Types of seed drills used in Indian farming

Sowing seeds properly is the foundation of good farming. If seeds are not placed at the right depth or distance, crops may not grow evenly. A seed drill helps farmers sow seeds in straight lines, at uniform depth, and with proper spacing. This improves germination, saves seed, and supports better crop growth.
In India, different types of seed drills are used depending on land size, crop pattern, and tractor availability.

What Is a Seed Drill?

A seed drill is an agricultural implement used to place seeds directly into the soil in a controlled manner. It opens small furrows, drops seeds at a fixed depth, and then covers them with soil. Compared to traditional broadcasting, seed drills reduce seed wastage and help crops grow uniformly.

Types of Seed Drills Used in India

1. Manual Seed Drills

Manual seed drills are simple tools mainly used by small and marginal farmers. These drills are operated by hand and do not require a tractor. They are suitable for small plots and vegetable farming.

Main use of Manual Seed Drills:

• Sowing seeds in small fields
• Useful where tractors are not available
• Best for light crops and short rows

Why farmers use them:

• Low cost and easy to maintain
• Simple design and easy operation
• Ideal for small farmers and kitchen farming

2. Tractor-Mounted Seed Drills

Tractor-mounted seed drills are widely used in Indian agriculture. These drills are attached to tractors and can cover large areas in less time. They are suitable for crops like wheat, maize, pulses, and oilseeds.

Main use of Tractor-Mounted Seed Drills:

• Large-scale sowing in open fields
• Faster and more uniform planting
• Suitable for medium and large farms

Why farmers use them:

• Saves time and labour
• Ensures equal seed spacing
• Improves overall field productivity

3. Seed-Cum-Fertilizer Drills

Seed-cum-fertilizer drills perform two operations at once—sowing seeds and applying fertilizer. Separate boxes are provided for seeds and fertilizers, allowing nutrients to reach the root zone at the right time.

Main use of Seed-Cum-Fertilizer Drills:

• Sowing seeds along with fertilizer
• Balanced nutrient placement
• Reduces extra field operations

Why farmers use them:

• Saves fuel and working hours
• Better early crop growth
• Uniform fertilizer distribution

4. Zero-Till or No-Till Seed Drills

Zero-till seed drills allow sowing without ploughing the field. These are mainly used after harvesting crops like paddy, where crop residue remains in the field.

Main use of Zero-Till Seed Drills:

• Direct sowing without land preparation
• Useful in residue-covered fields
• Conservation farming practices

Why farmers use them:

• Saves soil moisture
• Reduces fuel and labour cost
• Protects soil structure

Key Points to Consider Before Buying a Seed Drill

Before purchasing a seed drill, farmers should look at a few practical factors that directly affect sowing quality and machine durability. Choosing the right model helps avoid uneven sowing and unnecessary maintenance costs.

• Seed metering system – Ensures seeds are dropped evenly without blockage or wastage.
• Number of rows – Should match field size and tractor capacity for better efficiency.
• Depth control – Helps place seeds at the correct soil depth for proper germination.
• Build quality – A strong frame and durable parts increase machine life.
• Tractor compatibility – The seed drill should match the tractor’s horsepower and lifting capacity.

Seed Drill Price in India

Seed drill prices in India vary depending on the type, size, number of rows, and features. Manual seed drills are usually cheaper, while tractor-mounted and seed-cum-fertilizer drills cost more due to their capacity and build quality. Seed Drill Prices in India start from Rs. 32,000 to Rs. 92,320.** The final price depends on brand, material strength, and compatibility with tractor horsepower.

Crops Commonly Sown Using Seed Drills

Seed drills are commonly used for:

• Wheat
• Maize
• Pulses
• Oilseeds
• Soybean
• Millets

Using a seed drill helps these crops grow evenly and improves field management.

Conclusion

Seed drills play an important role in modern Indian farming. From manual seed drills for small fields to advanced tractor-mounted and zero-till models, farmers can choose according to their needs. A good seed drill saves seed, time, and labour while improving crop establishment. Selecting the right type based on land size, crop pattern, and budget helps farmers achieve better and more reliable results.