Draughability Studies Using Crossbred Bullocks for Different Unit Operations in Terraces-A Case Study in Sikkim

In Sikkim there are 58, 700 bullocks mostly used for cultivation operations in valley and terraces. The bullocks power availability in Sikkim has been estimated to be 13501 kW considering output of one pair of Sikkim bullocks as 0.46 kW. The bullocks power availability per unit food crop area is 0.12 kW/ha. The crossbred bullock pair of Holstein Friesen breed (weight: 645 kg) could sustain a draught load of 8.72% of the body weight in ploughing with improved wedge plough for 4 hours, 6.82% in clod crushing and leveling operation up to 5 hours and 6.30% for 4 hours in sowing operation with two row improved seed drill in terrace condition. In the field condition, the pulse and respiration rate increased at faster rate in the first hour and subsequently the rise was at decreasing rate. The average values of power output for improved wedge plough, clod crusher-leveler, helical blade puddler and two row seed drill were 0.365, 0.332, 0.327and 0.348 kW respectively.