Date:08/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/08/stories/2008080856501100.htm

Karnataka

Cutting time and cost of cultivation

Krishi Rath is aimed at reducing financial burden of farmers

innovative: Krishi Rath being demonstrated in one of the fields in Chitradurga.

Krishi Rath, a multi-purpose machine introduced on a pilot basis in Chitradurga by the Watershed Department, is aimed at reducing financial burden of farmers that they incur during cultivation.

The machine, also known as Tropiculator, has been designed and manufactured by the Hyderabad-based International Crops Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT). The Watershed Department has entered into an agreement with the institute for promoting the machine among farmers.

Explaining some key features of the machine, G.T. Veerabhadra Reddy, in-charge technical officer of Sujala scheme of the Department, said the machines had been designed to increase the efficiency in cultivation, productivity of crop, and also reduce labour cost.

The single machine could be used simultaneously for sowing seeds, to input fertilizers, seed covering and harrowing. “Provision has been made in the machine to change the plates which allow sowing of different seeds based on their size. By changing the plate in the seed bowl, different variety of seeds could be sowed with the same machine. Adjustment can also be made in order to reach the necessary depth which is required by different seeds while sowing”, he said.

Mr. Reddy said that with the machine, about six acres of land could ploughed and sowed simultaneously in a day. With only one labour, the machine could be driven either by a tractor or bullock-cart. Though the machine has tyres attached, since it is heavy, the farmer requires strong bulls to pull it.

Mr. Reddy said that the district has received about 10 machines. On a pilot project, the department has been conducting practical sessions in various villages to gather farmers’ opinion. The machine has been used in around 50 acres of land, and sowed different seeds in various taluks to evaluate its feasibility. The department has received encouraging response from the farmers. “We are collecting feedback from the farmers and would send it to the Government soon after the completion of sowing operations”. The cost of machine is about Rs. 64,000, but if approved, the Government may extend 50 per cent subsidy on the machine, he added.

FIROZ ROZINDAR IN CHITRADURGA