Agri varsity develops low-cost alternative to Super Seeder
The management of paddy straw remains a significant challenge for agriculture sector and keeping this in view, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) has developed an innovative machine, called Mitter Seeder. This machine provides in-situ management of stubble and overcomes the drawbacks of the Super Seeder.
Over the past seven years, various machines have entered the market to address the issue of stubble
management with soil incorporation of paddy straw emerging as one of the most preferred methods among farmers, as it leaves their fields looking freshly prepared, similar to the conventional tillage practices.
Among the machines available for paddy straw incorporation, the Super Seeder has been the most popular choice. It allows farmers to incorporate paddy residue into the soil. However, the machine comes with several drawbacks, including a high initial cost, need for a powerful tractor (60 HP or above), low field capacity (only 5-6 acres per day) and the requirement for high soil moisture to prevent patchy germination.
Nowadays, farmers prefer four-wheel-drive tractors for the safe operation and transport of the Super Seeder due to its heavy weight, often exceeding 1 tonne.
To address these limitations, the PAU here has developed the Mitter Seeder, which offers an alternative to farmers who prefer soil incorporation of paddy straw but have been deterred by the challenges associated with the Super Seeder. The new machine was recently demonstrated in collaboration with the Vachan Self-Help Group at Jaladiwal village in the district, where it was used for dummy wheat sowing.
Dr Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor, PAU, explained the new machine fully incorporated paddy straw after combine harvesting and sowed wheat in rows 7.25 inches apart, all in a single pass. Importantly, this machine can be operated using a 50 HP two-wheel-drive tractor and has a field capacity of 8-9 acres per day.
Dr Gosal emphasised that the new machine would be more affordable than the existing ones and noted that several agricultural implement manufacturers had expressed interest in its production. However, commercialisation will begin only after the due process of recommendation for the new machine is completed, he added. Dr Makhan Singh Bhullar, Director of Extension Education, PAU, said the “Mitter Seeder” had shown excellent results in research trials and in fields.
Dr Jasvir Gill, Agronomist, PAU, said the new machine was developed some years ago and had undergone rigorous testing at multiple locations. Demonstrations in the fields were conducted during the rabi seasons of 2022-23 and 2023-24, and there was a positive feedback from farmers who tested the machine. These farmers reported that the new machine performed well, offering an economically viable alternative to the traditional paddy straw-incorporation methods.
