Mechanization in paddy farming: A pathway to higher profits and lower costs in paddy fields of coastal A.P

Paddy cultivation in Andhra Pradesh has traditionally relied on labor-intensive transplanting methods, resulting in high cultivation costs. However, due to increasing labor shortages driven by urbanization and industrialization, farmers in the Anakapalli district have begun adopting mechanized practices such as direct seeding, mechanical weeding, drone spraying, and combined harvesting to reduce costs and improve efficiency. The BCT-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) supported this transition by providing custom hiring services for agricultural implements, conducting on-field demonstrations, farmer field schools, and training programs. To evaluate the overall impact of mechanization, Frontline Demonstrations (FLDs) were conducted in the mandals of Rambilli, Atchutapuram, and Munagapaka. The results showed that mechanized practices reduced the total cost of cultivation by ₹39,825 per hectare lowering it to ₹46,250/ha compared to ₹86075/ha for traditional methods. Additionally, yield increased by 13.7%, and net returns improved by 114%. Beyond cost savings, mechanization also addressed peak-time labor shortages and facilitated timely pest management such as controlling the climbing cutworm through drone technology. Overall, mechanization reduced drudgery, enhanced operational efficiency, and proved to be a sustainable solution for modern paddy farming.