Assessment of mechanical weeders in paddy fields: A study on operational effectiveness in Bangladesh.

Rice is a vital crop for food security in Bangladesh, occupying 75 % of its agricultural land. Weed management is crucial for maintaining rice yields because weeds compete for nutrients, water, and space, leading to yield losses ranging from 15 % to 60 %. Traditional hand weeding is labor-intensive and costly, driving the need for efficient, sustainable alternatives.