Author(s): K. PHANI KUMAR AND A. K. RAJU

Abstract: Transplanting of rice seedlings is a highly labour intensive and expensive operation that can be replaced by direct seeding which reduces labour needs by more than 20 per cent in terms of working hours required. With this aim, an initiation was undertaken by District Agricultural Advisory and Transfer of Technology Centre (DAATTC), Eluru, Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University, Andhra Pradesh with a lead to promote direct sowing by drum seeder methodology instead of conventional system of transplanting among rice farming community. This was implemented following need based different extension methods (transfer of technology, ToT) in the areas. In this programme, 15 farmers were selected from 15 villages covering 12 mandals of West Godavari district in rabi season for direct rice seed sowing using drum seeder. Sensitization programmes like demonstrations and guidance to the farming community, exposure visits, field days, supply of various inputs, publications etc. were emphasized and wide publicity is being given through electronic and print media for easy understanding to the farming communities of West Godavari District. Results showed that there was an average yield increase to the tune of ` 243.0 kg ha-1 in direct sowing using drum seeder over conventional method of transplanting in the field. The cost involved for cultivation was reduced by ` 11,708.00 ha-1 and gross returns was increased by ` 2,965.00 ha-1 thereby increasing the net income by ` 14,673.00 ha-1 by direct sowing. Moreover, the cost-benefit ratio was significantly higher in direct sowing (2.9) than in transplanted rice (2.2). The number of tillers as well as number of effective tillers per unit area was also significantly higher in direct sown plots which resulted in higher yields compared to transplanted rice.

Download Full Article: Click Here