Hand-jab planters are popular amongst small-scale farmers. They are the primary means of sowing seeds under no-tillage for most farmers. The implement is also suitable for filling in gaps after crop germination. There are many different models of jab planters from different companies. The operational principles are however similar. The implement may have either separate hoppers for seed and fertilizer or one hopper for seed only. This practice includes a user manual for jab planter, describing how to operate and maintain a jab planter.

Description

Figure 1. A jab planter

©FAO/TECA

1. How to operate a jab planter

• The action of pulling the handles apart triggers the seeds/fertilizer to be conveyed from the hopper to temporarily settle at the furrow opener (the beak). This action occurs simultaneously with piercing/punching the soil.
• The second action which occurs immediately after the first one is pulling the handles together. This action triggers the opening of the furrow opener (beak) in order to deliver the seed/fertilizer in the created planting furrow. The action also triggers the closing of the seed/fertilizer metering devices.
• These two actions are undertaken repeatedly, and they have to be synchronized with the operator’s footsteps in order to achieve the desired plant population.
• The operator will need to carefully listen to the dropping sounds made at every action to ascertain that indeed the implement is planting and there is no blockage.
• The operator will have to use his / her judgment of the weight to re-fill the seed/fertilizer hoppers accordingly when they are about to be emptied.
• Seeding rates can be adjusted according to the number of holes in the seed plate that are exposed to the outlet.

2. How to maintain a jab planter

• Prior to any operation, the implement must be calibrated for the specific seed to be planted. Several seed plate sizes are available and the operator will have to select the one with holes that fit the particular seed. Seeding rates can be adjusted accordingly. There is a provision to plant one, two or three seeds per hole. This is achieved by positioning the pin in any of the three holes.
• The implement must be cleaned and dried properly after every operation and stored in a cool dry place.
• Where possible, apply graphite on the seed plate. This acts as a lubricant for the moving parts to minimize tear and wear.
• The implement is mostly suited to dry, light or soft mulch covered soils. It is unlikely to work well in muddy or surface crusted soils.

3. Why do we need a jab planter?

• Part of the attraction of hand-jab planters is that they do not require access to animal or tractor power, are low cost, light and easy to operate, although some skill is required and for these reasons, they are often accessible to women.
• Enormous labour is saved by the use of jab planter. The work done by three to four people under conventional tillage is done by one person. One person is able to planter 1 fedan in two to three hours, saving valuable time that enables farmers to plant in time under conservation agriculture.
• With direct seeding by the jab planter, there is minimal (less than 5 percent) soil disturbance, so weed germination is minimized.
• The small size of the devices makes them suitable for operation on hilly, stony and stumpy areas and for intercropping.

4. Related/associated technologies

• Animal traction and single-axle tractor drawn planters in conservation agriculture: ID 7416.
• Labour-saving technologies and practices: Draught Animal Power (DAP) planters and weeders: ID 7305.
• Labour-saving technologies and practices: row planting, hand seeders and planters: ID 7301.

5. Objectives fulfilled by the project 

5.1 Labour-saving technology (LST)

​​The technology does not require animal or tractor power, is easy to operate and is labour-saving. ​

5.2 Women-friendly

​​The technology is easy to use and accessible to all. ​

5.3 Resource use efficiency

​​The technology provides little soil disturbance and prevents weed germination. ​

5.4 Pro-poor technology

The technology allows for an increase in crop yields which in turn provides an additional source of food and income.