Economics of cultivation of paddy in Goa The small land holdings are not economically viable .The cost and scarcity of labour is discouraging factor.The large import of rice and highly subsidised rice on ration does not motivate farmers.The menace of cattle and dependence on rain the final yield is uncertain. The relief by crop insurance is heavily loaded against the farmers. Govt extends subsidy on fertilisers , weedicide harvesters seeds ,support price of Rs 12 per kg and Rs 8 as subsidy is realised only on sale to designated mills.Besides obtaining subsidy is long drawn out procedure pain in the neck Those who keep account of expenditure and income realise that it is no business proposition .One lance or 4000m2 costs around rRs40 000, including wages at around Rs 1000 for man Rs 600 per women excluding personal labour and costs of materials and inputs needed The best yield per LANCO is 15to 20 quintal .Boiled rice per quintal 600x12= 12000xRs60 =72000.Thus there is gain if subsidies are factored in Mechanical cultivation at Rs.90 for 3 ploughs and Rs 1.20 for transplanting will make it economical and free from anxieties and drudgery The service provider can be paid the costs to take delivery of paddy or rice as per the scheme Is there a demand for boiled rice as the Goans mainly rice eaters at one time are changing their food habits According to one farmer who maintains records of income expenditure says rice at Rs 60 per kg the total costs Rs 12000 per year is much more nassle free then cost and uncertainties of cultivating one Lanco(4000)m2 The service provider inmechanically cultivating 50 hectares,taking calculated risks at his own expenses without any liability towards the tenants may break even after 3 years.The cultivated fallow fields are fenced, add greenery and also provide for rotation of crops with avaiability of water .It is agricultural reform in the making fostered by the visionary Fr Quadros of Don Bosco The goan paddy seeds are now almost extinct and it may give a boost to vegetable cultivation in future , in great demand in a tourist state and depending heavily on neighbouring states for supplies Mechanised attempt is best way forward for starting agricultural revolution devoid of hassles of escalating costs and labour Nelson Lopes Chinchinim
Luring Nelson Lopes Chinchinim https://lopesnelsonnat.wordpress.com Nelson Lopes Chinchinim https://lopesnelsonnat.wordpress.com