In Indian agriculture, weeds, pests, and plant diseases cause a loss of 1,480 million rupees annually, with 10-30% of this loss attributed to weeds. Today, labor availability for agricultural work is scarce, and even when available, labor demand and wages are high.
To mitigate this, herbicides can be used, but they significantly affect soil fertility. To avoid such issues, implements for weed control are beneficial. These tools not only remove weeds but also loosen the soil, promoting good aeration.
Therefore, the use of weeding implements will likely increase in the future. Utilizing these tools can reduce costs by 30-50% and save time. There are various weeding implements available today. Here are a few:
Long-Handled Weeding Tool
This tool allows weeding of row crops over an area of 0.05 hectares in a day. The long handle makes it convenient for workers to weed while standing. It features a knife for cutting weeds and a roller at the base for easy movement. Depending on the soil type, a star-shaped or spiked roller can be fitted. Moving the handle back and forth allows the knife to penetrate the soil and cut the weeds. This method enables weeding over twice the area compared to conventional methods without back strain.
Engine-Operated Weeding Tool 1
Powered by a 2.7 horsepower diesel engine, this implement features three triangular-shaped weeding blades at the back. The spacing between these blades can be adjusted according to the crop rows. The depth of weeding can also be adjusted. A roller at the back ensures uniform weeding depth. The rotation speed of the engine can be controlled from the handle. It is suitable for crops like cotton, tapioca, maize, black gram, and green gram. This tool can weed one hectare of row crops in a day at a cost of Rs. 1,100, compared to Rs. 3,750 manually. The engine can be used for other farm operations during non-weeding periods.
Engine-Operated Weeding Tool 2
This tool, powered by an 8.38 horsepower diesel engine, features a rotary cultivator-like structure for weeding in rainfed fields. The rotary cultivator, attached at the back, efficiently cuts and buries weeds and grass, enhancing soil fertility. It can also be fitted with weeding blades and furrowers. The roller at the back ensures consistent weeding depth, which can be adjusted as needed. Suitable for row crops like cotton, tapioca, maize, tomato, and sugarcane, it can weed one hectare in a day.
Tractor-Operated Weeding Tool
Farmers commonly use a nine-tine cultivator for plowing. This implement, an auxiliary plowing tool, can have its tine spacing adjusted to suit the crop rows for weeding in maize, black gram, green gram, sorghum, and groundnut. It requires one operator and laborers to weed between the crop rows. Replacing the tractor’s rear tires with iron wheels prevents crop damage. The spacing between crop rows should be at least 300 mm. This tool can weed three hectares a day at Rs. 1,400 per hectare, compared to Rs. 3,750 manually.
Weeding and Soil Ridging Implement
This tool, operated by a 35-45 horsepower tractor, combines weeding and soil ridging. The weeding blade in the form of a “V” shape sweep is attached to the front of the ridger. The weeding blades, arranged at 45 cm width, 120-degree angle, and 15-degree tilt angle, effectively pull up the weeds with roots. The rear ridger then heaps the disturbed soil around the crop rows. This tool can adjust the spacing between the sweeps to 60, 75, or 90 cm, weeding 1.6 hectares in a day.
Rolling Weeder for Paddy
This tool can weed 0.2 hectares of row-planted paddy in a day. It features one or two easily rolling wheels for movement in slushy fields. A floating mechanism and a long handle make it easy to push while walking. It requires only one operator. A single-wheeled weeder can cover 25 cents, while a double-wheeled weeder can cover 40 cents in a day.
Two-Row Finger Weeder
Suitable for row-planted paddy, this weeder can adjust the row spacing to 20 cm and 25 cm. It requires one operator and loosens the soil while burying the weeds when pushed back and forth. This tool can weed 0.35 hectares in a day at a cost of Rs. 250.
Battery-Operated Weeder
Ideal for SRI paddy cultivation, this tool is easier to operate than rolling weeders. Being battery-operated, it can function continuously without fatigue. It can weed 0.2-0.3 hectares a day at a cost of Rs. 625 per hectare.
These tools provide efficient, cost-effective solutions for weed control, promoting better crop yields and soil health.
Dr. P. Kamaraj, Assistant Professor, Farm Machinery and Power Department, Agricultural Engineering College, Kumulur, Trichy District.
