Mechanical transplanting workshop…in photos

At the start of the season the land was identified where the experiment would take place. Land preparation was undertaken with care to ensure all clumps of soil are broken down. Ploughing was carried out twice, once with a power-tiller and once with bullocks and a traditional plough.

The machinery was brought from Pilar Nature Farms, run by the Society of Pilar. The Yanji Shakti mechanical transplanter is available for rent from this farm. It can also be bought at Goa Tractors (Mapusa). Presently, this machine can be purchased at a 70% subsidy, provided under a scheme of the Depratment of Agriculture.

The machine was then assembled on the site.

The wheel and the motor were mounted onto the machine.

Seedlings are raised in a specially prepared nursery so that they grow into a dense cluster, resembling a  mat. This mat is then cut into appropriate sizes to be fed into the machine. As can be seen above, the seedlings are strongly held together and can be transported, in what resembles ’tiles,’ without any damage.

Before the actual demsontration, several presentations were made by representatives of the Directorate of Agriculture, Pilar Nature Farm, SAMETI, Ela Farm, ICAR and Goa Tractors.

Over 45 people were present at the event. Mr. Remy Gass, who has a beautiful old Goan home, allowed the Club to use his verandah for the presentations.

The demonstration was carried in three plots of land adjacent to one another. The soil in these plots is clayey and is said to be suitable for the operation of this machine.

Vandana watched as her field was being planted rapidly. others present also gathered eagerly to watch the machine in action.

In 47 minutes, the machine managed to translpant the three plots. Areas around the corners that were left out (as the machine turns) were filled in manually by Vandana

From left to right: Frank Talbert (Goa Tractors); Celly D’souza (NABARD); Mr. Mahambare (Chorao Farmers Club); Ulhas Kavlekar (Karapur Watershed Association); Dr. Prabhudesai (ICAR); Mr. Abreu (Chorao Farmers Club); Mr. Verenkar (ZAO, Tiswadi); Mr. Amrik Singh Deul (Branch Manager, Central Bank-Chodan ); Dr. Fernandes (Asst. Director of Agriculture, FT); Mr. Chodankar (Chorao Farmers Club)

Also, the Drum Seeder has been given to Vandana as part of the experiment. It is to be used under drier conditions. The Club will test its usefulness during the next season.