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Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa
In the imperial Gazetteer of India 1878, Pusa was recorded as a government estate of about 1350 acres in Darbhanba. It was acquired by East India Company for running a stud farm to supply better breed of horses mainly for the army. Frequent incidence of glanders disease (swelling of glands), mostly affecting the valuable imported bloodstock made the civil veterinary department to shift the entire stock out of Pusa. A British tobacco concern Beg Sutherland & co. got the estate on lease but it also left in 1897 abandoning the government estate of Pusa.
Lord Mayo, The Viceroy and Governor General, had been repeatedly trying to get through his proposal for setting up a directorate general of Agriculture that would take care of the soil and its productivity, formulate newer techniques of cultivation, improve the quality of seeds and livestock and also arrange for imparting agricultural education. The government of India had invited a British expert. Dr. J. A. Voelcker who had submitted as report on the development of Indian agriculture. As a follow-up action, three experts in different fields were appointed for the first time during 1885 to 1895 namely, agricultural chemist (Dr. J. W. Leafer), cryptogamic botanist (Dr. R. A. Butler) and entomologist (Dr. H. Maxwell Lefroy) with headquarters at Dehradun (U.P.) in the forest Research Institute complex.
Surprisingly, until now Pusa, which was destined to become the centre of agricultural revolution in the country, was lying as before an abandoned government estate. In 1898. Lord Curzon took over as the viceroy. A widely traveled person and an administrator, he salvaged out the earlier proposal and got London’s approval for the appointment of the inspector General of Agriculture to which the first incumbent Mr. J. Mollison (Dy. Director of Agriculture, Bombay) joined in 1901 with headquarters at Nagpur
The then government of Bengal had mooted in 1902 a proposal to the centre for setting up a model cattle farm for improving the dilapidated condition of the livestock at Pusa estate where plenty of land, water and feed would be available, and with Mr. Mollison’s support this was accepted in principle. Around Pusa, there were many British planters and also an indigo research centre Dalsing Sarai (near Pusa). Mr. Mollison’s visits to this mini British kingdom and his strong recommendations. In favour of Pusa as the most ideal place for the Bengal government project obviously caught the attention for the viceroy.
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ThesisItem Open Access Development of Single Row Vegetable Transplanter with Rotating Cup Type Metering Mechanism(RPCAU, Pusa, 2023) YADAV, ANAND MOHAN; Sinha, JayaThe role of vegetables in ensuring global food security is crucial due to their provision of essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals for a balanced diet. This study addresses the significance of vegetable cultivation, particularly in low-income countries, where they play a vital role in nutrition and economic well-being. Despite advancements in agricultural practices, challenges persist in terms of productivity, cost-efficiency, and sustainability. This research focuses on optimizing vegetable transplanting, a critical process in agriculture, by developing a battery-operated single-row transplanter with a rotating cup-type metering mechanism. Historically, vegetable sowing methods have evolved from traditional practices to modern technological advancements. This study concentrates on Indian vegetable cultivation, heavily reliant on manual labor. While semi-automatic transplanters have alleviated labor burdens, this research aims to further enhance efficiency through the development of an automatic transplanter. The research objectives encompass developing the metering mechanism, designing the transplanter, evaluating its performance and economic viability. This study involved several steps, including assessing seedling properties, designing the metering mechanism, fabricating the transplanter, evaluating its performance, and conducting cost analysis. The transplanter's specifications, power source, transmission system, and battery were detailed. Performance metrics, such as draft and power requirements, field capacity, transplanting rate, and survival percentage, were measured and analyzed. The cost economics of the transplanter were compared to manual methods. The results of field trials on Chilli and Brinjal crops indicated the transplanter's efficiency, achieving high field efficiency rates ranging from 43.61% to 55.55% across different speeds. ANOVA showed Actual Field Capacity is significant at the 1 percent level. Actual Field Capacity (AFC) increased from 0.02 ha/h at 0.5 km/h to 0.03 ha/h at 1.0 km/h. The transplanter exhibited transplanting rates ranging from 920.13 plants/hour to 1679.89 plants/hour, significantly reducing labor requirements. Cost analysis demonstrated the transplanter's cost-effectiveness. In conclusion, this research presents a single-row vegetable transplanter with a rotating cup-type metering mechanism that offers promising results in terms of performance, efficiency, and