An Alternative to Conventional Rice: Direct Sowing with Drum Seeder

Objective: The current study is to compare the economics of rice cultivation by Conventional method (CR) versus Direct sowing with drum seeder (DSR) and to rank the constraints faced by DSR adopted farmers.

Methods: Cost concepts were used for comparative economic analysis and Garrett ranking technique was used for analysing the constraints faced by the DSR adopted farmers. The present study was conducted in Nalgonda district of Telangana with sample of 80 farmers.

Findings: Direct sowing with drum seeder was proved to be cost effective and profitable compared to conventional rice cultivation. Cost C2 of DSR (81518.9 Rs./ha) was lower than Cost C2 of CR (87535.4 Rs./ha). Net returns of DSR (44839.2 Rs./ha) was higher when compared to CR (41784 Rs./ha).

Conclusion: It is evident from the results of the economic analysis and the feedback received from the farmers that, direct sowing of rice with drum seeder with proper weed management was feasible and most practical alternative for the farmers to go for rice cultivation in the event of uncertain monsoon, increased cost of cultivation and labour shortage besides resource optimization in Telangana state. Therefore, DSR is considered to be the best alternative for rice cultivation addressing the issues of conventional system.