Punjab to offer subsidy on paddy transplanters

The Punjab government has decided to extend subsidy on paddy transplanters in order to give thrust to mechanised paddy cultivation in this Kharif season. The move is intended to combat the problem of shrinking farm labour availability in the state. This year the government has decided to offer subsidy to the farmers for purchase of 400 machines and it will grant a subsidy of Rs 75,000 on each machine.

Further, to boost mechanisation, the Punjab agriculture department is also offering subsidy of Rs 5,000 per acre for the farmers for developing nursery, as these machines require special type of nursery. Initially the subsidy was granted last year and around 443 machines were purchased by the farmers by availing the subsidy from the state government.

Though the introduction of paddy transplanters is likely to cater to less than 2-3 per cent of the total area ( normally 1 machine covers 100 acres during the paddy season and considering machines purchased last year and purchased in this season) under paddy cultivation but analysts feel if it is successful, it can go a long way in near future in combating labour shortage.

As, the state does not allow transplantation of paddy before June 10 in view of depleting water table in the state, and with the entire state transplanting paddy in one go, the problem of labour shortage is occurring for the last few years as the migrant labourers from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh remain hooked to their parent state on account of NREGA scheme in their respective states.

Agriculturists say the yield is likely to increase with the help of transplanters. Their use has been recommended by the Punjab Farmers’ Commission and Punjab Agricultural University (PAU).