MARGAO: With a target to cover 300 hectares this Kharif season, the transplanting machine begun its work in the fields of Nagoa on Tuesday.  Don Bosco Society, Loutolim, Salcete and Ramesh & Co Davangere, Karnataka are other two agencies undertaking the mechanised transplanting of paddy in Goa.

Fifty percent subsidy is provided by the Government of Goa for mechanised transplanting of paddy at Rs 30,000, that is, Rs 3 for every square meter transplanted. The farmer has to pay the 50 per cent of the cost, that is, Rs 1.50 per square meter to the agency undertaking the mechanised transplanting and balance 50% will be paid by the Government as subsidy. 

The agency hired by the farmer will raise the seedling nursery for transplanting. The cost includes the seed cost, labour cost, transportation cost and transplanting cost as per variety selected by the farmer. The mechanised transplanting not only reduces the cost of transplanting but also increases the yields of paddy. 

Minister for Agriculture Vijai Sardesai inaugurated the paddy transplanting machine at Verna of the service provider M/s Nagoa Agriculture and Art Forum, Nagoa, Verna. The agency is headed by its Chairman Greg Fernandes. The agency has been involved in providing customised services for ploughing, transplanting of paddy and harvesting of paddy in South Goa.