Development and Evaluation of Semi-Automatic Six Row Onion Seedlings Transplanter

Abstract

A six row semi-automatic plug metering type onion seedling transplanter was developed and evaluated for transplanting onion seedlings. The major components of transplanter consist of three-point hitch, plug metering system, funnel, press wheel and power transmission system. One person was required for feeding in each row. Performance evaluation of the transplanter was carried out for transplanting of 60 days old onion seedlings. Manual transplanting operation was also carried out to compare the performance and economics of mechanical transplanting with the developed machine. The field capacity and field efficiency of the developed six row semi-automatic onion seedling transplanter was 0.078 ha/h and 76.53%, respectively. The labour requirement in mechanical transplanting was 115 man-h/ha as compared to 400 man-h/ha in manual transplanting. No significant differences were observed in plant mortality with mechanically and manually transplanted seedlings. The estimated cost of the unit was Rs. 62,500 (US $1,000). The operational cost of mechanical transplanting, with plant geometry of 0.10 x 0.20 m, was Rs 8042 (US $135)/ha as compared to Rs 12,000 (US $200)/ha for manual transplanting.