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AGRICULTURAL MACHINARIES - Part 1

1. Indian agriculture is on the cross roads. Younger generation is moving away from their
farms. Shortage of farm laborers is one of the major problems. NREG, rice 2 rupees a
kilogram and many other government programs are making the laborers lazy and
unproductive. This has worsened the situation further. As a result farm mechanization is
getting more importance. Many machineries and power tools have entered our farms. Even
the traditional farmers started using such machines. However any technology is not totally
perfect and con not replace entire labor force. We may have to make changes in our farming
system, crops and varieties. Even then for the continuation of farming farm mechanization is
inevitable now. Your Shramajeevi visualizes few useful technologies in this documentary film.
Multipurpose weed cutter, Motorized Milking machine, Electric fence, ASTRA dryer and Poly-
tunnel dryers are shown in detail.
2. Farm productivity is comparatively less and cost of production is more in our country.
Hence we are not competitive in the world agriculture trade. Inefficient farm management
and more dependence on manpower is the main reason. Youngsters are happy to work on the
farm with machines if not as a farm labor. Machineries and power tools improve the efficiency
of the worker and complete the work in time. This will bring more yield and profit. Even the
partial farm mechanization can bring down the pressure on the labor force in the peak season.
3. Weed Cutter or Power Weeder:
We introduce multipurpose weed cutter first. This is the first machine widely accepted by our
farmers in recent times. Basically this is a weed cutter. But it has become multipurpose
equipment on our farms. We find both 2 stroke and 4 stroke models of various capacities from
many companies in the open market. We have used Oleo-Mac and Stihl machines for our
demonstration. Most of the popular 2 stroke models have 1.8 to 2.1 HP light weight
Aluminium body petrol engine. It consumes 600 to 900 ml oil mixed petrol per hour depending
on the work. Average total weight of the equipment is 7 to 8 kilograms. Hence the operator
never feels it heavy in operation. Most of the models hang on the shoulder like this and
vibration is also less. Hence it exerts very less strain on the operator. However the operator
should be quick enough to cover more area in a specified time.
4. Cutting tool is a nylon rope of 2.7 to 3 mm thickness. This head attached at the end holds
10 to 12 meters of this rope winded inside. Both ends of the rope come out of these two holes
for 6 inch length. This rope rotating at 10,000 RPM cuts any weed up to finger thickness.

The flexibility of the rope enables uninterrupted weeding even if there are stones hidden in
between. However wearing and breaking of the rope will be more in rocky surface. An
experienced operator spends 5 to 7 meters of rope per acre. New operator needs more
length. Nylon rope of good quality costs 10 to 12 rupees per meter. Operator has to knock the
revolving head on the ground like this to release required length of rope from inside. Flexible
rope and hanging method of the machine enables weeding even on undulating surface and
nook and corners of the land. Backpack models are also available for weeding on steep slopes
of the farm.
5. Cutting off the weed before flowering is practiced in recent years instead of uprooting.
Here the farmer practicing organic farming gets enough herbage for mulching. This weeder
can bring down the application of chemical herbicides. Nylon rope is enough for most of the
weeds including Parthenium and Eupatorium. But for clearing shrubs we need 3 tooth blade.
Attaching and detaching these cutting tools is easy and takes very less time. Circular blade
attachment is useful to cut small trees. It can cut even dry firewood. It is being used for
harvesting fodder grass also. The cut herbage gets powdered when nylon rope is used. But 3
tooth or circular blades cut of the weed just above the ground.
6. Rotating cutting tool of the weeder throws small stones and pebbles on the front side.
Hence one should not stand in front of the working machine. This guard protects the operator.
Using this guard is a must for the safety of the operator. Manufacturers of these machines
recommend using helmet, ear pad to avoid noise, eye glass, hand gloves, thick pant and shirt
covering full body and shoes. Farmers never wear all these. However it is better to use at least
eye glass and ear pad. Put off the engine while changing the cutting tool. Apart from these the
weeding machine is safe enough for the operator. Do not forget to mix 2T oil at proper rate for
2 stroke machines. If the oil is mixed earlier itself in the can shake the can well before filling
the engine tank. Weeding machine of a standard company needs no major repair work at least
up to 800 hours of operation. 2 stroke engine consumes 750 ml of petrol and works at 10,000
RPM. While 4 stroke model consumes 500 ml fuel and works at 6 to 7000 RPM. It means that 4
stroke machine takes more time to complete work in a unit area compared to 2 stroke model.
Hence 2 stroke models are preferred for efficient and continuous heavy work. This equipment
costs 20 to 35,000 rupees depending on the make and the model. Most of the state
governments provide subsidy up to 50%. It is better to select the machines from a reputed
company after confirming service after sales, guarantee, warrantee, availability of spares etc.

