Silvester D’Souza

Daijiworld Media Network—Kundapur (EP)

Kundapur, Oct 11: Production of seeds is one of the ambitious projects of the department of agriculture. The centers play a prominent part in providing suitable seeds for sowing. These centers have the responsibility to provide quality seeds to the Seeds Corporation. One such center is situated in Koteshwar of Kundapur taluk. The center has grown paddy on a 13-acre field this year and hopes for good yield.

The government has asked the department of agriculture to grow paddy on its land every year and produce seeds locally. In the past, there were sheds and rooms to store agriculture tools, places to store grass, rooms to store paddy, and accommodation rooms for workers here. Though those have been abandoned without use, the paddy yield this year is better than that in previous years.

“Land with an area of 13 acres has been used for cultivation this time. Sowing machines are being used for the purpose. M.O.4 seeds have been used. The department has hopes of good yield due to systematic weed management and application of scientific technology. Paddy weighing 95 quintals was grown during the last year. The yield is expected to be 150 quintals this year,” said Rajendra Shettigar, official of the department of agriculture. Seeds weighing 250 kgs are being used.

Naturally flowing water is being used to a large extent. A small deviation has been made for the water flowing from east to west and it is made to flow to the fields through channels. The natural water used for most part of the cultivation, reducing electricity consumption, has satisfied the department. The water has fulfilled the requirement of an area of 5 acres and optimum use of water is being made here.

The seed production center started in 1969 did not perform well for the initial four to five years. It has now recovered and rekindled hope. The special enthusiasm of Shettigar has made it happen. He is aiming for greater progress.