Year: 2026 | Month: June | Volume 71 | Issue 2
Economic Feasibility and Break-Even Analysis of a Mini Tractor Operated Roto-Planter for Small Farms
G. Sindhuja*
A. Ashok Kumar
A. Srinivasa Rao and Ch. Someswara Rao
DOI:10.46852/0424-2513.2.2026.11
Abstract:
The present study evaluated the operational performance and economic feasibility of a mini tractor-operated roto-planter developed for small and marginal farmers. The implement integrates rotary tillage and seed sowing into a single field operation, thereby reducing labour requirements, fuel consumption, and cultivation costs. Field experiments were conducted under uniform operating conditions using paddy as the test crop. The developed machine achieved an effective field capacity of 0.15 ha h⁻¹ with satisfactory operational performance. Economic analysis indicated a total operating cost of ` 265.76 h⁻¹ (` 1,771.73 ha⁻¹), resulting in a cost saving of ` 1,228.27 ha⁻¹ (40.9%) over conventional cultivation practices. Break-even analysis revealed that the machine becomes economically viable at an annual utilization of 615.93 h (92.38 ha), while the investment could be recovered within 1.46 years under the assumed utilization pattern. The findings demonstrate that the developed roto-planter provides a technically efficient and economically viable mechanization option for smallholder farming systems and has considerable potential for custom hiring services.
Highlights
- Integration of rotary tillage and sowing in a single-pass mini tractor–operated roto-planter improves field operational efficiency.
- The developed machine offers a cost-effective mechanization option for small and marginal farmers.
- Economic evaluation confirms financial feasibility through break-even and payback analysis.
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