Comparative evaluation of wheat harvesting technologies for smallholder farms in West Champaran, Bihar: Economic and field performance assessment

Abstract

Timely and efficient wheat harvesting is critical for yield preservation and economic returns, especially in labor-constrained smallholder farming systems such as those in West Champaran district, Bihar. This study assessed three wheat harvesting technologies: manual harvesting plus stationary threshing (T1), tractor-mounted reaper-cum-binder plus stationary threshing (T2), and self-propelled combine harvester (T3). Field trials were conducted on 1-acre plots across ten farmers’ fields during the 2022-23 season. Data on labor use, operational costs, fuel consumption, field efficiency, grain losses, yield, and economic returns were collected and statistically analyzed. Mechanized harvesting reduced labor by more than 98%, cut operational costs by up to 38%, and decreased harvest losses by nearly 50% compared to manual methods. The combine harvester (T3) achieved the highest net returns (Rs 55,645/ha) and benefit-cost ratio (2.71), followed by the reaper-cum-binder (T2). Field efficiencies exceeded 74% for mechanized methods, substantially outpacing manual harvesting (57%). Despite increased fuel consumption in mechanized treatments, overall profitability improved significantly. The results highlight the economic and ergonomic benefits of mechanized wheat harvesting technologies for smallholder farmers in Bihar and provide a strong rationale for policy and extension support to facilitate their adoption and scale-up.