Review on tractor mounted air assisted sprayer use in Indian agriculture

Tractor-mounted air-assisted sprayers have become an important tool in modern Indian agriculture for efficient and uniform application of pesticides and herbicides. Traditional methods, including manual and hydraulic sprayers, often result in uneven spray deposition, higher labour requirements, and excessive chemical use. Air-assisted sprayers employ an axial fan to atomize and transport spray droplets, achieving better canopy penetration, uniform droplet distribution, and reduced drift. This review synthesizes studies on nozzle types, air velocity, operating pressure, forward speed, and design innovations such as air deflectors, tapered sleeves, and electrostatic charging. Results indicates that these sprayers enhance spray efficiency, reduce chemical wastage, and lower labour and operational costs across crops such as mango, cashew, and horticultural plants. Tractor-mounted air-assisted sprayers are technically and economically superior to conventional sprayers, and their adoption in India can improve pesticide use efficiency and sustainability. Further field validation is recommended under diverse agro-climatic conditions.