Mechanised paddy transplanted to combat labour scarcity in rain fed paddy cultivation in Malnad regions of Uttar Kannada district

Abstract

Studies were conducted by ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Sirsi, Uttara Kannada, Karnataka state during 2013 and 2014 on the feasibility of mechanised transplanting operations in paddy crop with a view of timely planting and to combat labour scarcity and reduce the cost of cultivation. An eight row self-propelled paddy transplanter was used for the purpose. The performance of the mechanical transplanter was quite satisfactory. The actual field capacity, field efficiency and fuel consumption of the transplanter were 0.171 ha/hr, 70.4 per cent and 6.3 l/ha, respectively during kharif, 2013 and it was 0.152 ha/hr, 62.5 per cent and 6.3 l/ha during kharif 2014. Data recorded on growth and grain yield of paddy during 2013 and 2014 in mechanised transplanting plot was higher than manual transplanted plot. Cost of mechanical transplanting was Rs.9560/ha as compared to Rs.11250/ha in case of manual transplanting. There was 80 percent labour save in transplanting due to mechanisation. The higher net return and B:C ratio was recorded in mechanised transplanting over manual transplanting in both the years. Pooled data followed similar trend.