Thanjai farmer shows the way with zero-waste planting

Conventionally, farmers raise the saplings in small nurseries before cultivation. This process would take at least one week. However, of late, farmers have been showing no interest to raise nurseries due to the time-consuming process, resulting in manpower shortage and loss. As this has become a growing concern amid farmers in the delta region, Ramesh (43) from Punnainallur Mariammankoil Street in Thanjavur has discovered an idea to grow nurseries through paper capsules.

In the method proposed by Ramesh, papers are cut and stitched lengthwise in blocks with three layers of eight-inch length. The paddy seeds are then stuffed inside neem and sesame oil cakes with the support of a specially designed machine, developed by Ramesh himself.

“After stuffing the roll with paddy seeds, they would then be attached to the wheels of a planting machine that resembles a cono weeder, which would support the paper rolls to be planted with a two-inch depth, thus reducing the planting cost,” Ramesh said.

Ramesh, who is also a welder, has completed industrial training and has been keen on agriculture. He has been implementing his knowledge in farming. “This idea struck me when I was watching a capsule planting method on national television recently. Though I tried the method, it was difficult and expensive. That is when I thought of an alternative,” Ramesh said.

Initially, Ramesh tried planting method with cloth instead of paper. Bit he failed. Subsequently, his trial with paper roll became successful. “Usually, at least 22 labourers are required per acre to raise a nursery and it would cost Rs 15,000 per acre to pay wages.” However, the paper roll method needs only one labourer and the entire cost will only come to Rs 4,500 per acre. Apart from this, only 5 kg of seed is required for one acre of land. This method, thus, can also save expense for seeds, he added.

Claiming that this method of planting results in good yield, Ramesh said that he has suggested this to five farmers so far. “We see a positive response among the farmers as it costs less with more yield and zero wastage. I plan to popularise this practice among Thanjavur farmers and later would approach farmers from other districts,” said Ramesh, suggesting that the government should aid him to promote this planting method among.