cost savings. The transplanter has the potential to revolutionize vegetable cultivation practices by streamlining transplanting operations and improving crop yields. Further validation and fine-tuning are recommended for different conditions and crops. This technology represents a significant advancement in sustainable and efficient agriculture.ThesisItem Open Access Design Modification of Two Row Battery Operated Vegetable Transplanter(Dr.RPCAU, Pusa, 2022) KUMAR, NIRANJAN; Sinha, JayaVegetables are the essential part of diet in India. India is the second largest producer of the vegetables after China. Generally, in India vegetable is transplanted either by traditional manual method which requires high labour cost and high drudgery during transplanting. To reduce the drudgery and manpower requirement in transplanting operation mechanization in vegetable cultivation is needed. The mechanical transplanting of vegetable has been considered the most promising option, as it saves labour, ensures timely transplanting and attains optimum plant density that contributes to high productivity. Keeping this in view, the study was conducted to evaluate the field performance of CAET developed battery operated vegetable transplanter and modification was done as per requirement. The Modified Single Row Battery Operated Vegetable Transplanter (MSRBOVT) had main frame, DC motor, battery, power transmission unit, furrow opener, ski type furrow closing device, seedling delivery tube, seedling holding tray, escalator and motor controller. Field performance of Existing Two Row Battery Operated Vegetable Transplanter (ETRBOVT) and MSRBOVT was done with chilli and brinjal plug seedling. Both transplanter was ergonomically evaluated in terms of physiological cost of operator like subjects heart beat rate and energy expenditure rate during 15 minutes of working. For transplanting chilli and brinjal plug seedling by ETRBOVT at an average speed of 0.192 km/h the average field capacity and field efficiency was observed to be 0.015 ha/h and 86.10%. The transplanting efficiency and survival plant percentage was found 87.61% and 85.78% respectively. Row to row distance, plant to plant distance and depth of transplanting was found to be 0.45 m, 0.45-0.5 m and 0.04 m respectively. The average transplanting rate by existing transplanter was observed to be 692 seedlings per hour. For transplanting chilli and brinjal plug seedling by MSRBOVT at an average speed of 0.289 km/h the average field capacity and field efficiency was observed to be 0.016 ha/h and 92.82%. The transplanting efficiency and survival plant percentage was found to be 88.95% and 86.98% respectively. Row to row distance, plant to plant distance and depth of transplanting was found to be 0.6 m, 0.45-0.5 m and 0.05 m respectively. The average transplanting rate by modified transplanter was calculated 547 seedlings per hour. Average heart beat rate for operating the ETRBOVT for continuous working by Subject A, B, and C was measured to be 113, 136 and 119 beats/min respectively. Average energy expenditure rate for operating the ETRBOVT by Subject A, B, and C was found to be 19.65, 29.18 and 22.14 kJ/min respectively. The work load in operating modified transplanter shifted to “heavy work” to “moderate work” category. Average heart beat rate for operating the MSRBOVT for continuous working by Subject A, B, and C was found to be 100, 119 and 102 beats/min respectively. Average energy expenditure rate for operating the MSRBOVT for continuous working by Subject A, B, and C was found to be 14.11, 22.14 and 15 kJ/min respectively. Cost of operation per hectare with ETRBOVT was Rs.4249.33/ha. Cost of operation per hectare with MSRBOVT was Rs.3673.12/ha. Hence, developed MSRBOVT was better in terms of field performance, physiological cost, work load and economic point of view from ETRBOVT.ThesisItem Open Access FIELD EVALUATION OF SELF PROPELLED POWER PADDY WEEDER(Dr.RPCAU, Pusa, 2021) THAKRE, ROHIT; Chandra, SubhashThe experiment was comprising of performance evaluation of power paddy weeder in local soil of Pusa at three moisture levels of soil and two stages of weed height. The performance of machine was compared with the manual weeding method as control treatment. The field capacity of machine was maximum (0.046 ha/h) in treatment T3 having dry soil. However, in treatment T2 (Wet soil) and T1 (Water inundated), the field capacities were 0.42 and 0.40 hectare per hour, respectively. The maximum field efficiency was reported to be 71.42 % in treatment T1 and minimum 67.64 % in treatment T3. Among all treatments, control treatment (T4) had registered maximum weeding efficiency both at 15 and 30 days after transplanting with values (98.15%) and (97.62%), respectively. Among mechanical weeding operations, treatment T1 had maximum weeding efficiency (78.68%) at 30 days after transplanting and the minimum in treatment T3 (74.29%) at the same time interval. The performance index of machine was reported maximum (185.50) in treatment T3 and minimum was (168.04) in treatment T1, respectively at 30 days after transplanting. The plots with mechanical weeding had edge over manual weeding method in respect of plant growth for all the treatments. The treatment T1 had registered