Transplanting Paddy Seedlings - A Photo Essay

An observer during the entire process

Its monsoon and we have just finished planting paddy seedlings. Here I present you a small photo essay on how it has been done.  

So it goes this way, the paddy fields must be ready before the advent of monsoon.All the weeds in the field are cleared out and thoroughly ploughed so that the whole surface is clear.After the initial rains you sow the paddy seeds (nellu) and inundate the fields by at least 2 cm of water. It takes a while for this seeds to sprout and grow into paddy seedlings. Generally paddy seedlings should have a growth of 30-40 days before transplanting.These paddy sapplings are uprooted and  those roots are  thoroughly washed for replanting or transplanting.

The transplanting is done again after ploughing the land .The transplanted paddy seedling grows faster because of regular spacing .

Well it is important to note that paddy yield is always high when transplanted rather than direct sowing . In this way it attains maturity at a faster rate .Manures and fertilizers are  also provided during this stage of transplanting. Once the tansplanting is done one must ensure that the fields are always inundated till it grows ripe . The field shall be completely drained and dried only before harvest. It can take another  1.5-2 months for ripening

Do have a glimpse of all these activity here .

Ploughing the farm for transplanting the paddy seedling. Last time I saw bullocks
being used for ploughing was way back in 1997.

Uprooting the sown paddy seedlings which is roughly 40 days old.

Had to suspend the activities as a storm was brewing.

The  uprooted paddy seedlings are thoroughly washed and tied in bunches.

The paddy seedlings which are ready for transplanting after the wash

Washed paddy seedlings are placed at each area  for transplanting

Women transplanting the paddy seedling .Regular spacing is maintained  between each seedling

After transplanting

Manuring done during the transplanting activity

Workers take rest for sometime since they could not bear the scorching sun.

And finally our observer leaves the place after the work is over.