Types of knapsack sprayers
- Manual lever-operated: Uses a side-mounted hand lever to pressurize a piston or diaphragm chamber; durable and independent of fuel or battery charging.
- Battery-operated (electric): Powered by a rechargeable 12-volt battery driving an electric diaphragm pump, delivering continuous uniform spray with minimal physical exertion.
- Motorized engine sprayers: Equipped with a compact 2-stroke or 4-stroke petrol engine to generate high pressure for tall crops like fruit orchards and plantations.
Key components and maintenance practices
- Main components: Chemical storage tank (usually 12 to 20 litres), pressure chamber, trigger cut-off valve, spray lance, and interchangeable nozzles.
- Select hollow-cone nozzles for insecticide and fungicide foliar sprays, and flat-fan nozzles for herbicide weed control.
- Flush the tank, hose, and lance with clean water immediately after every spraying operation to prevent residue buildup and seal deterioration.
Government subsidy and purchasing through SMAM
- Financial subsidies are provided for knapsack sprayers under the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM).
- Small, marginal, women, and SC/ST farmers often receive higher subsidy percentages through state agriculture department DBT portals.
- Applications are registered online on the central agri-machinery portal with farmer land records and Aadhaar linkage.
Official source
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Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
What tank capacity is standard for a knapsack sprayer?
Standard agricultural knapsack sprayers typically carry 15 to 20 litres of liquid spray solution.
Which nozzle should be used for weedicides in a knapsack sprayer?
Flat fan or floodjet nozzles are recommended for weedicides to produce even surface swaths with minimal drift.
How should a battery knapsack sprayer be maintained?
Recharge the battery regularly, avoid storing it in a fully discharged state, and flush the pump with clean water after use.
Is there a government subsidy available for buying knapsack sprayers?
Yes, subsidies are provided through the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) via agrimachinery.nic.in.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
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