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Comparative Analysis of Portable Weeders & Powers Tillers in the Indian Market

Mr. Mahesh Gavali, Mr.Satish Kulkarni

Comparative study for portable weeders and power tillers in the Indian market is discussed. Various methods used for weed removal in crops are also discussed. Main focus of this is to study various equipment’s used for mechanical weed removal. This study revealed that most of the Indian farmers, majority of which are small scale farmers can afford only portable weeders. These small scale farmers as such don’t use mechanical weed control methods. Chemical and manual weeding is predominantly used by these small scale farmers. The literature survey indicated that portable weeders are relatively less expensive in operation and maintenance but are also less versatile. Power tillers are considerably more expensive but are also very much more versatile and can operate in variable soil conditions. Due to these constraints most smaller farmers resort to chemical and manual weeding. These methods are labor intensive and as such a major constraint in crop production. Research has been carried out in many countries to involve technologies such as image analysis, GPS navigation, etc. in mechanical weeding machines. But most these efforts are yet to leave a lasting effect in market place. Hence it is necessary to develop more efficient and cost effective methods of mechanical weeding so as to lessen the use of chemical and manual weed removal methods