Main types of agricultural spray machines
- Manual knapsack sprayers: Lever-operated piston or diaphragm sprayers carrying 12 to 16 litres, ideal for small farm plots and spot treatment.
- Battery-operated backpack sprayers: Powered by rechargeable 12-volt batteries, providing steady working pressure with reduced manual fatigue.
- Motorized power sprayers: Driven by compact 2-stroke or 4-stroke petrol engines, delivering higher pressure for tall orchard canopies and dense plantations.
- Tractor-mounted boom sprayers: Wide-swath hydraulic sprayers equipped with multiple nozzles, designed for fast, uniform spraying in broadacre field crops.
Nozzle selection and spray calibration
- Hollow-cone nozzles: Generate fine droplet mist suitable for penetrating dense foliar canopies with insecticides and fungicides.
- Flat-fan nozzles: Produce an even fan sheet of medium-to-coarse droplets, ideal for soil and post-emergence herbicide applications without wind drift.
- Cleaning rules: Clean clogged nozzle orifices using only a soft bristle brush or wooden toothpick; never insert metallic pins or blow with the mouth.
Safety, post-spray maintenance and subsidies
Always wear personal protective equipment including chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, and respiratory masks while handling concentrates and spraying. After each use, complete a triple-rinse wash of the tank, hoses, and nozzles with clean water. Farmers can apply for capital subsidies on certified sprayers through the national SMAM portal (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 difference between hollow-cone and flat-fan spray nozzles?
Hollow-cone nozzles produce fine droplets that coat foliage thoroughly with insecticides and fungicides, while flat-fan nozzles create uniform coarse sheets for herbicide spraying without drift.
How should clogged spray nozzles be cleaned safely?
Soak the nozzle in clean water and brush gently with an old toothbrush or wooden pick. Never use steel wire or nails, which alter nozzle orifice geometry and spray pattern.
Are subsidies available for buying battery and power sprayers?
Yes, certified manual, battery, and engine-driven sprayers are eligible for financial subsidies under the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM).
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
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