Study on Comparative Performances of Selected Paddy Weeders Developed in India

Abstract

Various types of paddy weeders, for dry as well as wet-land conditions, have been developed and used in India. The commonly used wetland paddy weeders under Indian conditions are rotary power weeder, cono-weeder, and Ambika weeder; whereas, hoe-type weeders are mostly used under dry-land conditions. The common and effective type of weeder is two-row power-operated rotary type of 0.0793 ha.h^-1 field capacity. The average cost of operation and weeding efficiency of existing paddy weeder is 1,169.59 `.ha^-1 and 79.92%, respectively. A review undertaken on different types of paddy weeders developed by researchers in India indicated that most of the developed weeders are designed for the use in inter-row cultivation, and limited research has been conducted for intra-row weeding. Thus, research should focus on developing inter-cum-intra-row weeders which could increase weeding efficiency and crop yield.