7. This weeding machine has become multipurpose equipment now. It is a common practice
to cut off the mulberry plant at the base once in a year. It is necessary for healthy fresh growth
and more leaf yield. Manual pruning is cumbersome and labor intensive. Weeder is being used
by attaching this special circular blade for this purpose. Mulberry pruning has become easy
and fast with this equipment.
8. Pruning tea plants at half height is practiced once in 4 to 5 years. This is necessary for high
yield of better quality sprouts. Stem of this plant is very hard and manual pruning is laborious.
These plantations with thousands of acres and lakhs of tea plants have to divert hundreds of
labors for this work alone. Now they use power weeder with special circular blade having
carbide tip. It cuts the stem without splitting. Now most of the tea plantations use this
equipment.
9. Stihl weeder has this rubber role attachment. This is useful to heap paddy, areca nut,
coffee etc. spread on the floor of the yard. It can clean the floor of the cowshed like this. Stihl
dealer from Tamil Nadu has designed a special tiny cage wheel attachment. This is useful for
weeding in paddy transplanted in rows. This operation helps for better tillering also. This
equipment saves lot of labor necessary for manual weeding. This paddy weeder is popular in
SRI method of paddy cultivation and also in transplanter planted paddy fields. Stihl, Oleo-Mac
and other popular companies have introduced pole pruner, hedge trimmer and surface soil
mixing attachments for this weed cutter machine.
10. Innovative farmers are using this weeder for many interesting purposes. This man rubs
the floor of his cow shed with a metal wire brush attached to the weeder. The same
attachment can clean algal growth on the RCC wall. Here cement floor is getting wax polish. A
metal blade covered with thick cotton cloth acts as polishing tool. Now the same machine has
become a grinder which is useful for sharpening the sickle and other implements. Likewise the
weed cutter is a good companion of a creative farmer.
11. Here is one more important usage of the weed cutter machine. Innovative farmers
converted this in to a paddy reaper. Circular blade and a bucket are attached at the end. Blade
cuts the paddy plant and the bucket helps to keep the same in a systematic row. An efficient
operator can harvest paddy in one acre in a day which otherwise needs 15 laborers. Combined
harvesters are not suitable for small compartments and terraced lands. This weed cutter cum
paddy reaper is sufficient for a small farmer. We can harvest finger millet, wheat, soya bean,
sorghum stubbles etc. with the same reaper. Farmers of western ghat region use the same
equipment for cutting jungle grass used as fodder and mulching material.

