Abstract

                                A field experiment was conducted at Regional Research Technology and Transfer Station (RRTTS), Chiplima, Sambalpur during kharif 2010 & 2011 to evaluate the performance of different establishment methods for rice cultivation. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications and nine treatments. The treatments were; broadcasting of dry seeds (T1), manual three row seed drill (T2), line sowing using rope and guide (T3), manual pre-germinated paddy seeder (T4), line sowing of pre-germinated paddy seeds using rope and guide (T5), random transplanting i.e. farmers’ practice (T6), self-propelled rice transplanter (T7), line transplanting using low cost transplanting guide (T8), line transplanting using rope and guide (T9). Planting of rice by self-propelled rice transplanter (T7) recorded significantly higher grain yield of 3.95 t ha -1 and better plant height, number of tillers per m2, number of effective tillers per m2 as compared to other establishment methods. The plot where seedling was transplanted by self-propelled rice transplanter recorded maximum net return (Rs. 18858/ha) and benefit cost ratio (1.75) as compared to other establishment methods because of higher grain yield, less seed rate and labour requirement. The self propelled rice transplanter was superior to other establishment methods with respect to drudgery reduction and timely completion of transplanting in stipulated time.

Key words : Rice establishment method, self propelled transplanter, transplanting guide, pre germinated paddy seeder