Common types of agricultural spray machines
- Manual knapsack sprayers: Lever-operated backpack units with 16-20 litre tanks, widely used by smallholders for spot treatments.
- Battery-operated sprayers: Electric diaphragm pump sprayers powered by 12V rechargeable batteries, delivering uniform pressure with minimal physical fatigue.
- Motorized power sprayers: 2-stroke or 4-stroke petrol engine sprayers generating high pressure for tall crops, orchards, and extensive acreage.
- Tractor-mounted boom sprayers: PTO-driven multi-nozzle spray booms spanning 20 to 50 feet for rapid, large-scale field crop application.
Nozzle selection and spray calibration
- Hollow-cone nozzles: Produce fine atomized droplets ideal for foliar insecticides and fungicides requiring thorough canopy coverage.
- Flat-fan nozzles: Produce an even V-shaped pattern suited for soil and post-emergence herbicide applications with minimal spray drift.
- Pressure calibration: Maintain steady operating pressure to avoid creating overly fine mist prone to drift or coarse droplets prone to leaf runoff.
Maintenance and government subsidy under SMAM
- Always flush the chemical tank, lance, trigger valve, and nozzles with clean water immediately after every spray round.
- Clean inline filters and nozzle screens to prevent clogging and erratic spray patterns.
- Government subsidies for purchasing sprayers are available under the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) at 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 best spray machine for a smallholder farmer?
A 16-litre 12V battery-operated knapsack sprayer offers the best balance of affordability, ease of use, and uniform pressure.
Which nozzle should be used for spraying insecticides?
Hollow-cone nozzles are recommended because they produce fine droplets that thoroughly coat foliage.
Why is flushing the spray machine with clean water necessary?
Flushing prevents chemical residues from corroding pump seals, clogging nozzles, or causing accidental crop damage during the next spray.
Are spray machines subsidized by the government?
Yes, subsidies are provided through the central SMAM portal (agrimachinery.nic.in) 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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