Development and evaluation of a wheel-powered sprayer machine for marginal farmers

BACKGROUND: Knapsack-type lever-arm sprayers are manually operated by farmers to apply chemicals in the field, which is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and costly. Prolonged use can cause discomfort in the hands, shoulders, and waist of operators, leading to fatigue. This problem can be affordably overcome by some mechanical maneuvers. AIM: This research aims to develop and evaluate a wheel-operated, knapsack-type sprayer machine suitable for row crops. METHODS: The machine integrates a lever-operated sprayer with a wheel-driven mechanism, transferring power via a chain and sprocket system. The sprayer’s performance was evaluated in both workshop and field conditions, considering factors such as nozzle discharge, spray angle, coverage area, swath width, and efficiency. RESULTS: The machine was made to serve at variable heights of crops, and its field efficiency was measured at 88.46%. A break-even analysis indicated 34.13 ha as the minimum acreage that must be sprayed for the sprayer to be profitable. The cost of fabrication (USD 105.93) was found to be affordable by marginal farmers of low- to middle-income countries. CONCLUSION: The developed wheel-operated sprayer is effective in field conditions, offering improved ease of use and reduced drudgery in pesticide application.