A feasibility study was undertaken on reducing the cost of cultivation in paddy through mechanizing harvesting operations at Agricultural Research Station, Gangavathi during  kharif, 2002 to rabi/summer, 2004-05 and also in the farmer's field. A vertical conveyor power reaper (KAMCO Model KR 120) was used for the purpose. The overall performance of the vertical conveyor reaper was quite satisfactory. The actual field capacity of the power reaper was 0.3 ha/hr with a field efficiency of 73 % at an average operating speed of 3.2 kmph. The fuel consumption was 5.5 l/ha. The cost of cultivation of paddy crop could be reduced through mechanization of harvesting operations. Cost of mechanical harvesting was Rs.420/ha as compared Rs 800/ha in the case of manual harvesting provided the machines are used for their maximum usage of 144 hectares in a year. As the usage of the machine in terms of number of hectare per year decreases, the cost of operation increases. To breakeven with the cost of manual operation, the power reaper should be used at least on 35 hectares per year. Hence, the mechanical harvesting would be economical provided they are used on an area of 35 hectare per year and above only.