Udupi: A quiet revolution is transforming the district's fields. The mechanised paddy transplanting that began in 2013 as a modest experiment on just 500 acres has now expanded to over 15,000 acres.
This method has not only changed how rice is grown in the district, but is also creating a new breed of rural entrepreneurs, said Shankar M, associate professor at the Zonal Agricultural and Horticultural Research Station in Brahmavar. The total area dedicated to paddy cultivation in Udupi is about 30,000–35,000 hectares.
He said that the mechanised method using paddy trays is rapidly replacing the labour-intensive traditional transplanting system.
"Earlier, seeds were sown directly and manually transplanted after 30 days. In the improved method, saplings are grown in trays and are ready in 16-18 days for machine transplanting," he said.
Each acre requires about 80 trays of seedlings. The tray resembles a mat, making it easy to handle, transport, and maintain. It is also cost-effective and space-efficient, major factors contributing to its growing popularity.
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