Mechanise farming will rejuvenate farmers: dept

PANJIM, MAY 16
It appears, the initiatives of the Agriculture Department to mechanise farming in Goa are slowly picking up.
About 31000 hector area is used for paddy cultivation and many farmers have given up farming either because of non-availability of labour or its high cost. However agriculture department is optimistic that land under paddy cultivation will increase with mechanization in farming The “paddy combine”, has been introduced in Goa.
The machine has been boon to farmers as besides reducing dependence on the labour it brings down cost of harvesting by half, says Satish Tendulkar, Director of Agriculture. It can execute both tasks – ploughing and planting, as well .
Currently, just two such machines are available in Goa however Tendulkar says two-three more machines will be bought this season.
Also, traders from neighbouring Karnataka provide the machine on hire. “Some of them come to Goa with their
machines during harvesting season, ”informed Tendulkar. High cost of the machines can deter farmers from going in for this machine which cost about Rs 22-23 lakhs. However, the department offers subsidy upto 70 per cent for agricultural societies on purchase of this machine.
The department has also been encouraging farmers to purchase tractors for ploughing. A tractor with 18 horse power cost  Rs 2.80 lakh and farmer can avail of 70 per cent subsidy on its purchase.
About thirty farmers have bought tractors by availing subsidy benefit, he adds.  While it’s foregone conclusion that many have turned their back on agriculture especially, paddy cultivation due to high cost of labour but mechanisation could a answer if they really wish to come back to farming.
Subsidies for farmers:  50 % subsidy on hire of department tractors, 70 % subsidy on purchase of machinery for paddy cultivation, Introduction of paddy trans-planter and paddy harvesting combine, 50 % subsidy at source on seeds of high yielding varieties of paddy, 50 % subsidy on soil conditioners like rock phosphate, Free analysis of soil samples, 50 per cent subsidy on various bio-control agent and assistance in repairs of notified bunds through soil conservation division.