Himanshu Shekhar Pandey1* Kamendra2 and Manish Kumar3

1,2 ICAR-Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Bhopal

Email; pandeyhs13@gmail.com

Introduction

Agriculture in India employs approximately 52% of the workforce and contributes 15% to the GDP as of 2016-17. Over the years, there has been a significant shift in farm power sources, with animal sources declining. Mechanical and electrical power sources, on the other hand, have increased from 7.70% to about 90.12% during the same period. Farm mechanization in India has been gradually increasing, but the extent and pace of adoption vary across different regions and farming practices. Mechanization in Indian agriculture aims to improve productivity, efficiency, and labour reduction by utilizing various agricultural machinery and equipment. Farm mechanization in India faces challenges due to fragmented land holdings, the dominance of small and marginal farmers, economic constraints, environmental conditions, topography, and other factors. These challenges result in difficulties in timely farm operations and a shortage of farm workers. Manual tools and equipment used by farm workers have limited output due to heavy workloads. Animal power has limitations in terms of working hours and conditions. Consequently, mechanical power sources that rely on fossil fuels have been favored for their higher efficiency, although they contribute to increased CO2 emissions and negative environmental impacts.

Environmental worries such as fossil fuel reduction, greenhouse gases emission, and climatic variations caused by such phenomena have become more frequent. In this context, the adoption of alternative energy sources has been used by researchers, gaining worldwide attention, to reduce the dependence on primary energy sources. In the future, it is crucial to strike a balance between sustainable agricultural mechanization opportunities and the limited availability of fossil fuels, considering the environmental degradation caused by their use. The power source has become an option for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, mainly due to the advent of batteries.

Scope

Battery power sources exhibit about three times higher efficiency compared to internal combustion engine vehicles. Experiments have demonstrated the suitability of battery power sources due to their absence of undesirable substances, such as sulfur, nitrogen, polycyclic aromatics, and air pollution. From an ecological perspective, an electric utility has been developed for various agricultural settings, including farms, nurseries, greenhouses, and vineyards. As the agricultural sector faces challenges from population growth and climate change, adapting agricultural machinery becomes crucial. One approach, highlighted in case studies, is the increased adoption of battery power sources, which can help address these challenges. Thus, supporting on-site renewable energy generation emerges as an important environmental policy implication to encourage farmers' interest in adopting battery-powered equipment.

Battery power sources are now commonly employed for transportation in urban areas, zoos, airports, railway stations, parks, and more. Opting for batteries as a power source offers distinct advantages over conventional internal combustion engines. Electric motors are renowned for their quick response, high responsiveness, superior torque, and enhanced digital connectivity. It is known for their mechanical simplicity and high energy conversion efficiency, offer a promising alternative. By reducing CO2 emissions and promoting cleaner air, battery power sources contribute to improved public health and reduced ecological damage. Furthermore, the utilization of renewable energy, such as solar power, for charging vehicle batteries further minimizes these emissions. In the context of power sources for farm equipment, there are two main options: batteries or solar panels. These power sources provide the necessary electrical energy to the motor. Importantly, no energy is consumed when the motor is idle, contributing to energy efficiency. Within the agricultural sector, where low speeds are typically required for both mobile and stationary tasks, especially among small landholders, DC motors with gear reduction drives are readily available. There are two types of DC motors commonly used: brushed DC motors and brushless DC motors, each serving different purposes. Brushless motors offer several advantages, including longer lifespan, minimal maintenance requirements, and higher overall efficiency compared to brushed DC motors. However, it is worth noting that the use of lead-acid batteries to power DC motors can increase running costs for prime movers due to limitations in battery life and charging time. Despite this, adopting DC motors for the development of farm equipment holds numerous benefits, including reducing the physical exertion required from farm workers, increasing overall productivity, and minimizing environmental impact. The choice between batteries or solar panels as power sources, along with the utilization of DC motors with gear reduction drives, can significantly enhance the efficiency and performance of farm equipment. By leveraging these technologies, the agricultural sector can reduce the physical strain on workers, improve productivity, and minimize its ecological footprint. Battery power sources have significant potential for sustainable agriculture mechanization. They offer several advantages over traditional fossil fuel-powered machinery and can contribute to more sustainable and environmentally friendly agriculture. Here are some key points highlighting the potential of battery power sources in sustainable agriculture mechanization:

1.      Environmental Benefits: Battery-powered agricultural machinery produces zero direct emissions during operation, reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuel-powered alternatives. This helps combat climate change and improves air quality, benefiting both human health and the environment.

