Power Harrow: A boon for farmers, the field is ready for sowing in one go

Scientists are constantly inventing and improving new agricultural equipment to make farming easier. In this series, the Power Harrow has been developed. Technically, the Power Harrow is considered an advanced version of the rotavator. With this machine, farmers can prepare the field for sowing seeds in one go. Bhagat Singh, Farm Manager at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), spoke with Kisan of India, enumerating the advantages of this machine and explaining why it is superior to a rotavator.

The Power Harrow is an upgraded version of the Harrow.

Farmers use harrows and rotavators to break up the soil, loosen it, and level the field during field preparation. However, some shortcomings were observed in these implements, and to address these shortcomings, the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) developed the Power Harrow. Bhagat Singh, farm manager at IARI, says that the Power Harrow is an upgrade from the harrow. He further explains that preparing a field for sowing involves several steps.

Plowing the field, then plowing once or twice with a disc harrow, then operating a cultivator, a double cultivator, then leveling it with a harrow, and then operating a rotavator… Only then is the field ready for sowing. This process is both time-consuming and cost-intensive.

The field isn’t prepared in one go with a disc plow; it has to be operated once from one angle and then from another. Then, the cultivator must be operated, once straight and then crosswise. After the cultivator, the rotavator must also be operated. While the rotavator plows the surface, the soil becomes hard underneath, causing problems with irrigation and germination, among other issues. The Power Harrow has been introduced to address this shortcoming.

Three tasks at once

The Harrow is a versatile tool for farmers because it not only plows deeply but also loosens the soil and levels the field. It plows the field deeper than a rotavator. Bhagat Singh explains that the cutting edge at the bottom is vertical, allowing it to rotate vertically. It is arrow-shaped and moves in a circular motion, which ensures thorough tillage and lightens the soil. This can perform the functions of a disc harrow, cultivator, and rotavator all at once.

What is the required tractor capacity?

Bhagat Singh explains that a 60-65 HP tractor is required to operate a Power Harrow properly. Because it plows vertically, more power is required. A Power Harrow plows 8-10 inches deep, preventing the soil from hardening, preventing germination and irrigation. A smaller version of the Power Harrow is also being manufactured so that even small farmers can afford it.

Further research is underway. Bhagat Singh believes that most farmers will now prefer this option because it saves space and allows for multiple tasks at once. This equipment has an adjustment option on the cutting edge below the machine to increase the depth. It costs approximately 165,000 rupees. This is very useful for farmers because after purchasing it, they will no longer need disc cultivators, cultivators, or rotavators, saving them both space and money.

How is it better than a rotavator?

Bhagat Singh says that a rotavator only plows up to a depth of 3-5 inches, hardening the soil beneath, reducing the soil’s water-holding capacity. However, a power harrow plows up to a depth of 8-10 inches, increasing the soil’s water-holding capacity. This helps ensure better germination of crops.

Advantages of a Power Harrow

It softens and loosens the soil.

It breaks up lumps and lumps, making the soil soft and light.

Same It evens out the soil surface, preparing the field for sowing.

It plows the soil deeply, promoting better root development.

Power harrows improve soil health, which increases crop production.

It requires less time and effort than traditional tillage.

Use of a power harrow

Power harrows are used for plowing and preparing the land for sowing.

It incorporates crop residues into the soil, allowing them to decompose and become compost, making the soil more fertile.

It helps control weeds by clearing the soil surface.

Power harrows maintain soil moisture, which helps seeds germinate.

Take these precautions while using a power harrow

It is important to adjust the power harrow properly so that it can till the soil deeply.

Do not operate the machine too fast, as this can damage the soil.

Follow the safety rules provided in the guidelines.

It is also important to follow safety rules while using a power harrow. 

Properly preparing the field is crucial for a good harvest, as only when the soil is good will the crop yield a good and high yield. Therefore, it is crucial that farmers thoroughly prepare their fields for sowing. By plowing deeply with a power harrow, farmers can increase the fertility of their fields.

The use of agricultural equipment makes farmers’ work much easier. This saves both time and effort. Farmers also receive government subsidies for these equipment, information about which can be obtained from their nearest agricultural development center.