Many people provide brush cutter service on hire basis and earn attractive income. In this case
one machine is sufficient for many farms. Likewise a power tool introduced as a weeder has
become an essential equipment of our farms.
12. Motorized Milking Machine:
Now let us introduce one more useful machine. Milking twice a day is a tedious and
compulsory job. Scarcity of trained people for milking is a major problem of commercial dairy
farms. Timely manual milking is not that easy even with 10 20 cows or buffalos. Again the
milk should reach the consumer in time. Motorized milking machine is of great help for this
365 days job. This machine was introduced in the 80s itself. But it was not accepted widely by
our farmers due to high cost and some misconceptions.
13. There are both manual and motorized types. However the manual model is not popular
with which one has to work continuously. Hence we find motorized milking machine
everywhere. We can milk with 1, 2, 3 or 4 cans at a time with this machine. Compressor for
creating vacuum, milk collection can and milking tubes are the major parts of this machine.
This 1.5 HP compressor runs with single phase electric motor. However we have to keep oil
engine or a generator set as stand by to face electricity failure. More vacuum level disturbs the
milking animal and less vacuum leaves milk in the udder. Hence we have to set the vacuum
level at 5 kg/ square centimeter to 9 kg/ square centimeter on this gauge. This PVC pipe line
running along the length of the shed connects the vacuum chamber with the milking cans. This
pipe has valves at regular intervals to enable attaching milking cans. This hose pipe connects
the valve and the can. Opening this valve will run the vacuum to the milking can.
14. Suck water in the bucket by dipping the milking tubes. Cleaning these tubes and the can
before milking will avoid spoiling of milk. Then close the cap of the can and lock it so that the
can becomes airtight. Clean the udder and the teats as usual. Then open the vacuum and
attach the milking tubes to the teats. It attaches itself firmly due to vacuum. Now the vacuum
is continuous from the compressor to the udder of the cow. The milking tube presses the teat
gently like this and takes out the milk. It does not suck the milk. Milk flows to the collecting
can through these tubes. Now the flow of milk is seen clearly through these transparent tubes.
Hold the milking tubes pulled down gently like this once the milk flow recedes. This helps to
take out leftover milk in the udder. Delay in detaching the milking tubes after milking is over
will not create any problem. Blood will never come out as many innocent people suspect.
Animal will take 2 to 3 days to adjust to this machine milking in its first calving. Later it will be a
routine thing for the cow.

15. Single person can handle milking with 2 cans. In bigger dairies using 4 cans at a time
needs 2 people. We can milk 8 cows with 10 to 12 liters of milk yield in one hour with one can.
Technically milking should be completed in 6 to 7 minutes from an animal with any amount of
milk for maximum milk yield. This milking machine completes the task in specified time and
hence farmers record higher milk yield up to 10%. Machine milking avoids any damage to the
udder muscles. Clean and complete milking avoids the chance of mastitis also. Milk remains
unspoiled up to 2 to 3 hours in machine milking due to cleanliness. However big dairies store
the milk in chilling cattle at 12 to 14 centigrade till it is sent to the market. Clean the milking
tubes and the can by sucking hot water after milking is over. Clean it again in cold water with
soap powder. Any negligence in cleaning will lead to spoiling of milk on the next day.
16. We find many brands in this motorized milking machine in the open market. However
DeLaval machine from Sweden is very popular. This machine and the spare parts are highly
durable. We need to replace the milking tube cluster once in 2 years which costs around 1200
rupees. Now this machine is common even in small dairies with 15 to 20 cows. Hand milking is
seen even now in most of the buffalo dairies. However this milking machine is equally suitable
for buffalo also. The manufacturer will provide cluster with bigger milking tubes for buffalos.
Compressor with one milking can set will cost rupees 60,000. Additional milking can set costs
rupees 25,000 each. Cost of a high yielding cow or buffalo is 50 to 60,000 rupees now. Then for
a farmer keeping 10 or 20 animals this machine is definitely affordable. We can conclude that
for timely and clean milking this machine is very helpful. This plays a major role in the success
of a dairy farm.
17. Electric Fence:
Protecting the farm and the crops is one of the important jobs on any farm. Many types of
fences are in use to avoid wild animals, stray cattle and thieves. Stone walls and wooden
fences are the age old practices. In non-forest areas people use thorny twigs for the purpose.
But it is very laborious, costly and difficult to manage on large farms. Few farmers practiced
fencing with thorny metal wires. But this costly wire itself became the target of thieves. Live
fencing by planting tall growing species on the borders is practiced everywhere. But none of
these fences give absolute protection. Now electric fence has come as a boon to solve this
problem especially in the forest areas.
18. Traditional fences can not stop wild bears, deers, bison, elephant and human beings. But
this electric fence can keep away all of them. This is quite useful even in cities to protect
properties and big compounds. There is no life threat by this legally permitted fencing system.

