Improved rice sowing and transplanting machinery to address labour shortage due to COVID-19

Abstract

Majority of farm operations especially in Kharif crops are labour intensive. At present, to perform agricultural operations on time without compromising the health of farmers is a big challenge due to faster rate of Covid-19 pandemic spread. Hassle-free and sustainable agricultural operations and production will play vital role in achieving food security in near future. Mechanization of all agricultural operations will be the only solution to combat spread of Covid-19 through agriculture. Since rice is widely grown crop in India and world, adoption of machines will play a vital role in safeguarding farmers and agricultural labourers from transmitting Coronavirus during sowing of rice, which is a labour intensive operation. The adoption of tractor operated direct seeded rice drills, self-propelled transplanters and manually operated improved tools offer the advantages of achieving timeliness, precision and better input use efficiency in sowing of rice. The knowledge of preparation of seed material for paddy drum seeder and mat type nursery for mechanical rice transplanter are also equally important for better and hassle free sowing operation. Mechanization operation not only for sowing but also for all agricultural operations can make the people able to adopt and follow standard operating procedure published by government and to keep distance from this life threatening pandemic. While ensuring availability of agricultural workers for sowing operations, their safety from Covid- 19 along needs to be prioritized.