Power Weeders in India — The Ultimate Guide
Everything about power weeders — types, top models, prices starting ₹15,000, government subsidies, crop-wise recommendations, and expert buying advice for Indian farms.
What is a Power Weeder?
A power weeder is a small, engine-driven agricultural machine designed specifically for removing weeds between crop rows (inter-cultivation) without damaging the main crop. It replaces the backbreaking manual labour of hand weeding — which accounts for up to 25% of total labour cost in Indian agriculture.
Power weeders are compact, lightweight (15-80 kg), and powered by small petrol or diesel engines ranging from 1.5 HP to 8 HP. They use rotating blades or tines to uproot weeds, aerate soil, and break the surface crust — all in a single pass between crop rows.
How Does a Power Weeder Work?
The machine is pushed or self-propelled between crop rows. Rotating blades (typically 3-6 sets) cut weeds just below the soil surface, uproot them, and mix them back into the topsoil. The operator walks behind it, guiding the machine with handles. Most models allow adjustable working width (150mm to 600mm) and tilling depth (30mm to 100mm) to match different crop row spacings.
The key difference from a power tiller is size and purpose: a power tiller prepares the entire field before planting, while a power weeder works between established crop rows after planting. Many farmers need both.
Indian farmers spend an estimated ₹50,000-80,000 per hectare per season on manual weeding labour. With farm labour becoming scarce and wages rising (₹300-500/day in most states), a power weeder that costs ₹25,000-50,000 can pay for itself in a single season through labour savings of up to 70%.
Why Indian Farmers Need a Power Weeder
The Labour Crisis
Manual weeding requires 30-40 worker-days per hectare per season across 2-3 weeding rounds. With the MGNREGA guarantee scheme and urban migration, finding agricultural labour has become the single biggest challenge for Indian farmers — especially during peak weeding season (July-September).
Weed Losses Are Massive
Weeds cause an estimated ₹1,05,000 crore in crop losses annually in India — that’s roughly 33% of the total potential crop yield. Many farmers simply cannot weed their fields in time, leading to 15-40% yield reduction. A power weeder allows one person to do the work of 8-10 labourers.
✅ Benefits of Power Weeders
- 70% reduction in weeding labour costs
- One person replaces 8-10 manual labourers
- Weeds 1-2 acres per day (vs 0.05 acres manual)
- Aerates soil, improving root growth
- Breaks soil crust for better water absorption
- No herbicide needed — organic-friendly
- Lightweight, easy for women farmers too
- Government subsidies of 40-80%
❌ Limitations
- Doesn’t work well in very wet or waterlogged soil
- Requires minimum 15cm row spacing
- Can damage crops if not operated carefully
- Manual handling fatigue over long hours
- Not effective against deep-rooted perennial weeds
- Petrol models need clean, fresh fuel
Types of Power Weeders in India
1. Mini / Hand-Push Power Weeders (1.5–3 HP)
Best for: Small vegetable plots, kitchen gardens, flower cultivation, terrace farms under 0.5 acres.
These are the lightest and most affordable weeders, weighing just 8-20 kg. They use small 2-stroke or 4-stroke petrol engines and are pushed manually. Perfect for vegetable rows with tight spacing. Brands like KisanKraft, ASPEE, and Neptune dominate this segment. Price: ₹12,000 – ₹35,000.
2. Self-Propelled Power Weeders (3–5 HP)
Best for: Farms 0.5-2 acres, sugarcane, cotton, maize, groundnut, and most dryland crops.
The most popular segment. These weeders have their own wheel drive, so the operator guides rather than pushes. Adjustable row spacing (200-500mm) makes them versatile across crops. Price: ₹25,000 – ₹75,000.
3. Heavy-Duty Multi-Row Weeders (5–8 HP)
Best for: Farms 2-5 acres, commercial farming, custom hiring, sugarcane inter-cultivation.
These can work 2-3 rows simultaneously, have more powerful engines, and include tilling, weeding, and earthing-up capabilities. Some double as mini tillers. Price: ₹60,000 – ₹2,00,000.
4. Paddy Weeders (Specialized)
Best for: Wet paddy (rice) fields in Kerala, WB, Assam, TN, AP.
Specifically designed for flooded paddy conditions. They use special float-type rotors that work in standing water. Available in both manual (cono weeder) and powered versions. Powered paddy weeder price: ₹15,000 – ₹40,000.
For most Indian farmers with 1-3 acres of dryland crops, a 3-5 HP self-propelled power weeder is the sweet spot. It handles sugarcane, cotton, vegetables, and groundnut effortlessly. The Honda FG110 and KisanKraft KK-WEG-200 are our top picks in this range.
