Techno-Economic Assessment of Sensor-Enabled Sugarcane Planters Using Battery and PTO Mechanisms

This study evaluates the key technical and financial factors of sensor-enabled sugarcane planters powered by battery and PTO (Power Take Off) mechanisms, aimed at advancing mechanised planting in developing farming regions. By integrating sensors with battery and PTO power, the paper demonstrates significant gains in planting accuracy, reduced sett damage, uniform crop emergence, and meaningful environmental and economic benefits — including lower fossil-fuel use, reduced noise and emissions, and substantial labour-cost savings. The paper demonstrates that battery-powered planters offer silent, clean operation aligned with sustainable farming, while PTO-driven planters achieve superior operating efficiency at higher speeds. It establishes a comparative techno-economic framework for selecting the right mechanisation approach in Indian agri-tech.