Selective mechanization improves productivity, energy indices and profitability of rainfed castor (Ricinus communis) in India.

Abstract

A 4-year field study (2013–14 to 2016–17) was conducted at Palem, Telangana, to understand the impact of selective mechanization practices (SMPs), viz. motorized power spray, mechanical interculture, harvesting using secateurs and mechanical castor shelling, and conventional practices (CPs) like knapsack sprayer, bullock-drawn blade, manual harvesting and manual shelling with wooden sticks on the productivity and profitability of castor (Ricinus communis L.) cultivation on rainfed Alfisols. Results showed a 13.2% increment in seed and oil yield, a saving of 23-man days and 54 hours time/ha coupled with higher additional net returns ( 9,448/ha) owing to SMPs. Further, adoption of SMPs also resulted in improved infiltration rate, higher rainwater use efficiency, energy ratio, energy productivity, and net energy gain over CPs. Of the 4 agronomic operations under study, the maximum energy (683 and 419 MJ/ha) was consumed by plant protection. To upscale and outscale the technology, there is a need for breeding genotypes amenable for mechanization and establishment of custom-hiring centres with appropriate machinery, so that small-holder farmers in India will have access to machinery for undertaking timely operations and improve farm income.