PAU-Krishi Vigyan Kendra showcases Mat-Type Nursery & Mechanical Paddy Transplanting
The Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Sangrur of Punjab Agricultural University organized a _Field Day on Mat Type Nursery and Mechanical Transplanting of Paddy_ at the field of progressive farmer brothers Rohi Singh, Satnam Singh and Bagga Singh of village Rajpura, Block Bhawanigarh of District Sangrur. The event focused on demonstrating different techniques of raising mat-type paddy nursery and promoting mechanized transplanting amongst farmers.
Dr. Mandeep Singh, Incharge, PAU-KVK, Sangrur, outlined the benefits of the technology over traditional manual transplanting. He said mechanical transplanting ensures uniform spacing and depth, maintains optimum plant population, and reduces transplanting shock, leading to better crop establishment. “It saves water, improves input efficiency, and boosts productivity,” he noted.
With labor shortage a major challenge during the paddy season, he urged farmers to adopt this technology. He also reiterated PAU’s advisory on judicious use of urea and zinc and cautioned against unnecessary phosphorus application in paddy.
Dr. Sunil Kumar, Assistant Professor (FMPE) gave a hands-on demonstration of mat-type nursery raising using three methods viz with frames and nursery seeders, manual seed spreading on mats and PAU tractor-operated mat-type rice nursery seeder. Farmers actively interacted with experts and got their queries on nursery preparation and management resolved.
The farmer brothers said that they have purchased a new transplanter machine this year. They have prepared mat type nursery for their own 30 acres and for 150 acres of area for machine transplanting on custom hiring for other farmers. They have fixed the rate at Rs. 5000 per acre for machine transplanting on custom hiring, and Rs. 6000 per acre for machine transplanting along with mat type nursery.
Dr. Gurbir Kaur, Assistant Professor (Plant Protection), briefed farmers on integrated pest and disease management in paddy and basmati. She explained symptoms, prevention, and control of paddy dwarf virus and foot rot disease in basmati.
The programme concluded with a strong push for farmers to adopt mat-type nursery and mechanical transplanting for timely, efficient, and profitable paddy cultivation
