Enhancing rice production economics with self-propelled rice transplanters

Abstract

Rice cultivation is critical for food security in Asian countries, necessitating efficient farming practices. In India, rice cultivation covers 44 million hectares, yielding 90 million tonnes annually with a productivity rate of 2.0 tonnes per hectare. To sustain food self-sufficiency, India aims for a 3% annual productivity increase. Manual transplanting of rice seedlings is labour-intensive and affects yield significantly. Timely transplanting is crucial, as delays can reduce yield by up to 70%. Mechanization of transplanting is essential for cost-effectiveness and increased productivity. Odisha, with over 4 million hectares of rice cultivation, faces labour scarcity during peak seasons, hindering timely transplanting. In order to tackle this issue, a demonstration was conducted using self-propelled riding-type rice transplanters with eight rows, resulting in increased profitability and productivity. The adoption of mechanized transplanting has shown a 6.0% increase in yield compared to manual transplanting. This study evaluates the performance and economics of these transplanters, demonstrating their potential for wider adoption and improved rice cultivation practices in Odisha.