Authors:
Eng. R.M.B Rajakaruna – Project Director, CSIAP
Mr. Frank Jeyasinghe – Climate Smart Agriculture Specialist (PMU), CSIAP
Ms. Sharmila Shanmuganathan – Gender Development Officer (PMU), CSIAP
1. Introduction
In most parts of Asia, paddy is transplanted by hand
into puddled soil, which is labour-intensive and requires large volumes of
water. Puddling helps to control weeds and retain water in the rice fields.
However, it results in aggregate breakdown and destruction of macropores
(Voase-Ringrose et al., 2000), besides being costly and time-consuming (Chauhan
et al., 2012).
Labor shortages across Asia are making manual
transplanting untenable in paddy farming. Manual transplanting rarely provides
uniform row spacing or optimal rice plant populations (Behera et al., 2009).
Shortages of labor increase the risk of delayed transplanting which causes
paddy yield loss.
Mechanical transplanting of paddy is the process of
transplanting seedlings raised in a dappok nursery using a self-propelled
transplanter. Using mechanized rice transplanting reduces the cost of crop
establishment, saves labor, ensures timely transplanting, and attains optimum
plant density that contributes to high productivity (Manjunatha et al., 2009).
However, farmers are familiar with direct seedling and
parachute seeding
methods in paddy land. The above-mentioned factors have stimulated interest in
mechanical transplanting. Therefore, CSIAP is trying to assess the
effectiveness of the three types of plenty seedlings in the climatically
vulnerable hotspot areas in Sri Lanka. Those methods are (a) direct seedling,
(b) parachute
seedling, and (c) using the transplanter for paddy seedlings.
2. The
process to use the paddy transplanterPaddy seedlings are first grown in a dedicated nursery
area, usually in a tray or raised beds, where they are nurtured until they
reach the desired stage for transplantation. Then, the paddy field is prepared
by ploughing and, levelling with water. This creates a suitable environment for
the transplanting process. After that, the mechanized transplanter is brought
to the field, and its settings are adjusted according to the desired planting
density, spacing, and depth. The machine is typically operated by a motor. Then,
the paddy seedlings are loaded into the transplanter's seedling tray from where
they are automatically fed into the planting mechanism. As the transplanter
moves forward, it plants seedlings on the rows in the field using specialized
planting devices. The seedlings are then placed in rows at the desired spacing
and depth. After the seedlings are transplanted, the field may be filled to the
desired water level, depending on the cultivation method and growth stage of
the crop.
3. Research
Problem
The research problem is smallholder farmers have a
negative perception of the power-operated transplanters which are reducing the
yield if they used the transplanter, the reason they say that space between two
rows is higher (12”) and is not recommended according to the Department of
Agriculture. So, CSIAP wanted to practically prove by doing the demonstration
plots whether paddy yield is increased or not by using the transplanter. So,
CSIAP scientifically tested three different paddy seedling methods which are
direct seedling methods, parachute
methods, and transplanter methods as the demonstration in the farmers'
demonstration plot to prove and change their attitude towards the transplanter.
The main reason is even though the row transplanting
of paddy seedlings using power-operated transplanters is cost-effective and
helps to increase the paddy yield, it is not familiar to the smallholder
farming community in the climatically vulnerable hotspot area and has a
negative perception of the reduction of yield in their paddy land. Therefore,
the World Bank-financed Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) is
trying to familiarize the transplanting of paddy seedlings using power-operated
transplanters to smallholder farmers by doing the demonstration plot in
smallholder farmer’s paddy land in 44 Agrarian Service Centers divisions and
prove the effectiveness scientifically.
4. Research
Objective
The objectives of this research are to evaluate the cost-effectiveness
of the paddy transplanter used at the demonstration plots of the farmer’s paddy
land in climatically vulnerable hotspot areas in 44 ASC divisions in Sri Lanka.
The evaluation considered a comparison of different types of paddy planting
methods and the performance of the mechanical transplanter in the small-scale
paddy lands in climatically vulnerable hotspot areas in Sri Lanka.
