Abstract

This study examines the impact of mechanization in paddy cultivation in the valley areas of Manipur by comparing the existing, predominantly manual farming system with a mechanized system using a drum seeder and cono weeder. Paddy cultivation in the traditional system relies heavily on manual labor, especially for transplanting and weeding, resulting in higher labor costs and extensive time requirements. Mechanization, specifically the use of a drum seeder for planting and a cono weeder for weeding, shows significant improvements in both cost efficiency and productivity. The findings reveal that the traditional system yields 4,160 kg ha^-1, generating a gross income of ₹ 145,600.00, with a cultivation cost of ₹ 1,23,130.00, resulting in a net benefit of ₹ 22,470.00. In contrast, the mechanized system produces a slightly higher yield of 4480 kg ha^-1, leading to a gross income of ₹ 1,56,800.00. The mechanized approach significantly reduces the cost of cultivation to ₹ 73,550.00, yielding a net benefit of ₹ 83,250.00. This is primarily due to labor savings in planting and weeding, as the drum seeder eliminates the need for nursery preparation and transplanting and the cono weeder reduces weeding costs by over half. Overall, the mechanized system not only enhances productivity but also demonstrates a cost-effective alternative to traditional methods, increasing profitability for farmers in the region.

Singh, L.K., Devi, S.R., Chanu, T.M., Singh, H.J., 2024. Drudgery Reduction in Paddy Cultivation for Income Enhancement in Valley Areas of Manipur, NE India. Research Biotica, 2024, online first.