But the person touching the fence will never forget the shock in his life time. This was first
introduced by Ibex-Galligar, a New Zealand-India joint venture brand. Now we find hundreds
of indigenous brands in the open market. The main working principle of the electric fence is
the flow of very high voltage of electric current once in a second in the metal wires of the
fence. But there will be no continuous flow. This gives shock but no chance of casualty. Hence
this is a systematic method of chasing away the animals entering the farm. Flow of maximum
of 10,000 volts and 6 joules energy is allowed in the fence in our country. Authorized
manufacturers of the fence unit need to get clearance from CPRI and state health department
and quality certification from BIS. Hence this electric fencing system is totally legal and safe for
the farmers.
19. Battery, charger, fence energizer and the fence in the field are the main components of
this system. If the fence covers large area 2 batteries of 60 AH are necessary. For less than 10
acres single battery of 35 AH is sufficient. These are tubular batteries. Charging is done by
solar electricity. These two solar panels are meant for the purpose. This is solar charge
controller. It avoids over charging and emptying of these batteries. These batteries remain
perfect for 7 to 8 years if maintained properly. Electric fence will work efficiently 24x365 days
with this system. However one can use regular electric charger if the electricity supply is good.
Normally the charger is kept on throughout the day. This may lead to over charging of the
battery which will reduce its life span. Failure of the charger is also common. Ultimately all
these interrupt continuous working of the fence. However the method of working of the fence
unit remains same in both the systems and solar charging is not compulsory.
20. This is fence energizer, the main component of the electric fence system. Wires from the
positive and negative terminals of the battery are connected to these terminals at the base of
this unit. This is on-off switch of the fence unit. This second switch decides the pulse and
energy flow to the fence. It has low, medium and high positions which give out 56, 58 and 60
pulse per minute respectively. Normal output from the fence energizer is 10,000 volts. But
depending on the condition of the fence the voltage flow in the fence wires will be around
8000 volts. Fence units of different capacities are selected based on dry or wet land, length of
the fence, type of animal entering the farm etc. This red knob is the phase terminal. Fence
wires get energy from this terminal. This green knob is neutral or earthing. Electric fence
system needs systematic earthing like regular electricity connection. This neutral terminal is
connected to the earthing point as well as to the earthing line on the fence. Put water to the
earthing pit to maintain moisture in dry season. Strong earthing will enhance the strength of