Further,
CSIAP tried to familiarize the row transplanting of paddy seedlings using
power-operated transplanters as one of the main CSA technologies in paddy
cultivation to the smallholder farmers and help to direct beneficiaries to
control weeds using power-operated weeders and minimize agrochemical usage and
reduce the cost of production on paddy farming.
5. Research
Methodology and Study Area
CSIAP
has taken steps to provide power-operated mechanized transplanters (with 06
rows planting base) to the 44 ASC divisions, covering whole project
implementation areas except Southern Province. Each ASC has dispatched 04 numbers
of transplanters with power weeders and nursery trays. As a strategy to
popularize these transplanters among the beneficiaries, the project carried out
a paddy transplanting demonstration program during the Maha season 2022/23 with
selected beneficiaries in the project area by using mechanized transplanters.
The
main scope of this program is to introduce farm mechanization as a strategy of
CSA practice and technology and convince its benefits for smallholder farmers Meantime,
CSIAP implemented the demonstration program in 44 ASCs covering various
Agro-climatic regions in climatically vulnerable hotspot areas in 11 districts
and 06 provinces.
In
addition, demonstration programs were carried out on 66 acres of paddy lands in
141 nos demonstrations with the participation of 132 smallholder farmers who
live in the project area. Also, at the end of the cultivation program project
carry out crop cutting survey in every demonstration plot and assess the
effectiveness and impacts of using paddy transplanters compared with the yield
of control plots, which are planted by following direct seeding and parachute
planting methods.
Activities
involved during the demonstration intervention
1.
Establishment
of 03 paddy planting plots (1/2 ac at each) in each ASC (01-transplanting plot,
01 parachute cultivation plot, and 01 direct seeding plot)
2.
Carry
out capacity-building programs for the beneficiaries with the intervention of DoA
3.
Provision
of seed paddy for all plots on free of charge basis
4.
Provision
of chemical fertilizer for all plots on free of charge basis
5.
Provide
8225 numbers of parachute trays for relevant beneficiaries on free of charge
basis (175 Nos trays per farmer)
6.
Carried
out crops cutting survey to cover all plots (132 numbers demonstration plots)
5.1.
Province-wise transplanting demonstration plots extent during
the Maha Season Cultivation in 2022/23
5.2.
Materials used for the transplanting demonstration plots
during the Maha Season Cultivation in 2022/23
6. The
finding of the Study
6.1.
Key findings of the study
The paddy transplanter demonstration program was
carried out during the Maha season cultivation program in 2022/23 in 44 ASC
divisions in climatically vulnerable hotspot areas of 11 districts and 06
provinces in Sri Lanka.
·
The
yield increase of the mechanized transplanting method is ranging from 19 - 46%
(Average increase – 29.08%) when compared to the direct seeding method.
·
The
seed paddy requirement for Mechanized transplanting is 63% less compared to the
direct seeding method. It leads to saving Rs. 4680/- per acre.
·
When
the use of Mechanized weeders for weed control, helps to curtail weed control
costs by 60% and it leads to enhancing the growth of paddy plants through
vigorous tillering as a matter of improving soil physical properties.
6.1.1. The
results are presented for the three and half month (3 ½) paddy varieties after
the crop cutting survey below the attached table:
6.1.2. The results are presented for the four and
half month (4 ½) paddy varieties after
the crop cutting survey below the attached table:
6.2. Benefits
of the power-operated
mechanized transplanters
- The positive aspects of transplanting paddy seedlings
using mechanized transplanters are numerous.
·
Mechanized transplanting allows for faster and more
efficient planting of paddy seedlings, covering larger areas in less time
compared to manual labor. This leads to decrease plant establishment costs.
·
Manual transplanting of paddy seedlings is
labor-intensive and can be physically demanding. By using mechanized
transplanters, farmers can reduce their dependency on manual labor, save on
labor costs, and alleviate labor shortages during peak transplanting seasons.