highest plant growth (88.90 cm) at 60 days after first weeding. However, in treatment T2 and T3 plant heights were at par and ranging between 86.20 cm to 86.60 cm at the same time interval after first weeding, i.e. 60 days. In relation to the economics of operation, mechanical weeding for all the treatments were much economical than the hand weeding by khurpi, i.e. treatment T4. A saving of Rs.10137.60 was reported in treatment T3 followed by Rs.9402.32 in treatment T2and Rs.8947.32 in treatment T1 on per hectare basis in comparison to treatment T4 as the control treatment and farmers practice of weeding in paddy. All the crop and economic parameters had proved the superiority of power paddy weeder over hand weeding method for weeding in paddy crop.ThesisItem Open Access MICROCONTROLLER BASED ELECTRO HYDRAULICALLY AUTOMATIC DEPTH CONTROL SYSTEM FOR TRACTOR MOUNTED IMPLEMENTS(Dr.RPCAU, Pusa, 2021) SAHU, RAVI KUMAR; Pranav, P. K.The tractor is a major source of power among all the sources of power for agriculture as it has diversified applications. The most commonly operations are field preparation, sowing and interculturing. In all those operations, depth is important factor which is most important parameter in precision agriculture. During farm operation for the operator, it‟s very difficult to maintain the recommended depth of operation without any indication and also have point to point variation in agriculture field. Therefore, a project was undertaken to develop a continuous depth measurement and its control system according to the pre-defined value of depth. A rotary potentiometer measured the depth by sensing the rotation of rockshaft of tractors hydraulic which was displayed digitally. A keypad was used to set the desired depth operation by operator. A stepper motor was connected with the position control lever to control the depth according to the signal getting from microcontroller. The microcontroller compares the input of pre-define depth with real time measured depth and sends the signal to stepper motor to lower/raise the depth as per need. The error in the real time depth measurement was 6.05% and 4.58% when evaluated without and with implement respectively in stationary condition. The automatic depth control system was also evaluated with the simulator as well as tractor and found the depth was well within the ±10% of the pre-defined depth.ThesisItem Open Access Development of Tractor Operated Semi-Automatic Two Row Turmeric Planter(DRPCAU, PUSA, 2022) BARIHA, AKHILESH; Kumar, ManoranjanTurmeric can be grown in tropical areas that are hot and humid. Manual turmeric planting takes time and effort, as a worker has to dig the soil, sow the turmeric on the field and cover the turmeric with the soil. Due to a shortage of skilled labours, the Farmer faced a problem with turmeric sowing. If planting is mechanized then the area under turmeric can be increased. The planter will remove human drudgery during planting and also improve the quality of planting. Therefore, two row semi-automatic tractor operated turmeric planter was developed at the department of Farm Machinery and Power Engineering, College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, RPCAU Pusa. The planter consists of a main frame, seed metering mechanism, seed hopper, ground wheel, furrow opener, ridger, power transmission unit and operator seat. The developed turmeric planter was tested in the laboratory as well as field for its performance. The planter provides seed rate 2201.19 kg/ha. The theoretical field capacity was observed that 0.067 ha/h, 0.09 ha/h and 0.112 ha/h at the speed of 0.75 km/h, 1.00 km/h and 1.25 km/h respectively. The effective field capacity was observed that 0.059 ha/h, 0.077 ha/h and 0.09 ha/h at the speed of 0.75 km/h, 1.00 km/h and 1.25 km/h respectively. The field efficiency was observed that 88.05%, 85.55% and 80.35% at the speed of 0.75 km/h, 1.00 km/h and 1.25 km/h respectively. Missing and multiple percentage of seeds increased as the speed increased. The cost of sowing by planter was observed at 11425 Rs/ha at the speed of 1.00 km/h and by manual it was 19250 Rs/ha.ThesisItem Open Access Development and Testing of Tractor Operated Rice-Wheat seeder Equipment(DRPCAU, PUSA, 2022) CHAUDHARY, SHUBHAM; Chandra, SubhashA 8-row rotary seed box type tractor operated Rice-Wheat seeder with auto depth control system was developed and tested in paddy and wheat crops in Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa (Bihar) for seed rate, field capacity, field efficiency, seeding efficiency and economics of use in comparison to the versatile tractor operated seed drill. The seed rate was 20.63 to 21.67kg/ha in medium sized paddy seeds, upon seed weight varying between 4kg to 2kg per box. The seed rate in long kernel variety was varying between 20.48 to 21.86kg/ha, upon variation in seed weight per box from 4.0 to 1.0kg. The seed refilling time was 2.11 hours and 3.17 hours in medium and long kernel paddy varieties. The results were with opening of 44 holes of 10.0mm diameter hole and 22 holes of 8mm diameter, on each seed box. In Wheat, the seed rate was 97.86kg/ha upon opening of 44 holes 10.0mm diameter and 22 holes of 5mm diameter with 4.0 kg seed per box. With reduction in