⧉Image Agricultural Tools: Sowing Machines

This machine can be used for sowing cotton, corn and soybeans. Originally constructed in Henan Province as an improved version of an earlier version its advantages are that it can be built from wood, being light in weight and economical in construction. It can also be used for fertilizing the fields. An area of 2.5 mu (1 mu equals 0,165 acre) can be sowed within one hour, with seedlings planted in a depth of 5-6 cm. Weighing 12,5 kilos it needs two persons and one draught animal. It is said to be seven times more efficient than a normal peasant working by hand.

Source: ‘No. 6’ in Quanguo nongju zhanlanhui (ed.), Recommended exhibits of the National Exhibition of Agricultural Tools—Machinery for Cash Crop (Quanguo nongju zhanlanhui – tujian zhanpin – jingji zuowu jixie 全国农具展览会 - 推荐展品 – 经济作物机械) (Beijing: Kexue puji chubanshe, 1958).