Sub-Soiler
Sub – soiler is a tractor drawn implement which is used to make a very deep cut (up to 80 cm depth) into the hard soil to enhance the depth of top-soil. AF tested it on 40 ha, with deep ploughing before sowing. It is expected that such very deep ploughing will help in absorbing more rain water and retaining moisture for longer time than the normal, and will improve deeper penetration of roots. Castor and Red gram intercrop was sown in such deep ploughed forms. The results of the experiment will be seen after the harvest. This experiment need to be continued for two more seasons before concluding its efficacy.
Cycle Weeder
The Cycle weeder is a simple implement innovated by a progressive farmer in Karnataka State by using a bicycle wheel for smooth and easy movement of the weeder on harder soils for weeding and inter-cultivation. AF took some MSMS members on exposure visit to the farmer’s farm in Karnataka during previous year. The women MSMS members were quite impressed with the weeder. AF adapted the design to suit local crops and got 70 cycle weeders manufactured by local skilled agri-implement makers. These weeders received excellent response from, particularly, women small farmers and wage labourers. Usually weeding operations, a heavy back breaking job, are done by women. Cycle weeders do not need constant bending and make the weeding much less strenuous and its efficiency reduces the drudgery, especially for women, immensely. A lot of farmers started to purchase these on their own once they have seen and experienced it benefits. They are also inexpensive costing only about Rs. 1500 each!