seed quantity from 3.0 to 2.0kg per box and upon opening of 44 holes of 10.0mm diameter holes on each seed box, the seed rate had changed from 102.79 to 107.18kg/ha. The developed machine and seed drill had registered field capacity 0.24ha/h and 0.23ha/h at field efficiency 88.88% and 88.46%, respectively. Rice-Wheat seeder and seed drill both had seeding efficiency 97.30% and 96.04%, respectively in wheat crop. However, in paddy crop, the above two machines had registered 95.40% and 93.90% seeding efficiency, respectively. The cost of use of Rice-Wheat Seeder was Rs.3793.54/ha in comparison to the Seed drill (Rs.3703.04/ha), upon operation of both the machines by tractor.ThesisItem Open Access DETECTION AND INDICATION OF SEED CLOGGING IN FURROW OPENER FOR TRACTOR DRAWN SEEDERS(DRPCAU, PUSA, 2022) Kumar, Gaurav; Pranav, P. K.The seeder machine is of the unique techniques which is used for sowing seeds in standing stubble of crop residue. The clogging of boot in seeder is very common which results in missing of seed drop in lines. Many a times, a person stands behind the drill to observe it which is very pathetic and unsafe. A monitoring system has been developed to sense and indicate the clogging of boot in seed drills. The developed system has sensing unit, processing unit and audio-visual alarming unit as its integral components. The sensing unit contains ultrasonic sensor which senses the diametral length of the seed tube. An Arduino mega forms processing unit that performs logical operations based on the data received from sensing unit and sends signal to audio-visual alarming unit. The alert unit has 11 LED and a buzzer which gets activated according to the logic fed to the processing unit through code. The developed system was evaluated in lab on simulator and in field for detecting clogging during wheat and rice drilling. It was observed during laboratory evaluation that the clogging was detected and respective LED was ON when average 12.39 and 17.30 grams paddy and wheat was collected in a seed tube, respectively. In field evaluation, the average weight of seeds collected during this interval was 18.33 and 22.33 g for paddy and wheat, respectively. It is observed that there was an average time lag of 15 s in detecting clogging manually and the indication provided by the indication panel. Average distance covered by the seed drill before detecting the seed clogging manually for paddy and wheat were 2.96 and 1.26 m at seed rate of 35kg/ha and 100 kg/ha, respectively which is 24.85 % higher when detected by the panel provided through LED glow and buzzer. Thus, the developed system was successful in sensing and indicating the clogging of seed boot during planting of paddy and wheat.ThesisItem Open Access Development of laboratory calibration test rig cum sticky belt seed pattern device(DRPCAU, Pusa, 2020) Bansod, Shashank; Kumar, ManoranjanThe mechanization era of Machineries are contributing to higher yield in current farming scenario of sowing and planting implements such as seed drill. The seed drill is the most commonly used machine to plant seeds in India. Increasing of productivity of any crop can be obtained by genetic improvement or by the use of efficient production practices or by the combination. Precise amount of seeds in rows is an important factor in crop production, which can affect growth and yield so this is to a great extent depends on the performance of the metering mechanism of the seed drill and planter. The important criterion in evaluating seed drill performance is seed spacing uniformity. A laboratory test for calibration of the seed drill was conducted on a test rig. Different rotational speeds (rpm) were selected for the seed metering drive shaft. Then simulating speed in the laboratory speeds of kmh-1 were chosen for the movement of the test rig. So testing of a seed drill/planter is an essential job to show the performance characteristics which affect seeding rate, seeding distribution etc. There are different factors like travelling speed, tire inflation, seeder drive wheel slippage; differences in the seeds affect the seeding rate. A uniform distribution of seeds provides maximum space for each plant and increases yields due to the reduction of intra-specific competition. It helps also in weed controls, Weeds are suppressed due to the prevention of misses. There would be benefits from improving the uniformity of seed distribution such as increase in the yield of cereals. The most astronomically immense part of the upsurge in spawning is credited to increased use of mechanical power and the development of widely effective machines and implements too. Between the machines that contribute to higher yields in today's agriculture are sowing implements such as the planter and seed drill. For the seeding purpose, seed drills are the most widely used machines for planting seeds in India as well as other countries too. An increase in the productivity of any crop can be obtained through genetic improvement or through the use of efficient breeding practices or through accumulation. In addition, the precise magnitude of seeds in rows is a consequential influencer in crop generation, which can affect growth and yield and this is highly dependent on the performance