Innovative technique to cut cost, solve labour problem in paddy cultivation

This time, farmers in Kalasa have adapted innovative techniques for the cultivation of paddy to not only cut the costs but also provide relief from the problem of labour shortage.

There are no brisk activities in paddy fields this year too. Only 20% of paddy transplantation has been done this year, said Kalasa Raitha Samparka Kendra assistant agricultural officer H R Panduranga.

As the current weather is favourable for paddy cultivation, farmers who have already transplanted paddy sheaths are hopeful of good yields this time. The traditional makki fields in Malnad, however, have not been ploughed yet. If the rains are consistent, the farmers may start the transplantation, said the officer.

The paddy growers have been translating paddy sheaths with mechanised techniques. The sheaths of Tunga and Bangla varieties of paddy have been grown in an innovative way. This cuts the labour costs to a great extent, he said.

“The Department of Agriculture is supporting farmers who have adapted mechanised transplantation and cultivation methods. Interested farmers can utilise the same,” Panduranga offered.

“Kalasa has received only 55 inches of rain so far. Paddy crop requires consistent rain in August and September. The seeds of MTU 1001 and IR 64 varieties of paddy are available at the Kalasa Raitha Samparka Kendra. The farmers can also think about growing the short-term varieties of paddy, instead of leaving their field barren for long time,” the officer said.

He added that Kalasa hobli has 5,200 acres of paddy fields, out of which 750 acres have already been converted into areca and coffee plantations.

Paddy transplantation was undertaken on 3,000-acre land in the previous year, due to shortage of rains.