Date:29/07/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/07/29/stories/2007072954480600.htm

Tamil Nadu

It’s successful in Kanyakumari

P.S. Suresh Kumar

Thanks to Krishi Vigyan Kendra

Timely operation of cultivation ensured
It’s a boon to farmers
It costs Rs.300 per acre

Nagercoil: The Krishi Vigyan Kendra has introduced a paddy transplanter for the benefit of farmers.

According to sources, paddy is being cultivated in a larger area in Agastheeswaram and Thovalai taluks in Kanyakumari district.

Shortage of labourers leads to delay in timely operations in paddy cultivation. In recent years, the changing scenario of farm mechanisation is inevitable.

The recent introduction of combined harvesters became a boon for the farmers, who can harvest paddy in time.

Recently the paddy transplanter has been developed and found to be successful, according to M. Jayasekar, professor and head of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Pechipparai.

Speaking to The Hindu, he said that for the benefit of farmers of Nanchil Nadu, the KVK under the Tamil Nadu Agriculture University organised a paddy transplantation by making use of a transplanter at the Agricultural Research Stati on, Thirupathisaram.

It evoked very good response and farmers in and around Thazakudi area eagerly watched the demonstration.

The paddy transplanter is able to transplant an acre in two hours and transplanting cost is Rs.300 per acre.

A farmer has to spent Rs.1,500 per acre to transplant paddy crop manually.

The cost of the machine is Rs.1.48 lakh, said Mr. Jayasekar.