the fence. This red indicator confirms the working of the fence unit. The design of the fence
unit varies with the company. But the working principle remains same.
21. Strength of the fence is measured with this Neon tester. It has indicator lamps to show
the conditions as low, medium, good and very good. This is siren system. Fence will not work
properly if phase and neutral wires join together or the live wire touches earth or live plants. It
is difficult to observe the fence throughout the length every day. This siren starts blowing if
the live fence touches earthing point. However this siren system is not compulsory. This is cut-
off fuse system. It physically disconnects the fence wires from the fence energizer unit. During
rainy season lightning flows very high voltage back to this unit from the fence wire. If not
disconnected physically unit gets destroyed. Hence this cut-off fuse is a must.
22. Now let us understand the fencing system on the farm. Output wires from the fence
energizer unit run to the fence posts. Granite or RCC poles are preferred for electric fence.
However, small farmers use wooden poles. But it absorbs water in the rainy season which
drains the energy of the fence. Poly poplin or porcelain insulators of good quality are tied to
the fence posts. Porcelain insulators are cheap but breakage and loss of voltage is more. Some
farmers use regular pipe pieces as insulator to save money. But the fence fails to work due to
earthing in the rainy season spoiling the very purpose of the system. Metal wires are passed
through these insulators and tied tightly at the ends. Decide the height of the fence and
number of wires depending on the animal entering the farm. 3 to 4 wires are sufficient for pig,
cattle, man etc. Fencing for bison, deer, elephant etc. needs 6 to 9 lines. Use break insulators
in the corners where the fence changes its direction. This type of spring is available for wider
entry gates.
23. Rust proof metal wires are used for this electric fence. Normally farmers use GI wire of 12
to 14 gauge. This is cheaper than HT wire, but keeps good for 3 to 4 years only. It is better to
use HT wires of 260 GSM which lasts for 20 years. However the working of the fence remains
same irrespective of the type and thickness of the wire used. In heavy rainfall area fence will
have all phase or live lines. Body of the animal touching the fence itself will act as earthing and
animal experiences the shock. But in dry area it is better if one neutral line is provided in the
fence. This will be connected to the neutral terminal of the fence unit. Apart from that connect
this earthing line to nearby live plants to strengthen earthing. This enhances the strength of
the fence. Join all the phase lines on the fence with a wire and connect it to the phase terminal
of the fence unit. We can measure the strength of the fence with this neon tester. But the
regular electric tester will give shock to the testing person itself.

Otherwise connect a wire with cover to the phase line and touch another end to earthing line
or to a live plant. It gives spark sound if the fence is working. In one more method tie a burnt
florescent tube to the fence pole. Connect one end to the phase line and another to the
earthing line or to the ground. The tube flickers with the pulse of current in the fence. These
tubes are fitted at the distant corners of the farm to confirm working of the fence in night
hours. This is also useful to threaten the nocturnal wild animals.
24. Maintenance of the electric fence is not so difficult. Clear live plants and vines touching
the fence once in a month. Tighten the fence wires once or twice a year. These special pulleys
are attached for the purpose. Tighten the wire by turning the pulley with this handle provided
by the fence manufacturer and lock it. Avoid earthing of phase lines on the fence. Maintain
required distilled water level in the battery of the fence unit. Clean the solar panel once in a
year. To avoid deposition of salts on the battery terminals, clean it with a cloth and apply
grease. Do not forget to open cut-off fuse during lightening.
25. Amount of shock by the fence depends on the capacity of the fence energizer, length of
fence, accuracy of earthing etc. Voltage on the fence line will be between 5000 to 8000 volts.
No animal will dare to touch the fence at least in the rainy season. This farm spreads over 50
acres. This fence unit costs around 45,000 rupees excluding the cost of wires and poles. Just to
give an estimate electric fencing for one acre will cost around 20 to 25,000 rupees. However
per acre cost will come down with more area together. Hence cost of electric fencing for 5
acres together will be 60,000 rupees. Fence established with good quality materials and
equipment will work properly for at least 10 to 15 years. This investment on the electric fence
is very reasonable when we need to spend lakhs of rupees on cultivation of crops.
26. ASTRA Dryer:
Drying agriculture products is a difficult job in heavy rainfall areas. Here the sun will hide
behind the clouds for months together. But the farmer is compelled to dry tender areca nut,
cardamom, nutmeg and other products despite of persistent rain. Traditional drying system
using firewood puts a layer of soot on the product spoiling its quality. This process consumes
lots of firewood also. Further drying under sun in open yard allows dust sitting on the product.
Unseasonal rain is one more problem. To put an end to all these problems ASTRA division of
Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore has developed a fuel efficient dryer system. This ASTRA
dryer is useful even for home and small scale industries producing Papad, dry banana, dry jack
fruit etc.

