KVK, Kapurthala support farmers to establish mechanized sowing of paddy nursery

Ludhiana, June 9, 2023: Paddy is sown in 1.20 lakh ha area in Kapurthala district. Manual transplanting of rice seedlings is a physically demanding and labour-intensive task. So use of Mechanized transplanters significantly reduce the need for manual labour, thereby easing the burden on farmers. This is particularly beneficial in regions facing labour shortages or where labour costs are high. Though mechanized transplanters require high initial investment, but it leads to long-term cost savings by reducing labour requirements. Additionally, improved work efficiency and higher yields can translate into better economic returns. As the farmers of Kapurthala district are always willing to adopt new technologies, so around 20 farmers of this area has opted for mechanized transplanting of paddy. The only requirement for transplanter is need of special type nursery “Mat type nursery” for its transplanting. Sowing of this nursery is a skilful operation which is to be performed by trained person. To overcome this problem Department of Farm machinery and Power engineering has developed Tractor operated seeder for mat type Paddy nursery with which nursery of 150 acre can be sown in a day. 

To showcase the usefulness of this machine KVK, Kapurthala organized demonstration on it at Kokalpur farmer’s field. After getting convinced with performance of this seeder, Progressive farmers of surrounding villages has sown nursery of 150 acres with this machine. Mechanized seeders ensure uniform seed distribution and spacing, resulting in better germination and seedling establishment. Farmers observed precise mechanism of this machine that ensure consistent seed-to-seed spacing and optimal seeding depth, leading to more uniform crop growth and better yields. 

A team of experts from KVK comprising Dr Harinder Singh(ADT), Dr Bindu(Agril. Engineer), Dr Amit Salaria(Agronomist) and Dr Gobinder Singh(Soil Scientist) are regularly visiting the practicing farmers for timely guidance which will make the demonstration more impactful.