Comparative Evaluation of Different Paddy Harvesting Methods: An Indian Experience

This publication is based on outcomes of research conducted under the faculty of agricultural engineering and technology as an integral part of course curriculum. It provides useful information on comparative economical and field performance of different paddy harvesting methods involving both manual and mechanical means of crop harvesting. Large number of small and marginal farmers in India carry out their crop harvesting manually. Paddy harvesting is still widely conducted by both men and women farm workers by making use of hand tool namely sickle. A reaper attachment mounted at front of mini (small) tractor and a self propelled reaper were used to conduct mechanized harvesting of paddy crop. Comparison of different paddy harvesting methods revealed that mechanical crop harvesting caused about 40 to 60% cost reduction along with timeliness that could save ready-to-harvest field crop (paddy) against failure due to unseasonal rains by completing harvest operation in short duration and well in time.