Design, Development and Field Assessment of a Self-propelled Two-row Maize Planting Machine

Maize (Zea mays L.) is a crucial cereal crop in India, ranking third in production with 22.5 million tonnes harvested from 8.67 million hectares, contributing 2.4% of global maize production. Despite its nutritional benefits, maize cultivation is highly labor-intensive, requiring 431 to 753 man-hours per hectare, which drives up operational costs. This study presents the development of a compact, cost-effective self-propelled maize planter designed for small-scale farmers. The planter, featuring an inclined plate metering mechanism, is optimized through analysis of key parameters such as seed dimensions and moisture content. Laboratory and field tests revealed that the planter achieved a seeding mass rate of 14.81 kg per hectare. Minimum seed spacing was observed at 2.3 km h⁻¹ and 45 mm depth, while maximum spacing occurred at 1.8 km h⁻¹ and 55 mm depth. The miss index was minimum at 1.8 km h⁻¹ with 55 mm depth and maximum 10% at 2.3 km h⁻¹ and 45 mm depth. The multiple index was minimum at 2.3 km h⁻¹ and 55 mm depth, whereas the maximum value 13.75% was recorded at 1.8 km h⁻¹ and 50 mm depth. The results indicate that the new planter offers an efficient and economical solution for maize planting, addressing labor and cost challenges effectively. The development of a self-propelled planter could enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability in regions relying on traditional methods.