Types of reaper machines
- Self-propelled walk-behind reapers: Compact machines powered by a small diesel or petrol engine, suitable for small and terraced fields.
- Tractor-mounted vertical conveyor reapers: Mounted on the front or side of standard tractors, powered via PTO or hydraulic drive, suitable for large acreage.
- Reaper-binders: Advanced units that cut the crop stalks and automatically tie them into uniform bundles with twine in a single pass.
Crops harvested and operational benefits
- Suitable for wheat, paddy, barley, oats, soybean, and mustard crops.
- Cuts within 5 to 10 centimeters of the ground, preserving valuable dry straw (bhusa/parali) for livestock feed.
- Harvests an acre in a fraction of the time required by manual sickle harvesting, safeguarding crops against unexpected weather events.
Maintenance and government subsidy
- Regularly inspect cutter-bar blades, sharpen dull knife sections, and lubricate conveyor chains and gear assemblies.
- Clear plant fibers, dirt, and stones from the conveyor belt to prevent jamming during field runs.
- Subsidies for purchasing reapers and reaper-binders are available under the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) on agrimachinery.nic.in.
Official source
Check the latest rules, benefits and forms here. KisanPe is an independent platform and is not a government website.
Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
What is the main function of a reaper machine?
It mechanically cuts standing grain crops close to the ground, laying them in windrows or tying them into bundles.
What is the difference between a reaper and a combine harvester?
A reaper only cuts the crop (leaving threshing for later), whereas a combine cuts, threshes, separates, and cleans grain in one pass.
Does a reaper save crop straw for animal fodder?
Yes, because it cuts near ground level, farmers retain the full length of straw to make animal fodder.
Is financial assistance available for purchasing a reaper?
Yes, subsidies are provided through the central SMAM portal and state agriculture departments.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
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