Design of seed metering system for jute seeds

Broadcasting method for jute seed planting, is time consuming,create constraints in weeding, thinning, fertilizer application and harvesting. Broadcasting method requires thinning operation within three weeksdue to high plant population.Both weeding and thinning are done by hand hoe, which is tedious and time consuming operation. The hand weeding is performed in bending or squatting posture, hence there is increased incidence of knee osteoarthritis amongst squatters who squat for hours a day for many years. Use of seed drill or planter for jute seed reduces burden in intercultural operation and makes the jute cultivation profitable by uniform plant population and saving of seed. Low cost mechanical seed metering system for use in planterwas designed to maintain plant to plant spacing. Different plant spacings were achieved by changing the speed of seed metering unit which varied from 30 to 60 rpm. In laboratory testing by sticky belt method, it was found that the average seed spacing for both the jute varieties ( Capsularies and Olitories) were 11.49, 8.53, 6.69, 5.42 cm and 12.21,8.85,7.0,5.95 cm at 30,40,50 and 60 rpm respectively. With increase in rpm of seed metering roller, the seed distribution efficiency decreases from 91% at 30 rpm to 86% at 60 rpmfor Capsulries and for Olitorius seed distribution efficiency get decreased from 90% at 30 rpm to 84% at 60 rpm