Direct Sown Paddy with Seed Drill ? A Low Cost Technology Enhancing Paddy Production in Krishna District of Andhra Pradesh

KVK, Ghantasala has conducted sixty front line demonstrations on direct sown paddy with seed drill in farmers fields of different villages in Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh. Over the last three seasons starting from 2012-13 to 2014-15 this DSP method showed an increase in yield in comparison to TPP. In case of DSP, the growth parameters plant height (88.2cm), effective tillers/hill (16.6 nos. ), panicle length (22.9 cm) and No. of grains/panicle (125 nos. ) were significantly higher as compared to TPP method. Comparative economics of DSP and TPP method of paddy cultivation revealed that there is a difference in cost of cultivation which is nearly Rs.9000 to 10, 000/ ha. The benefit cost ratio of 3.00 was also much higher than the TPP (2.20). The lower net returns of Rs.57, 600 and low benefit cost ratio of 2.20 indicated non-profitability of paddy cultivation under TPP method in Krishna district. Hence it could be recommended that wherever labour is scarce, costlier and for easy intercultural operations, direct seeding through seed drill may be advantageous for increasing the productivity and profitability of direct seeded rice.