Core Agricultural Hand Tools and Their Functions
Every manual tool is specialized to perform distinct soil manipulation or plant harvesting tasks with minimal physical strain.
Forged high-carbon steel construction ensures strength and edge retention in abrasive soils.
- Spade / Phowrah (फावड़ा): Used for digging, earthing-up, channel making, and transferring soil or manure.
- Sickle / Daranti (दरांती): Serrated or smooth curved blade tool utilized for harvesting paddy, wheat, fodder grass, and pulses.
- Hand weeder / Khurpi (खुरपी): Flat cutting blade tool used for precision inter-row weeding and soil aerating in vegetable beds.
- Trenching hoe / Kudal (कुदाल): Heavy pick-hoe combination for breaking hard soils, clearing roots, and digging planting furrows.
- Pruning shears (Secateurs): Spring-assisted bypass cutters for pruning orchard shoots, deadheading flowers, and trimming vines.
Ergonomics, Sharpening, and Preventive Maintenance
Proper maintenance preserves cutting efficiency, decreases operator fatigue, and prolongs tool lifespan.
Sharp cutting edges require less physical force, reducing wrist and back strain during extended fieldwork.
- Sharpening: Regularly hone sickle and khurpi cutting edges using an oilstone or triangular sharpening file.
- Rust protection: Clean off mud after work, dry thoroughly, and coat metal blades with a light layer of protective oil before storage.
- Handle security: Check wooden handles regularly for cracks or loose fittings, replacing worn handles promptly to avoid injury.
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ICAR - Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
What are the most essential hand tools required on a small farm?
The spade (phowrah), sickle (daranti), hand weeder (khurpi), trenching hoe (kudal), and pruning shears are fundamental tools.
What is the primary function of a khurpi in Indian agriculture?
A khurpi is primarily used for manual inter-row weeding, thinning, and loosening surface soil around tender vegetable and field crops.
How can farmers prevent hand tools from rusting during the monsoon?
Wash off soil, allow the tools to dry in a shaded area, and apply a thin layer of machine oil or grease before storing them indoors.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
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