Karnataka: Mandya ZP CEO demonstrates mechanised paddy transplantation method

Mandya Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Nandini K.R. demonstrated the use of machinery for paddy transplantation in an agricultural field in Holalu village of the district recently.

Ms. Nandini joined the mechanised paddy transplantation demonstration organised jointly by the Mandya Zilla Panchayat and the Department of Agriculture at the machine nursery preparation unit in Holalu village on Wednesday, conveying a message that women, too, can undertake paddy transplantation through mechanised methods, said an official press statement.

Ms. Nandini, while addressing the members of the self-help groups who had come for training, said that women can, without a doubt, operate these machines as well as carry out the transplantation.

With availability of agricultural labour for paddy transplantation activity becoming difficult in recent times leading to delayed transplantation and yield, Ms. Nandini explained that mechanised transplantation will not only reduce the cost of planting, but also ensure that the work is also completed quickly.

A one-day training programme was organised for women from self-help groups registered under the National Rural Livelihood Mission in Mandya district. The programme, organised by the Mandya Zilla Panchayat and the Agriculture Department, aimed at preparing a single eye-bud sugarcane seedling and nursery for mechanised paddy transplantation.

Ms. Nandini hoped that the training programme for women’s self help groups in preparing nursery seedlings suitable for mechanised transplantation will help provide farmers with high-quality paddy seedlings, the statement added.

Ashok, Joint Director of the Agriculture Department, Mandya; Sriharsha, Assistant Director of Agriculture, Mandya; and others were present.