Modern technology has significantly improved the efficiency and productivity of banana cultivation in India. Today, banana production in India stands at 34.53 million tonnes making India the largest producer of bananas in the world.
Banana cultivation requires the utilisation of both creepers and shredders. A creeper gearbox enables the implement to move at half the speed of the tractor, facilitating an ideal pace and ample time for the shredder to break down the remaining crop residues into fine mulch efficiently.
Certain tractor models incorporate creeper gear functionality, enhancing their suitability for banana cultivation. In the following sections, we will see some of the popular tractor models and implements suitable for banana cultivation.
Tractors with creeper gearboxes are ideal for banana cultivation in India. Some of the top tractor models are Mahindra Oja 3140 4WD, New Holland 5620 TX Plus Trem IV, and Massey Ferguson 2635, among others.
The Mahindra Oja 3140 4WD is a reliable tractor for banana cultivation, with a 30 HP 3-cylinder engine operating at 3000 RPM and 84 Nm torque. Its 4WD capability is perfect for ploughing, tilling, and soil prep in banana plantations. It also features a 25.4 HP power take-off (PTO) for added versatility in the field.
The New Holland 5620 TX Plus Trem IV is a reliable 65 HP tractor with a 4-stroke CRDI engine operating at 2300 RPM for efficient power. Its transmission system offers versatility with 12 forward and 3 reverse gear speeds and a creeper gear option. The heavy-duty hub reduction rear axle improves traction and stability. This tractor excels at different agricultural tasks and is equipped with power steering for manoeuvrability and a 540 RPM PTO speed achieved at 1800 engine RPM.
The Massey Ferguson 2635 is a robust and reliable tractor known for its exceptional performance. It is equipped with a 3-cylinder engine, producing 75 HP. The engine, a SIMPSONS T III A TSJ436, boasts a capacity of 3600 CC, ensuring efficient power delivery. The tractor features a rotary fuel pump for reliable fuel supply. Its transmission system is equipped with a Split Torque Clutch and a Partial Synchromesh gearbox with 12 forward and 4 reverse gear speeds, capable of reaching a maximum forward speed of 33.6 KM/H.
The New Holland 3630 TX Special Edition boasts a 55 HP, 3-cylinder diesel engine, ensuring powerful and efficient operation. Its engine features an 8-inch dry-type air cleaner and a liquid cooling system for optimal performance and longevity. The transmission system includes a double clutch and an independent PTO lever, enabling precise control. It offers a partial synchromesh gearbox with 12 forward and 3 reverse creeper gears or 12 forward and 3 reverse UG gears, making it highly versatile for various farming tasks.
The Swaraj 963 FE is a powerful tractor in the 60-65 HP category. Its three-cylinder, 4-stroke engine operates at 2100 RPM with a 3478 CC capacity. It has a dry-type air filter and a liquid-cooled system for optimal temperature control. The bore/stroke ratio is 110/122mm, which enhances efficiency. The transmission system features a double clutch and a gearbox with 12 forward and 2 reverse gears. It's ideal for banana cultivation and modern agriculture.
Shredder Implements are critical for banana cultivation and some of the best shredders are Fieldking FKRMS 1.65, John Deere SF5018, and Sonalika Shred Master, among others.
The Fieldking FKRMS-1.65 is a versatile agricultural implement designed to enhance farming efficiency. Its overall length of 1398 mm, width of 1900 mm, and height of 1000 mm provide ample coverage for various farming tasks. The implement has a working width of 1650 mm, making it suitable for a range of applications. Equipped with a CAT-II 3-point linkage, it can be easily attached to tractors, and its weight of 600 kg ensures stability during operation.
The John Deere SF5018 is a compact and robust agricultural implement designed to enhance farming efficiency. It's perfectly suited for various field applications with an overall length of 2075 mm and an overall height of 1045 mm. The implement offers a working width of 1020 mm, allowing for effective soil cultivation and seeding.
The Sonalika Shred Master is designed to simplify the process of shredding crop residue and organic matter. With a width of 1800 mm, it provides ample coverage in the field, and its manageable weight of 650 kg ensures ease of handling. The Shred Master can harness the power of 45+ HP tractors, efficiently transferring it to the Power Take-Off (PTO) for optimal shredding performance. With an impressive shredding capacity of 10 tons per hour, it significantly boosts productivity in the field.
The Maschio Gaspardo Chiara 180 is a 2050 mm wide, 694 kg agricultural implement designed to be powered by 50-90 HP tractors. It excels at shredding, with a capacity of 0.5 acres per hour, making it ideal for banana farming.
The Lemken Spinel 160, with a 2000 mm working width, CAT-II 3-point linkage, and a weight of 500 kg, is a robust and efficient implement for soil preparation in medium-sized farms, ensuring stability and productivity.
The use of modern farm machinery has revolutionized banana cultivation, making it more efficient, productive, and sustainable. These top farm machineries have proven to be indispensable tools for banana farmers, helping them navigate the challenges of this crop's unique requirements. By adopting these advanced technologies, banana farmers can increase their yields, reduce labour costs, and contribute to sustainable agriculture practices, ensuring a bright and fruitful future for banana cultivation.