The document describes modifications made to a Chinese (Yanji) rice transplanter to enable System of Rice Intensification (SRI) planting methods. Key modifications include changing gears to allow for square planting with 24cm spacing between plants and rows. Additional features were added like row markers and a buzzer system. Testing found the modified transplanter uses less diesel, plants at a higher rate with fewer seedlings per hill, and takes similar time to plant an acre as the original Chinese transplanter.

2. NURSERY FRAME

3. Placing the frame over a polythene sheet

4. Frame with filled soil

5. Seed placement Placing the sieve over the frame Size of sieve : 525 X 225 mm No. of holes : 910

6. Seeds placed in the nursery frame Seeds covered with soil

7. NURSERY RAISED IN FRAME

9. Chinese (Yanji) Transplanter

10. Frame to hold the additional seedlings MODIFIED SRI TRANSPLANTER

11. Modified Chinese (Yanji) SRI Transplanter

14. Row Marker Row Marker

17. Buzzer system

18. Additional Float

19. SRI transplanter in operation

20. Particulars Specifications Engine capacity 2.4 kW Fuel Diesel External dimensions (cm) 241 x 213 x 130 Walking mechanism Single wheel drives with float Working mechanism Separate crank – connecting rod transplanting mechanism

21. 1 st weeding (10 DAT - 24.07.08)

22. Field view after 1 st weeding

23. Field view - after 2 nd weeding (04.08.08)

24. Field view - after 3 rd weeding (26.08.08)

25. Results Particulars Chinese (Yanji) transplanter SRI transplanter Seedlings planted per hill 6 – 10 1 – 2 Plant-to-plant spacing (cm) 10 – 12 24 Row-to-row spacing (cm) 23.8 24 Frequency of non-planting (%) 0-3 0-4 Crop establishment after planting (%) 98-100 96-98 Diesel consumption (litre/acre) 1.75 – 2.0 1.5 – 1.75 Time taken to plant 1 acre (hr) 2 – 3 2 – 2.5

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