Farmers across the State may save over Rs 180 crore by using zero tillage technology in the upcoming summer season if they choose irrigated and dry (ID) crops in which only paddy is collected. This experiment was carried out at a hamlet in Sangareddy district's Kangti mandal, and the yield of the farmer who tested in his field was comparable to that of other farmers. Approximately Rs 3,000 per acre will be saved.
In the face of a paddy farming shortage for the approaching summer season, farmers are seeking for other crops that would pay well. Maize, jowar, and sun flower are the most popular irrigated and dry (ID) crops among farmers.
Agriculture experts, on the other hand, recommend that farmers can produce one of these three crops without tilling agricultural sites where paddy was previously farmed as a crop. Ploughing, cultivating, and levelling are all part of the tilling process. The farmer will save roughly Rs 3,000 per acre as a result of this.
Maize seeds were immediately sowed in the paddy wet lands on one of the farms in Kangti mandal as part of an experiment. After the paddy was harvested, one irrigation was provided, and the maize seed was planted directly in the soil after 24 hours. This experiment, which took place in a field in Tadkal village, Kangti mandal, Sangareddy district, in 2019, saved the farmer not just money but also time.
"This experiment was carried out in the field of Mochi Balaiah, who stepped up to carry out the recommendations. Like other farmers, he harvested 26 quintals. Saving money is the same as making money, and for farmers, this is extremely important," G. Santosh, Kangti Agriculture Extension Officer (AEO), told The Hindu. According to him, farmers in the state may plant ID crops on roughly 6 lakh acres during the summer season.
The benefits of zero tillage include shorter crop duration and hence earlier cropping for higher yields, lower input costs for land preparation, better use of residual moisture and fewer irrigations, and the addition of dry matter and organic matter to the soil.
No tillage minimises soil compaction, prevents soil erosion, and lowers water loss through runoff. 'No Till' fields contain more valuable flora and fauna since the soil is preserved and no disturbance is made. Natural resources are valuable and must be used effectively and sustainably. In this circumstance, zero tillage might be a viable option. More returns can be gained with zero tillage, and crops may be cultivated in a timely manner with greater yields.
