Direct sowing of paddy reduces the cost, enhances the productivity: Harish

The direct sowing will cut the cost of paddy cultivation besides increasing the productivity which would eventually enhances profits to the farmer.

Siddipet: With an objective to help the farmers earn more profits in paddy cultivation besides reducing cost on cultivation, Siddipet district administration led by Finance Minister T Harish Rao has decided to sensitise the farmers to opt for direct sowing of paddy in place of raising nursery and then transplanting of the saplings.

During a meeting with the farmers at a farmer’s field at Peddalingareddy Pally in Siddipet rural Mandal on Tuesday, the Finance Minister sensitised the farmers saying that the direct sowing will cut the cost of paddy cultivation besides increasing the productivity which would eventually enhances profits to the farmer.

---

Asking the Agriculture Extension Officers to educate at least 25 per cent farmers within their cluster to take up direct sowing from this Vaanakalam crop season onwards, Rao asked them to ensure that the farmers cultivate in direct sowing method in not less than 20 thousand acres in Siddipet Assembly Constituency during the Vaanakalam crop season.

Elaborating various benefits with direct sowing, the Minister informed them that there are five primary benefits which will increase the profits. While the farmers through the current method need 25 kg of seeds per acre, Rao said that they would be needing only 8 kg of seeds in direct sowing besides avoiding the labour charges of paddy transplantation. Rao said that the burden of preparation of paddy fields for transplantation and nursery can be avoided.

Saying that it would consume 30 to 35 per cent of less water if paddy is cultivated through direct sowing method, he said that the crop cultivation period also will be reduced by 10-15 days which will save the crops from hailstorms.

Later, sharing his experiences with direct sowing, farmer Panga Yella Reddy, who took up paddy cultivation in 8 acres through direct sowing method, said that he has got 30 quintals of harvest per each acre. Reddy suggested the farmers spray the pesticides to control the weed after 20 days of sowing.

Another farmer from Velugupally, Venkat Reddy said that he had got 40 quintals per each acre cultivation during last Yasangi season. Agriculture Officer Parusuram, ZPTC Srihari and others were present.