In a move away from traditional paddy cultivation methods, some farmers in the taluk are adopting mechanized rice farming techniques. This shift comes in response to various challenges that they face, including natural disasters, crop diseases, pest infestations, and the lack of scientific pricing.
Farmers believe that mechanized rice cultivation offers solutions to many of these issues. For instance, Shivnagaprasad (Nani), a farmer from Krishna Nagar Camp in Devasamudra village, has utilized trays to cultivate R.N.R. and Ganga Kaveri rice seedlings across 25 acres in preparation for the upcoming monsoon season.
To grow seedlings in trays, farmers fill them with an inch-thick layer of field soil and evenly sow treated rice seeds. Afterward, they cover the seeds with another layer of soil and provide adequate watering.
To cultivate enough seedlings for an acre, around 12 kg of rice seeds is needed at a cost of ₹750. After 25 days, each tray is sold for ₹25. Additionally, mechanized transplanting costs about ₹2,000 per hour. In contrast, traditional methods require 25 kg of seeds at a cost of ₹1,500 per acre, with an additional ₹1,000 for pest control and fertilizers, and ₹3,500 to ₹4,000 for transplanting.
The Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala Rural Development Project is actively promoting mechanized rice farming under the initiative called "Shripadthati" across the taluk.
Agriculture Officer S.B. Sanjukumar noted that last season, the traditional system covered 150 acres, yielding 55 quintals per acre, with farmers selling 75 kg bags at ₹1,700 each. In comparison, traditional cultivation yielded only 40 to 45 quintals.