Comparative analysis of mechanization strategies for peanut cultivation in Nepal: Implications for productivity and economic viability

Abstract

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea), locally known as Badam or Mumphali in Nepal, represents a promising cash crop for both hilly and Terai regions. However, its cultivation remains limited due to high labor requirements and associated costs. The overall objective of this study is to identify the cost reducing peanut cultivation techniques. Specifically, this study aimed to evaluate and compare the agronomic and economic performance of four peanut cultivation mechanization strategies in Nepal, with the overall objectives of (1) assessing the effects of different land preparation and planting methods on kernel yield, (2) determining the cost-effectiveness and benefit-cost ratio of each approach, and (3) identifying the most viable mechanization strategy to reduce labor dependency and enhance the economic sustainability of peanut farming. The three-year field study (2020-2022) conducted at the Agricultural Machinery Testing and Research Centre, Sarlahi, Nepal, evaluated four mechanization approaches: (1) traditional manual methods, (2) ridger-based planting, (3) disc plough-based planting, and (4) mechanical planter-based cultivation. Results demonstrated significant variations in yield and economic returns across treatments. The traditional method yielded kernels of 1,950 kg/ha with a benefit-cost ratio (BCR) of 1.43, while, the ridger-based approach produced kernels of 1,942 kg/ha with the highest BCR of 2.11. The disc plough method yielded kernels of 1,575 kg/ha (BCR: 1.65), and the mechanical planter approach yielded kernels of 1,650 kg/ha (BCR: 1.95). Cost analysis revealed cultivation expenses of NPR 95,100, 64,200, 66,600, and 59,200 per hectare for treatments 1-4, respectively. The ridger-based mechanization approach emerged as the most economically viable option, reducing labor costs by 32.5% while maintaining comparable yields. These findings suggest that strategic mechanization adoption, particularly ridger-based system combined with mechanical weeding and harvesting equipment, can significantly enhance the economic sustainability of peanut cultivation in Nepal, potentially attracting younger farmers to this cash crop.