2.      Noise Reduction: Battery-powered machinery operates quietly, minimizing noise pollution. This is especially important for agricultural operations near residential areas or sensitive ecosystems, as it reduces disturbance to communities and wildlife.

3.      Energy Efficiency: Electric motors used in battery-powered machinery have higher energy efficiency compared to internal combustion engines. They convert a larger portion of the stored energy into useful work, resulting in reduced energy waste and lower operating costs.

4.      Renewable Energy Integration: Battery power sources can be charged using renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power. This synergy allows farmers to harness clean energy for their agricultural machinery, making the entire process more sustainable and reducing reliance on non-renewable fossil fuels.

5.      Reduced Operational Costs: While the upfront costs of battery-powered equipment may be higher than their conventional counterparts, they offer long-term financial benefits. The cost of electricity is generally lower and more stable compared to fluctuating fuel prices, resulting in reduced operational expenses over the equipment's lifespan.

6.      Improved Precision and Control: Battery-powered machinery often offer advanced control systems, enabling precision agriculture techniques. This includes features such as GPS guidance, variable rate technology, and automated processes. Precision agriculture optimizes resource usage, minimizes waste, and enhances productivity.

7.      Flexibility and Versatility: Battery-powered machinery can be designed for various agricultural tasks, including tilling, planting, spraying, and harvesting. The modular nature of battery systems allows for versatile equipment configurations, adapting to the specific needs of different crops and farming practices.

8.      Maintenance and Durability: Battery-powered machinery generally requires less maintenance compared to conventional machinery, as there are fewer moving parts and no oil or fuel changes. Additionally, batteries have improved durability and longer lifespan, reducing replacement and disposal costs.

Limitation

The limited energy storage capacity of batteries may restrict the operating time of machinery before recharging is necessary. The cost and battery lifespan present significant barriers to widespread adoption. However, advancements in battery technology, such as higher energy density and faster charging capabilities, are being made to address these limitations.

Conclusion

The use of battery power sources in various farming operations holds great potential for the development of small-scale farm equipment that promotes sustainable agriculture. By adopting battery power sources, the agricultural industry can embrace a more sustainable technology that not only alleviates the physical burden on farm workers but also enhances productivity and reduces environmental impact. However, it is important to acknowledge that cost and battery lifespan present significant barriers to widespread adoption. These challenges can be overcome by expanding the utilization of electric power in additional field operations, thus increasing the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the technology. To further advance in this area, future research efforts should prioritize exploring the potential of advanced battery power sources that enable rapid charging, offer higher power density, and promote eco-friendliness. By focusing on these aspects, the agricultural sector can continue to progress toward more sustainable and efficient farming practices.

References

Singh SP, Utpal E, M K Singh, and Pandey HS, (2019) Electric Prime Mover: A need for smallholders in India. International Journal of Innovations in Engineering and Technology (IJIET). 13(4) 131-136. 

C. R. Mehta;  N. S. Chandel;  P. C. Jena;  and Jha A, (2019). Indian agriculture counting on farm mechanization”, Agricultural Mechanization in Asia, Africa and Latin America, vol. 50 no. 1, pp84-89.

Pandey, H S; Tiwari, G S; Sharma, A K, (2023)Design and Development of an e-Powered Inter Row Weeder for Small Farm Mechanization. JSIR Vol.82 (06),671-682.

Singh M K, Singh S P, Singh M K & Utpal E, (2019) Battery assisted four-wheel weeder for reducing the drudgery of farmers, Indian J AgricSci, 89 1434–1438.