Promotion of Self-propelled Rice Transplanters in Odisha state of India

Abstract

Secondary data analysis revealed that the Public Private Partnership mode of promotion of self-propelled transplanters is effective in the state of Odisha, though the spread of transplanters was not uniform across regions. The sale of number of power operated transplanters under Public Private Partnership mode has increased from a mere three units during 2005-06 to 608 during 2013-14. Primary data analysis of the transplanter owners revealed that there was a total monetary gain of Rs. 15,570 (US$ 255) and Rs. 18,220 (US$ 299) per ha in inland and coastal Odisha, respectively over manual transplanting even without extending subsidy. Though the Public Private Partnership program was effective in adoption of power operated transplanters, it was not inclusive in covering a large section of small and marginal farmers. A legal bond with the transplanter owner is required to make the program more inclusive. Prompt after sale service for the machine, training on mat type nursery raising and to driver of the transplanter is needed as assessed from the survey. Cooperation with irrigation department of Odisha is necessary for timely release of water in canals for planting.