ICAR Develops Animal-Drawn Multi-Crop Planter — A Low-Cost, Sustainable and Farmer-Friendly Innovation

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has introduced a remarkable innovation to modernize traditional Indian farming methods — the Animal-Drawn Multi-Crop Planter. This machine has been specially designed for small and marginal farmers who rely on bullocks or other draught animals instead of tractors for tilling and sowing their fields.

Key Features and Design:

The three-row planter is suitable for sowing both coarse and fine seeds. One of its most notable features is its inter-cropping capability, allowing farmers to sow multiple crops simultaneously using independent seed boxes for different seeds.

The machine’s structure includes:

1. A durable frame and toolbar,
2. Modular seed boxes,
3. Furrow openers for creating planting grooves, and
4. A ground wheel for mechanical operation.

Precision Seed Sowing Technology:

The planter is equipped with three independent seed boxes, each fitted with an inclined plate-type seed metering mechanism. The seed plates can be easily changed depending on the crop type and plant spacing.

1. The thickness and design of plates depend on the seed size and the required plant-to-plant distance.
2. The shoe-type furrow openers ensure that seeds are placed at the correct depth, especially beneficial for dryland farming.
3. The seed box and furrow opener units can be adjusted according to the desired row spacing.

Fertilizer and Power Transmission System:

The seed metering mechanism is powered through a chain and sprocket system connected to the ground wheel. An optional fertilizer box can be mounted on the main frame, equipped with a fluted roller system that enables uniform distribution of granular fertilizers along with seeds. The drive ratio can be adjusted by selecting appropriately sized sprockets on the wheel axle or drive shaft, allowing farmers to control the seed drop rate efficiently.

Cost-Effective and Labor-Saving Solution:

The planter requires only 7–8 man-hours per hectare, making it highly labor-efficient. The total cost of the machine is approximately ₹15,000, and it can significantly reduce sowing expenses. Compared to the traditional sowing method, which costs around ₹550 per hectare, this machine reduces the cost to just ₹270–₹360 per hectare.

Conclusion: The Animal-Drawn Multi-Crop Planter is a practical and sustainable innovation for India’s rural farming communities. It represents a low-cost, eco-friendly agricultural solution that saves both labor and time, while enhancing seed and fertilizer efficiency. For small and marginal farmers, this technology marks an important step towards modern, efficient, and environmentally sustainable agriculture.