Seed Treatment

Protect the crop from seed–borne diseases by treatment with solution of Carbendazim + Mancozeb W.P @ 2 Gms/Litre of water. Soak the seeds in the solution for 24 hours. This treatment offers protection against fungal diseases like blast, brown spot, root–rot etc. In areas where bacterial leaf blight is prevalent, treat the seeds by soaking in a solution of 0.5 Gms Streptocycline in 1 Litre water for 12 hours. After treatment, dry the seeds under shade before sowing.

Planting

Rice should be planted at appropriate time depending on the variety. It is suggested to avoid unfavourable weather during plant development, for example, too warm or too cold weather during blooming stage, and heavy rain at harvesting stage. Mainly there are two seasons – Kharif and Boro for rice cultivation. In some places there is another season called as ‘Aush’. Seed Rate @ 20 Kgs/Acre in case of OPV and 6 Kgs/Acre in case of Hybrid Paddy is recommended.

Soil Preparation and Planting Method

Seedling Nursery

• The seedbed should be prepared by starting from first ploughing in lengthwise of the field. The second ploughing in crosswise should be done 7-10 days after. Irrigation should be given subsequently after ploughing to flood the muddy soil, then harrowing and paddling processes should be completed.
• A small furrow of 30 Cms wide is set between seedbeds for water drainage.
• Rice seeds are sown uniformly on the seedbeds at the rate of 50-70 Gms per square metre
• 1/10th should be the size of seedbed of main field where transplanting will be done.
• The seedbeds are maintained at saturated moisture for seed germination by draining out the water. After the emergence of seedling gradually increase the water level of the seedbeds according to the height of the seedling, but not exceeding 5 Cms from the soil surface.

Transplanting

• Transplanting is made by using approximately 25 day–old seedlings. Transplant the seedlings when they are at 4 leaf stage. Irrigate the nursery beds to facilitate easy uprooting of seedlings. Clip off the leaf tips before transplanting.
• Spacing between rows is recommended at 20 Cms and between hills at 20 Cms with the number of 3 to 5 seedlings/hill. (In case of Hybrid Paddy, only 1 seedling will be sufficient).
• Water level in the field should be maintained at 5-10 Cms which is appropriate for the plant growth.
• Water should be maintained all the plant growth duration, specially during panicle initiation to blooming.
• 15-20 days after 80% of plants bloomed remaining water should be drained depending on soil type.

Duration of Variety Age of Seedlings for Transpalting (In Days):

• Short and Medium duration varieties (upto 90-100 days) 18-20
• Medium to long duration varieties (110-130 days) 25-30
• Long duration varieties (130-160 days) 30-35

Wet Seeded Practice

• Prepared field should be partitioned into small plots of 5-10 M wide with the length along the field. A small furrow of 30 Cms wide should be set between the plots for water drainage.
• Rice seeds should be sown or broadcasted uniformly on the plots at the rate of 20-25 Kg/acre .
• Drain off flooding water after sowing and keep the soil saturated with moisture for seed germination, then gradually increase the water level according to the height of the plants, but not exceed 10 Cms. From the soil surface. Water should be maintained all the plant growth duration, especially the period panicle initiation to blooming.
• 15 to 20 days after 80% of plants bloomed remaining water should be drained depending on soil type.