·
Mechanized transplanters offer precise control over
planting depth, spacing, and seedling placement. This results in better crop
establishment, uniform growth, and optimal plant density, leading to higher
yields as a result of increased tillering of plants.
·
Mechanized transplanting allows farmers to transplant
seedlings within a shorter timeframe, as they are not constrained by the
availability of manual labor. This can help them align their planting schedules
with optimal weather and field conditions with maximum utilization of
rainwater.
·
Mechanized transplanting ensures consistent spacing
between seedlings, promoting uniform growth and minimizing competition for
resources such as water, nutrients, and sunlight. This facilitates better
nutrient uptake, reduces weed growth, and improves overall crop health.
·
Embracing mechanized transplanting represents a shift
towards adopting climate-smart agriculture practices and technologies in Sri
Lanka. It encourages the use of advanced technology, improves efficiency, and
supports sustainable agricultural development, despite the labor shortage as
one major prevailing issue in agriculture.
7. Weaknesses
of the Transplanters
While there are several positive aspects of
transplanting paddy seedlings using mechanized transplanters, it's important to
consider the potential challenges or negative aspects associated with this
approach.
·
Mechanized transplanters can be expensive to purchase
or lease, especially for small-scale farmers who may have limited financial
resources. The initial investment cost could pose a barrier to adoption for
some farmers.
·
Access to mechanized transplanters may be limited in
certain areas or among smallholder farmers. Lack of availability or limited
access to these machines could prevent widespread adoption, particularly in
remote or economically disadvantaged areas.
·
Operating a mechanized transplanter requires technical
expertise and training. Farmers may need to invest time and resources in
training operators or hiring skilled individuals, which could be challenging
for those with limited access to training programs or qualified personnel.
·
As mechanized transplanting reduces the need for
manual labor, there is a possibility of job displacement for agricultural
workers who were previously involved in manual transplanting. This could have
social and economic implications, particularly in regions where agriculture is
a significant source of employment.
8. Remedies
to overcome the issues
·
To overcome the above said weaknesses, CSIAP provided
the transplanter to the 47 ASC divisions in climatically vulnerable hotspot
areas in Sri Lanka
·
Smallholder farmers can get the services of the paddy
transplanter for a reasonable rate from their ASC divisions.
·
CSIAP is conducting the CSA practices and technology
training programs in the Eco-friendly Climate Smart Farmer Training School,
Thirapane. Therefore, farmers can get technical knowledge.
·
Row transplanting can be done by using this mechanized
transplanter which helps to use the power weeded for weed control and curtail
the weedicide cost by 60%.
·
When compared to direct seeding, seed paddy requirements
for the seed paddy transplanter is very low. It needs 15kg per acre which is
37% compared to the direct seedling seeds requirement (40kg per acre).
9. Conclusion
·
Mechanizing the transplanting of paddy can decrease
labor requirements and costs for crop establishment. Most importantly it helps
to increase the yield and help to control the weeds in the paddy land.
·
The findings of the study are mechanized transplanting
offers several advantages over traditional manual methods which are increased yield
productivity and efficiency, labor savings, and cost reduction, and improved planting
accuracy, uniform crop growth, adoption of climate-smart agriculture practices
and technologies.
·
Transplanting
of paddy seedlings according to the rows is the most important activity to
control weeds without spending on agrochemicals, which leads to reduced
production cost, and decrease chemical contamination.
·
Since
the transplanter needs a low quantity of paddy seeds per acre. It leads to
minimizing the dependency on seeds paddy for paddy cultivation.
·
As
per the crop cutting results, it is explicit that mechanized transplanting
gives good results for the 31/2 – 4 month paddy varieties.
·
Hence,
this transplanter is very useful the higher age paddy cultivation farmer in
climatically vulnerable hotspot areas. Also, this mechanized transplanter can be
recommended to popularize among the smallholder farming community.
Acknowledgement:
We
would like to acknowledge and give our special thanks to staff in Provincial
Deputy Project Director’s Offices, CSIAP for their continuous support when
undertaking this research. This paper and the research behind it would not have
been possible without the exceptional support of them.
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