Technology Transfer Clubs sponsored by NABARD was established in village Shelu Khadse during 2004. It was observed during PRA of Agricultural Engineering discipline that small and marginal farmers were using traditional seed drills for sowing in soybean, green gram, black gram, bengal gram and wheat. Yield gap was observed in all major crops due to low plant population and uneven spacing. Initially one fertilizer seed drill with metering device developed by Dr. PDKV, Akola was provided to one farmer in the village. Demonstration of sowing was done. Many farmers witnessed the demonstration of the ferti-seed drill with metering device. Farmers were motivated for purchasing of suitable planters at their own cost. Demonstrations were continued through Technology Transfer Clubs. An average increase in yield of 11.21 percent of different crop was observed. The planter was shared by 6–9 farmers on annual basis. It was observed that average seasonal benefit of Rs. 10522.00 and average annual benefit calculated on soybean and bengal gram which are the major crops was Rs. 21044.00. There was saving in manpower of three women and one skilled man. Results have indicated that the cost of sowing is reduced by 46% and time has been saved by 66%.
Bullock-drawn planter, Seed drill, Planter, Ferti-seed drill
