RICE IN ANDHRA PRADESH - Rice Knowledge Management Portal

RICE IN ANDHRA PRADESH
The state being one of the highest fertilizer and pesticides consuming regions in the country, the key
factor leading to the difference in rice yields between A.P on one side and Punjab and Tamilnadu on the
other is the proportionate share of groundwater irrigated area which is 62% in Punjab, 45% in Tamilnadu
compared to 35% in A.P while Punjab and Tamilnadu developed 99% and 60% of their ultimate ground water
potential respectively. A.P developed less than 20% of its ground water potential. Ground water
development, thus, appears crucial for stepping up rice yields.
Another crucial factor in this regard is the extent of irrigated rice area in Andhra Pradesh. Although
rice is said to be irrigated to an extent of 95% of the area planted in the state, 50% is under tanks, wells and
tube wells which in turn depend on the rainfall and good mansoon. How dependable is this source is known
to every one. Thus, only 50% of the rice area gets assured irrigation water through canals under major
projects.
A third and major factor which is pulling down the rice yields in the state is damage due to frequent
cyclones and floods which are common at the time of harvest. Biotic and abiotic stresses are the other
factors greatly influencing the yield gaps apart from others.
e. Major contributing factors in different ecologies:
Under Irrigated transplanted ecology assured water, intensive cultivation with high inputs using high
yielding varieties and adoption of plant protection measures -are the major contributing factors for higher
productivity. Cyclones, floods , weeds , sub-mergens of the crop at critical stages and rodents are the yield
reducers.
In Rainfed lowland ecology high rain fall, fertile soils, availability of suitable varieties, high input use,
scope for giving irrigation at critical (later stages i. e., from tillering onwards) stages ,need based plant
protection are the factors for higher yields. Drought, planting of overaged seedlings, intermittent dryspells
during crop growth period and inadequate fertilizer application and Plant protection measures are the
reasons for low yields.
In rainfed ecology, uncertainity of rainfall, intermittent dry spells, weeds and lack of suitable high
yielding varieties with production technology are the reasons for low yields.
f) Contribution to the GDP: Andhra Pradesh contributes 16-18% towards rice production from an area
of about 10% of country’s rice area.
For more Information contact: Visit Rice Knowledge Management Portal http://www.rkmp.co.in
Rice Knowledge Management Portal (RKMP)
Directorate of Rice Research,
Rajendranagar, Hyderabad 500030. Email: naiprkmp@gmail.com, pdrice@drricar.org, shaiknmeera@gmail.com
Ph: 91-40-24591218, 295 Fax: 91-40-24591217
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