charging is sufficient
to spray 350 liters of spray solution. Spray will be uniform till the battery is exhausted fully. Discharge
rate is 2 to 3 liters per minute. This battery sprayer is competing with all types of manual sprayers in
recent years. We find many brands in this category in the open market.
20. Bio-Shredder: There is no shortage for organic material in forest areas. But in plains there is no
forest and hence no dry leaves or herbage for organic manure production. Then the other option is to
powder the waste materials available on the farm. Midrib of the coconut leaves, dry twigs of any plant,
cotton and sunflower plants after harvest can produce enough organic material for the purpose. Bioshredders of various brands have entered the market for this purpose. This machine runs with 5 or 10
HP electric motor or 6.5 or 13 HP petrol engine. It can be attached to a mini tiller also. Acceptability of
this machine by the farmer is yet to be established since electricity and petrol are scarce and costly
inputs in recent years.
21. Tea Harvester and Pruner: Tea plantation needs workers on large scale for the harvest of tea
leaves. Delay in harvesting brings down the quality of tea powder. Agrimate tea harvester has
entered the market to counter this problem. This 2 men operated machine runs with 25 cc 2 stroke
petrol engine. Two blades sliding on each other with reciprocal movement cut the tea sprouts. Air
stream at high speed from the bent pipes in front of the cutting blades pushes the cut leaves in to the
bag behind. The entire machine weighs 8.5 kilograms. It is not difficult to operate this machine by
holding like this on the tea plant. It takes 2 to 3 hours for a new operator to run this harvester at
uniform height. Fluctuation in the height will cut matured leaves also spoiling the quality of the whole
stock. Tea plantations facing acute shortage of labour are using this tea harvester successfully.

22. Tea plants need pruning at half height once in 3 to 4 years. This is necessary to get healthy
sprouts and better yield. It is very laborious to cut off this hard plant manually. Tea pruners are
extensively used for this purpose in recent years. This is another version of regular brush cutter
machine. Carbide tip circular blade with 100 teeth is attached for this purpose. This sharp blade with
high RPM cuts the plant stem without splitting. This machine has replaced the manual pruning in
most of the plantations. Farmers use similar type of circular blades to cut fire wood and small trees.
Pruning mulberry plants at the base once in a year is practiced to produce fresh growth. Similar
machine is being used for this purpose also. Working with this machine is easy and very fast
compared to manual work. Company made special circular blade is in use for this work. Hence brush
cutter is helpful for our farmers in many ways.
23. Coffee Harvester: Harvesting of coffee berries coincides with paddy and areca nut harvest in
many areas creating acute labour shortage. In Robusta variety of coffee berries are harvested at a
time after all berries are ripe. Simple equipment from Gulliver Company is available for the purpose.
This works with a rechargeable battery. These two rods rotate in opposite direction. It also produces
vibration sufficient to separate the berries from the shoot. There is a fixed gap between these two
rods which avoids damage to the shoots and shedding of leaves in operation. However there is no
much difference between working with this equipment and manual harvesting except the speed of
work. Spreading tarpaulin is unavoidable. Harvesting with this equipment will save time up to 50%.
24. Till now we have seen agricultural equipment. Now let us demonstrate few useful general types
of machinery. Many farmers use compressor pump for washing cattle shed and also the animals.
High pressure washer is the best alternative for this work. It consumes very less water and is
portable. However we should not use full pressure for animals. Washing with high pressure washer
will eliminate ticks from cattle shed. It needs 2 kilowatt electricity. Discharge rate is 7 liters per minute.
High pressure washer is being used to clean cement floors covered with algal growth. It can clean
feeder and other equipment in poultry farm. It is the best machine for washing vehicles. Apart from
these it may be used to sprinkle water for curing new constructions, cleaning compound wall etc.
Hence high pressure washer can be a multipurpose equipment which saves time of day today work.
High pressure washer of Agrimate, Oleomac, Comet and many more brands are available in the open
market.
25. Now let us demonstrate few important garden machineries. Ornamental garden and lawn around
the houses is common now. It has become almost compulsory in big cities and farm houses around
cities. Maintenance of this garden is more difficult than establishment.

Lawn mowers of different size and capacity are available now for trimming lawn grass. This is the
simplest manual lawn mower. Pushing it on the lawn will trim the grass at uniformly. However this
may not be useful for lawns kept untrimmed for long time. It is the best suited lawn mower for small
lawn around the house. This is the most popular petrol engine lawn mower. We can adjust the cutting
blade to 3 different heights depending upon the height of grass to be retained. Cut grass collects in
the box behind. Take out the grass once the box is full. This is suitable for small and medium sized
lawns. Electrical lawn mowers of same type are also in use. But the garden should have power point.
Working method and the efficiency is similar to petrol lawn mower. For lawns on large area like
stadiums, resorts etc. ride on lawn mowers are in use. This also runs with petrol engine. It is easy for
the operator to work with this lawn mower since he need not walk. Cut grass is taken out once the
box is full. However this ride-on lawn mower is suitable only for lawns on large area.
26. Maintaining the hedge at a particular height and shape is a skillful job. We have efficient hedge
trimmers from Stihl and Oleomac companies for this purpose. This weighs around 5 kilograms. This
Oleomac hedge trimmer has 1.2 HP petrol engine. The handle can be turned up to 180 so that the
operator can work on both side of the hedge comfortably. This is Stihl hedge trimmer popular for its
efficiency and accuracy. Likewise we have electrical hedge trimmers also marketed by the same
companies. But the garden should have power points. Working method and the efficiency of this
electrical model is similar to the petrol hedge trimmer.
27. Scarcity of labour is a worldwide problem. It is not limited to farming only. Industries, construction
works etc. in the cities are also facing shortage of skilled workers. But they never cry like our farmers.
They use all opportunities for mechanization and bring down the dependence on manpower. Likewise
we have to find suitable machines and equipment for farm mechanization. Off course it may not be
possible to replace manpower for all works and situations in Indian agriculture. But even the partial
mechanization can bring down the pressure on the labour force. Nobody has the magic stick to solve
this labour problem. We may have to modify our cropping and cultural practices while adapting these
machines. No doubt the mechanization can bring down cost of production in long run and improve the
efficiency of Indian agriculture. Your Shramajeevi will walk with you throughout this process of
transition. Let us meet again in the next part of this film. Thank you.

Script By: DR. Venkatramana Hegde, Shramajeevi Agri Films. www.shramajeevi.com