27. He is Mr. M.S. Bhat, an areca nut grower. Mrs. Sujata Bhat puts dried, un-husked areca
nut again in this dryer. It helps for easy de-husking. Unseasonal rain is a major problem here.
Hence they dry tender areca nut, cardamom, pepper etc. in this dryer itself. This person is Mr.
Govind. He uses this dryer to produce dry banana. Mr. G K Hegde also produces dry banana
and Papad with the help of this ASTRA dryer. Dryer technician Mr. Arunkumar Joshi
constructed all these dryers in a systematic design. We find hundreds of such success stories in
the western ghat regions of Karnataka and Kerala.
28. Fuel efficient choola, hot air cum smoke tunnel and drying trays are the main
components of this dryer. We have permanent big dryer and portable small dryer models for
our choice. We can fabricate dryer of any size depending on the requirement. The wall of this
small dryer is fabricated by placing a layer of glass wool between two thick iron sheets. This big
dryer is built with hollow tile bricks. Both this glass wool and hollow brick avoids escaping of
heat from inside. The choola at the bottom is of fuel efficient ASTRA type. Firewood pieces and
agriculture waste is used as fuel. This air vent supplies air for proper burning of the fuel. Hot
air and smoke pass through this tunnel releasing heat inside the dryer. But there is no chance
of leakage of smoke inside. Smoke goes out through the smoke outlet at the top. The doors
have glass wool layer to prevent escaping of heat from inside. This thermometer is fitted to
measure the temperature inside. This is the moisture outlet for the escape of moisture
generated during drying process. Even the exhaust fan may be fitted to take out excess
moisture collected inside when the material spread is too wet. This helps for speeding up of
the drying process. Temperature inside the dryer is regulated by increasing or decreasing the
fire in the choola. It is better to construct the dryer under roof to facilitate drying in the rainy
season.
29. Now let us see the arrangement for drying the products. These are the trays with iron
frame and wire mesh. It sits on iron angles to make pushing and pulling easy. Product is spread
directly on the mesh or on the cotton cloth spread on the mesh. In this big dryer size of the
tray is also big and two trays sit in a step. Weight of the tray is also more when the material is
spread. Hence an independent tray stand is fabricated on small wheels. It enables easy pulling
and pushing of the trays along with the stand. Spread of heat is good inside the dryer. But it is
not totally uniform. The temperature at the middle tray is 10 to 20 centigrade less compared
to the trays at the top and the bottom. Hence it is necessary to interchange the trays once or
twice a day to achieve uniform drying of the product. Different products need different
temperature and duration. Hence it is advised not to put many products at a time for drying.
We have to decide suitable temperature and duration by trail and error in first drying.

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For example cardamom needs 50 to 60 centigrade temperature for 24 hours, areca nut needs
70 to 80 centigrade temperature for 24 hours in two phases and coconut needs 55 to 70
centigrade temperature for 26 hours for optimum drying. Maintain required temperature by
regulating the fire in the choola. Closing the smoke outlet after putting off the fire in the
choola will keep the drier warm for sometime.
30. This ASTRA dryer is useful for drying Papad, banana, papaya, jack fruit, chili, groundnut,
ginger, mushroom and many more products. We get hygienic and clean output of products.
Remove soot deposited in the outlet once in a year. Paint the trays and the dryer body once at
the end of the season. Cost of construction of this dryer is around 40,000 to 1,60,000 rupees
depending on the size. Many state governments provide subsidy for this dryer up to 50%.
31. This is a modified big dryer constructed by Kadamba society. This is being used for drying
cocoa beans on a large scale. Fans push fresh air in this big metal pipe. Agriculture waste is
used as fuel in this choola. Air passing in this pipe gets heated up by the fire and enters the
dryer chamber directly. Continuous circulation of smokeless hot air dries the product spread in
the trays. The output will be hygienic and clean dried. This is also a fuel efficient dryer system.
However this dryer is better suited for small scale industries.
32. Poly Tunnel Dryer:
Unseasonal rain is a major problem in recent years may be due to phenomena of climate
change. Crops harvested from kharif season often suffer with incessant rain. Innovative
farmers from western ghat region could find a solution for this problem. That is poly tunnel
dryer. This gentleman is Mr. Nagaraj Manchale. His RCC roof was oozing rainwater due to
hairline cracks. He fabricated this poly dryer on the terrace. It is being used to dry areca nut,
cardamom, coconut etc. Problem of oozing of rainwater is also solved. Mr. Prakash Manchale
wants to dry medicinal herbs and products grown on his farm throughout the year. Here you
find cinnamon, Ondelaga, Pippali, Pepper, Bellerica, Chebula and other products spread in the
poly dryer for drying. He could save his products from rain and dust thanks to this poly dryer.
Agriculture technician Mr. Raghava Bhat is popularizing this technology. He has fabricated
more than 500 such poly tunnels already.
33. This poly tunnel is similar to regular poly house constructed for horticulture purpose.
Skeleton is erected with GI pipes of required size and shape. UV stabilized poly sheet is fitted
on the structure. This poly sheet withstands direct sun for at least 5 to 6 years. Regular poly
house construction techniques are used to tighten the poly sheet and also to keep it tight.

