Project News

In this cropping season in Buluto, the Project continues to reach out to another 42 new target farmers for the implementation of Comparative Cropping of random and line transplanting as a part of the effort to introduce improved cultivation techniques to as many farmers as possible in the area.

Farmers who participate in the Comparative Cropping of this first season were very delighted to experience new tools such as the Line Markers introduced by the Project for the first time. They were also very keen to work with the Project team and learn more about the improved cultivation techniques on line transplanting. In this cropping season in Buluto, the Project has so far implemented its Comparative Cropping with 8 farmers out of 42 target farmers.

After finishing the Comparative Cropping in his paddy field, Mr. Jil Analiva Soares (58), a farmer from Vemasse Tasi village immediately noticed the effectiveness of the Line Markers by offering three more plots from his paddy fields for conducting the line transplanting. According to him, normally he and his wife managed to finish only two plots for a day, however with the assistance of the Line Markers they were able to finish three plots or more in a day. He thanked the Project for supporting a farmer like him to understand better about the rice farming techniques and minimizing extra cost for hiring labours.

Mr. Nariyoshi Odashima, the Japanese Expert on Rice Cultivation Techniques said that in this cropping season, the Project will closely monitor progress of the Comparative Cropping and continuously provide necessary technical assistance to the new 42 target farmers. He emphasised that communication and constant approach with farmers are very indispensible to help them slowly change their behaviours in better ways.

New farmer from Vemasse Tasi village carefully observed the Monitoring staff using the Line Markers.

Farmer using the Line Markers independently after being taught by the Monitoring staff.

Farmers started the line transplanting after their paddy fields were marked by the Line Markers (1).

Farmers started the line transplanting after their paddy fields were marked by the Line Markers (2).

Current land preparation in Buluto (1).

Current land preparation in Buluto (2).