Problem: A majority of paddy farmers, mostly women plant paddy seedlings by hand in a painful back-bending posture, with minimal tools. They cannot afford expensive tractor-powered machines used by farmers with large holdings. They also face a shortage of labour. Sometimes they cooperate to transplant paddy in their respective fields.
Solution: A hand crank or motor powers the chain and sprocket mechanism, which moves two fingers. They carry seedlings from the storage tray into the soil. Requiring only a single person to operate, it can plant two to five seedlings per hill in two rows. The depth is adjustable as is the row-to-row distance up to 25 cm. A float supports its whole weight, propelling it forward. Powder coating keeps it rust-free.
Social and environmental impact: This machine saves time, reduces labor without use of any fuel, and can be navigated smoothly on small plots of land. Especially suitable for women farmers because of its ergonomic handle and lightweight.
