Rainfed rice - IRRI books - International Rice Research Institute

RAINFED RICE A SOURCEBOOK OF BEST PRACTICES AND STRATEGIES IN EASTERN INDIA
Prepared by:
R. Thakur and V. P. Singh
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Plant protection measures
Gundhi bug and leaffolder may
be controlled by applying the
recommended insecticide in
the morning as and when
required.
Healthy seedlings ensure a better
crop. Transplanting must,
therefore, be done when:
seedlings have the requisite
height;
temperature is favourable; and
the field has adequate water.
The cumulative effects of these
constraints lead to non-synchronous
and delayed flowering of the Boro
rice.
Ripening stage
In this stage, hot weather causes:
grain sterility;
drought when an irrigation
facility does not exist;
leaffolder and Gundhi bugs, two
major insect pests; and
drying of the harvest in early
monsoon areas.
Seedling management
Sow seeds in October-November to
avoid the cold period during crop
growth. This ensures that the
seedlings have sufficient growth
before winter. There are many ways
to protect seedlings from cold injury.
Raise seedlings near river banks, swampy lands or in the periphery of
chaur lands where warmer soil temperature ensures proper root growth.
Prepare the seedbed in low-lying areas near the source of irrigation.
Grow seedlings for Boro even in the shade.
Add sufficient organic manure to the seedbed (1-1.5 kg/sq m).
Dust the seedling leaves periodically with fuelwood ash, straw ash, cattle
dung ash, etc.
Shake off dew drops from the tips of the seedlings every morning.
Place a polythene sheet cover just above the seedlings at night to avoid
yellowing.