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Horticultural poly house is designed to maintain normal temperature and high humidity. But
this poly tunnel dryer has to keep high temperature and low humidity. To achieve this, the
poly tunnel is constructed on a platform at 3 to 4 feet height above the ground, whereas the
horticultural poly house will be on ground. Space below the platform is kept empty for free
movement of air. Platform is constructed with locally available wooden materials keeping
enough gaps for air movement. Shade net is spread on the platform to facilitate drying of
products. Air inside the poly house gets heated up by the sun. As the hot air rises up cool air
enters the poly tunnel through the platform. This circulation of air speeds up with the rise in
temperature inside the poly tunnel. Hot air goes out through this vent provided at the top.
This process dries the products spread on the platform. This is the mechanism of drying in this
poly tunnel. If this poly tunnel is built on the ground one can not expect this systematic
circulation of air and quick drying of the product.
34. Temperature inside the poly tunnel is always double the temperature outside. During hot
summer midday temperature in the poly tunnel will touch 60 to 65 centigrade. This poly
tunnel will remain hot enough even in the rainy season and hence the products spread inside
will not develop fungus. This system is best suited for drying areca nut, coconut, pepper,
cardamom, ginger, chili and any other farm produce. Poly tunnel provides protection against
rain, wind and dust. It also avoids monkey, cat, dog, crow and other birds. It needs no fuel
unlike other dryers. Keep open the door of the poly tunnel if the temperature accedes 65
centigrade in hot summer and bring it down. Otherwise the quality of the produce may be
affected. Closing the door by evening will retain temperature inside for sometime. This poly
tunnel technology is useful even for small scale industries for different purposes.
35. This poly tunnel is built with 150 GSM thickness UV stabilized poly sheet. This keeps good
at least for 5 to 6 years. Even the wooden platform maintains fitness since it is not exposed to
rain. Stable construction, shape of the tunnel and tightly fitted poly sheet make this poly
tunnel durable for many years. Poly tunnel of 15 feet length and 10 feet width or otherwise
150 square feet area needs 50,000 rupees for construction. Many state governments provide
subsidy up to 50%.
Other specialties of poly tunnel dryer-

Color, taste and the quality of the products dried remains unchanged
This poly tunnel technology enables easy storage in less space
Cost, effort and time taken for drying is less
The same poly tunnel can be used with alternative fuels during rainy season

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36. Dear viewers, the world keeps on changing. Earlier, farming was just a way of life. But
now it has become a commercial activity. It should become a profitable profession if we
expect the younger generation to return to their farms. We need to acquaint
professionalism and improve efficiency of our farming. Dependence on man power and
cost of production must come down. To achieve all these farm mechanization is one of the
best ways. This change over is quite evident. We are on the phase of transition. Your
Shramajeevi will be with you throughout this process. Let us meet again in the next part of
this film with many more technologies. Bye.

A Script by- DR. Venkatramana Hegde, Hosagadde
www.shramajeevi.com