Top Power Weeder Models in India (2026)
Based on field performance, reliability, service network, and real farmer feedback — here are our top picks:
Honda FG110
KisanKraft KK-WEG-200
Neptune WE-023
ASPEE SRT-5HP
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Power Weeder Price in India (2026)
| Model | HP | Type | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neptune WE-023 | 1.5 HP | Petrol / Push | ₹15,000 – ₹20,000 |
| KisanKraft KK-WEG-120 | 1.5 HP | Petrol / Push | ₹16,000 – ₹22,000 |
| KisanKraft KK-WEG-200Popular | 2 HP | Petrol / Push | ₹22,000 – ₹28,000 |
| Honda FG110Editor’s Pick | 1.36 HP | Petrol / Push | ₹32,000 – ₹38,000 |
| ASPEE SRT-3HP | 3 HP | Petrol / Self-propelled | ₹35,000 – ₹48,000 |
| KisanKraft KK-IC-308 | 3 HP | Petrol / Self-propelled | ₹38,000 – ₹50,000 |
| ASPEE SRT-5HP | 5 HP | Diesel / Self-propelled | ₹55,000 – ₹72,000 |
| Falcon SWT-7HP | 7 HP | Diesel / Self-propelled | ₹85,000 – ₹1,20,000 |
| VST Shakti Weeder 8HP | 8 HP | Diesel / Multi-row | ₹1,40,000 – ₹2,00,000 |
Crop-wise Power Weeder Recommendations
Different crops require different weeder specifications due to varying row spacing, plant height, and soil conditions. Here’s our crop-wise guide:
| Crop | Row Spacing | Recommended HP | Best Weeder Type | Weeding Rounds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sugarcane | 75-90 cm | 3-5 HP | Self-propelled with earthing-up | 3-4 per season |
| Cotton | 60-90 cm | 2-3 HP | Adjustable width, push type | 2-3 per season |
| Maize / Corn | 60-75 cm | 2-3 HP | Push type with narrow blades | 2 per season |
| Groundnut | 30-45 cm | 1.5-2 HP | Compact push type | 2 per season |
| Vegetables | 30-60 cm | 1-2 HP | Mini push type, light | 3-5 per season |
| Paddy (Rice) | 20-25 cm | 1.5-2 HP | Paddy weeder (cono/rotary) | 2 per season |
| Soybean | 30-45 cm | 1.5-2 HP | Push type | 2 per season |
| Turmeric / Ginger | 30-45 cm | 1.5-2 HP | Gentle push type | 3 per season |
How to Choose the Right Power Weeder — 7-Point Checklist
- 1Identify your primary crop. Sugarcane and cotton need wider, more powerful weeders (3-5 HP). Vegetables and groundnut work fine with compact 1.5-2 HP models. Paddy needs a specialized paddy weeder.
- 2Measure your row spacing. This is critical. Buy a weeder with adjustable working width that matches your crop rows. Too wide = crop damage. Too narrow = misses weeds.
- 3Choose push vs self-propelled. Self-propelled models (3+ HP) are easier on the operator and essential for hard soil. Push types are lighter, cheaper, and fine for soft/tilled soil.
- 44-stroke vs 2-stroke engine. Always prefer 4-stroke — they’re quieter, more fuel-efficient, and last longer. 2-stroke models are cheaper but consume more fuel and need oil mixing.
- 5Check blade/tine quality. Good weeders use hardened steel blades. Ask if replacement blades are easily available locally. Cheap blades wear out in one season.
- 6Test weight and ergonomics. If you or your family members will operate it for 4-6 hours daily, handle comfort and machine weight matter enormously. Try before buying.
- 7Apply for subsidy first. Like power tillers, most states require you to apply and get approval BEFORE purchasing. The subsidy can save you 40-80% of the cost.
Government Subsidy on Power Weeders
Power weeders are covered under the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) and various state-level schemes. The subsidy structure is similar to power tillers:
Many states offer higher subsidies for power weeders than power tillers because weeders reduce herbicide usage, promote organic farming, and are seen as more labour-friendly. Check your state agriculture department portal or visit your nearest Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) for the exact subsidy applicable to you.
Power Weeder Maintenance Tips
Power weeders are simpler machines than power tillers, but still need regular care. A well-maintained weeder lasts 5-8 years of regular use.
After Every Use
Clean mud and plant debris from blades and frame. Check for bent or damaged blades. Let the engine cool before storage. For petrol models, run the engine dry if you won’t use it for a week or more — stale fuel is the #1 killer of small engines.
Every 25 Hours
Check and top up engine oil. Clean air filter (tap out dust, wash foam element). Check spark plug for carbon buildup. Inspect blade mounting bolts for tightness.
Every 100 Hours / Annually
Replace engine oil. Replace air filter element. Replace spark plug. Sharpen or replace worn blades. Check all cables, handles, and fasteners.
Never use stale petrol (more than 30 days old) in small engines. It gums up the carburettor and causes starting problems. Always use fresh petrol, and add fuel stabilizer if you’re storing for more than a month. Many farmers blame the machine when it’s actually bad fuel.
Frequently Asked Questions
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