SUSTAINABLE MECHANIZATION: AGRO-ECONOMIC ASSESSMENT OF SUPER SEEDER FOR WHEAT ESTABLISHMENT IN NEPAL’S RICE–WHEAT CROPPING SYSTEM
2025
Manoj Kumar Joshi | Shamshad Ansari | Govinda Timsina | Shreemat Shrestha | Mukti Nath Jha | Santosh Shrestha
This study assesses the efficacy of Super Seeder technology, a tractor-operated machine that allows for simultaneous residue integration and seed sowing, under various paddy straw height circumstances in Nepal’s Terai region; crop residue management is critical for sustained intensification of rice-wheat systems, and despite its negative environmental consequences, residue burning before wheat sowing continues to be common in Nepal; we conducted a field experiment at the on-station of the Directorate of Agricultural Research, Koshi Province, applying four straw height treatments—0–5 cm, 10–15 cm, 25–30 cm, and 35–40 cm—with five replications per treatment; the results demonstrated that, in comparison to both greater residue levels and residue-free plots, moderate straw heights (10–15 cm) produced better wheat emergence and a significantly better grain yield (4.03 t/ha); while early emergence rates were not significantly impacted by straw height (p>0.05), there were significant differences in biological and grain yields between treatments; according to economic analysis, under subsidized conditions (if farmers get 75% subsidy on initial purchase of Super Seeder), the Super Seeder achieved a payback period of 0.64 years and cut input costs by 25%; due to its cost-effectiveness and operational efficiency, farmers at the NARC Technology Village in Sunsari district expressed a high preference for the Super Seeder in a large plot demonstration that contrasted it with zero tillage and traditional methods; this study focuses on the potential of Super Seeder technology to improve residue management, minimize labor and fuel consumption, and promote climate-smart wheat production in Nepal.
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