Package Of Practices

Seed Selection

Always use certified or TL seed having at least 98% purity, minimum 80% germination and admixture of other different varieties (ODV) should not exceed 0.5%. Use only well filled and heavy grains. Soak the seeds in salt solution (270 Gms in 10 Litres water) for about 15-20 minutes. Select heavier seeds that settles at the bottom after discarding the seeds that floats in the solution. Wash the seeds in clean water immediately after removing from the solution.

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

Planting

• 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.