Super Seeder: A Viable Option for Resource Conservation and Productivity Enhancement of Wheat Crop in Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

Mechanization has become a cornerstone of agricultural advancement in the rice-wheat cropping system of the Indo-Gangetic Plain. Technologies like the Zero Tillage Drill and Happy Seeder have helped mitigate productivity losses due to delayed wheat sowing. However, persistent challenges such as stubble burning and associated smog in Punjab necessitated more integrated solutions. In response, the Agricultural Engineering Institute (AEI), NARC, under the PSDP-funded “Productivity Enhancement of Wheat Project,” introduced the Super Seeder—a technology that combines residue management and zero tillage in a single operation. To evaluate the efficacy and adoption of the Super Seeder, a field study was conducted in year 2025 involving 61 farmers across four main rice producing districts in Punjab, who received the implements under a government subsidy scheme and used to sow wheat in year 2024-25. It is found that the use of technology resulted in cost savings in land preparation by 29%, highlighting efficiency in the operations. The productivity increased by 4.34 maunds per acre (10.3%) compared to conventional methods. Gross and net incomes of the sampled farmers increased by 10.04% and 57.92% per acre, respectively. The benefit-cost ratio improved by 14.3% (with land rent) and 17.3% (without land rent). Farmers expressed strong potential for continued use of technology. They reported that the Super Seeder offers better crop stands, labor savings, and higher profitability. Most of the users learned about technology through fellow farmers, underscoring the importance of social networks in technology diffusion. High initial cost, technical complexity, and inadequate credit and extension support remain significant constraints in large scale adoption. Financial constraints and the need for technical training were identified as priority concerns.