Mapusa farmers switch to mechanised paddy transplant

Mapusa: Over 25 farmers in Goa successfully conducted mechanical paddy transplanting at Mapusa on Sunday. Facilitated by modern cultivation techniques, the initiative saw paddy transplantation across more than five hectares in just one day.
The operation was made possible through the utilisation of two state-of-the-art transplanters, which efficiently planted paddy saplings at an unprecedented pace.These 6-row ride-on transplanters minimised the labour-intensive process of paddy cultivation.
For agricultural innovation, farmers were provided with a 50% subsidy through the state directorate of agriculture. This subsidy effectively halved the cost of the mechanical transplanting service, making it economically feasible for local farmers to adopt modern technologies.
Dinesh Harmalkar, a prominent service provider involved in the initiative, outlined the procedure for farmers interested in availing themselves of the mechanical rice planting scheme. “Farmers could replant 15-18 days old paddy nursery using machines at Rs 3.5 per sqm, but through the scheme, they were able to utilise mechanical transplanting at Rs 1.7 per sqm, with half of the cost subsidised directly,” Harmalkar said. The scheme required farmers to complete formalities, including presenting their Krishi card abstract, paying a booking amount, and signing a custom service form.
While farmers managed to cover five hectares in a day, some fields were flooded by heavy rains that lashed Mapusa, suspending work temporarily. “Work will resume as soon as the fields dry out,” he said.