Srinagar, June 20: In a landmark stride towards agricultural modernisation, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Bandipora Friday showcased a live demonstration of an advanced paddy transplanter, drawing the participation of scientists, progressive farmers, and key stakeholders from the farming community.
The event was led and closely monitored by Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth, Director Extension, SKUAST-Kashmir and Principal Investigator of the JKDST and IC sponsored Project titled “Standardization and popularization of mechanized rice transplanting in Kashmir Valley”, who highlighted the transformative role of mechanization in revolutionising traditional farming practices. She emphasized that machine transplanting is a forward-looking step that not only saves time and labour but also enhances planting precision and crop yield.
Also gracing the occasion were Dr. Lal Singh, Prof. Division of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, SKUAST-Kashmir and Co-PI of the project, Dr. Tariq Sultan, Programme Coordinator KVK Bandipora-1, along with scientists from KVK and a gathering of progressive farmers and farm women. The demonstration featured a cutting-edge paddy transplanter designed to boost efficiency, reduce labour dependency, and streamline the rice planting process. Prof. Kanth provided a detailed overview of the machine’s technical specifications and practical benefits. “This equipment enables fast transplantation in the case of nursery failures, the mat nursery can be prepared and transplanting can be completed timely, thereby preventing loss of the growing season,” she explained. Dr. Tariq Sultan underlined the vital role of KVK Bandipora in bridging research with grassroots application. He lauded the contributions of the participating scientists and farmers,
stating that their collaborative efforts are essential to the adoption of new technologies in the region. He also offered to skill the youth for preparing of Mat nursery for the transplanter. Attendees were offered a hands-on demonstration, enabling them to directly observe the machine effectiveness and operational ease. The participating farmers expressed strong interest and optimism about incorporating the technology into their future agricultural operations. This initiative marks a significant step toward mechanized and sustainable agriculture in Bandipora, paving the way for enhanced productivity, cost-effectiveness and modern farming practices.