of the sowing implement i.e planter and seed drill measurement mechanism. Consequently, testing of a planter / seed drill is vital important roll work to show performance and properties that influence seeding distribution, seeding rate, etc. In addition, every element of a sowing implement such as planter or seed drill, including the furrow openers, pressure wheels ground wheel and seed metering device, disturb the support of the crop. Mounted the seed cum fertilizer drill on the developed test rig post and allow 10 meter long belt to travel under the furrow openers or seed tubes in such a way that the speed of the belt to the equal to running speed of the power drive wheel of seed cum fertilizer drill. Apply the sticky layer of grease to the belt to facilitate the proper embedding of seeds without any displacement. The tests were piloted with the support of the developed test-rig cum seed pattern device as stationary test happened. The test rig was definite horizontal travel (not slop at any directions). Operated the drill and observation were recorded the number of seeds dropped and the average distance between two seeds for each meter of belt length Repeated the test ten times. The laboratory experimental work and measurements were carried out in the Farm Machinery Testing Center, CAE, DRPCAU, Pusa. The Physical properties of wheat and paddy where the Bulk Density of wheat is average of 10 samples; it is 0.83 g/cm3. The 1000 g average weight of wheat seed was found 43.4 g. Similarly the average bulk density of paddy was recorded 1.5 g/cm2 and average weight of 1000 paddy seed was found 48.2 g. The dimensions of wheat and paddy seed of 100 samples were taken. The average dimensions of used seeds were length, width and thickness in wheat sample was 5.87 mm, 3.34 mm and 2.75 mm and in case of paddy it was observed 7.62 mm, 2.51 mm, and 2.17mm respectively. During sowing of seed by seed cum fertilizer drill,dropping of seed effect the speed. In seed cum fertilizer drill, seed dropping from seed metering mechanism to field by gravitational force hence dropping of seed in field does not effect on quantity of seed because when sowing in field the vibration occurred in the seed cum fertilizer drill due to this vibration neglect the effect of quantity of seed in the seed box. The spacing between seed to seed in case of wheat and paddy affects the speed of seed cum fertilizer drill. The in number of grain also affect the speed of grain. The speed of seed cum fertilizer drill will be more the dropping in number of seed will be higher and vice versa. 11 tyne seed cum fertilizer drill, fluted roller seed metering mechanism was not suitable for sowing of paddy seed. Recommended that 11 tyne seed cum fertilizer drill with fluted roller seed metering mechanism and inverted T type furrow opener is suitable for sowing of wheat for zero tillage. Not recommended for sowing of paddy seed due to very much damage in percentage.ThesisItem Open Access Development of real time soil EC sensing system(DRPCAU, Pusa, 2020) Singh, Ajit; Patel, S. K.Productivity and production of the major crops has increased many folds since the independence. Simultaneously, the use of chemical fertilizers has also increased which have caused negative impact the on-soil‘s health. The extensive use of chemical fertilizers can be reduced by their precise application. Nitrogen is one of the most important among chemical fertilizers. Some researchers have found that nitrogen fertilizer can be applied on the basis of soil‘s electrical conductivity. Mostly, the soil‘s electrical conductivity is measured in laboratory which takes more time. If EC is managed to be measured within the field on real time basis then it can be employed at the time of sowing the crop. Therefore, a project on development of real time soil EC sensing system was taken. Four electrodes were used to measure electrical conductivity of soil. Out of four electrodes, outer two electrodes were used for current flow in the soil which is kept 6 cm deep and voltage (potential difference) between inner two electrodes were measured which was also at same depth. Two methods i.e. soil-salt and salt-water were used to vary the EC of soil as well as water. Two relationships i.e. EC vs V were developed for soil-salt and salt-water which were used for the calibration equations. The coefficients of determination (R2) were 0.849 for EC vs V (soil-salt method) and 0.793 for EC vs V (salt-water). The Pearson‘s coefficients of correlations were 0.921 and 0.891 for the same which were significant. A multiple regression equation (EC, V and MC) was also determined. The coefficient of determination was 0.793 for the same which was also significant. Using above equation program was written to measure EC in real time. The developed sensor was validated in actual field condition. To validate the developed sensor, sensing system was operating in the field and measure EC in real time. Simultaneously, soil samples were also collected to measure EC in lab. The measured data by sensor was validated lab data. The coefficient of determination was 0.651 Therefore, the developed sensing system is very simple, easy to use to measure EC in real time which will reduce the time and drudgery substantially.
