Performance Evaluation of 4-Wheel Tractor Drawn 3-Rows Precision Maize Planter for Mechanization of Maize Farming in Nepal

Hybrid winter maize is gaining popularity in the Terai region, as traditional maize growing practices are resource-consuming and labor-intensive. High inputs and labor costs have been a burden for hybrid maize growers. This study aimed to evaluate a Chinese-made 2BMZJ-3 model tractor-drawn 3-rows precision maize planter in actual field conditions and on-farm, comparing it with farmers' practices. The planter was hitched with 3-point linkages at the rear of a 35 hp tractor and could be operated in both tilled and no-tilled conditions. The seed rate was about 20 kg/ha, with a germination of 98% and an average of 4-5 plants/m² of length of row. The actual field capacity was 0.38 ha/hr in clay loam soil with an initial moisture of 26.11% and a bulk density of 1.18 g/cm³. The total cost of sowing was NRs 4050/ha, while the planting cost for farmers' practices was around NRs 7500/ha. The planter reduced the planting cost by 46% and increased the grain yield per unit area compared to farmers' practices. It is concluded that the maize planter not only reduces the planting cost but also increases grain yield per unit area.