Status Paper on Rice in Karnataka.pdf - Rice Knowledge ...

RICE IN KARNATAKA 

<strong>Status</strong> <strong>Paper</strong> on Rice in Karnataka 

M. P. Rajanna 

Rice Breeder and Head, 

AICRP (Rice), Zonal Agricultural Research Station, 

V.C. Farm, Mandya 

Karnataka, India, Pin 571 405 

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I. Name of the state : Karnataka 

II. Introduction 

The Karnataka state, a region inhabited predominantly by Kannada speaking people, is 

situated between 11 0 31’ and 18 0 45’ North latitude and 74 0 12’ and 78 0 40’ East longitude and 

lies in the west-central part of peninsular India. Its maximum spread from north to south is 

about 700 km and from east to west 400 km. It is bound on the north by Maharashtra state, on 

the northeast by Goa, on the east by Andhra Pradesh, on the south and southeast by Tamil 

Nadu, on the southwest by Kerala with a coastline bordering the Arabian Sea. The state with 

geographical area of around 1.91 lakh sq km is the eighth largest in the country. It has a variety 

of topographical situations ranging from the coastal plains to gentle slopes and culminating in 

the spectacular heights of the Western Ghats. 

Elevations in various parts do not vary greatly though the abruptness with which they 

change is marked in some parts as between the narrow coastal strip that rarely exceeds a width 

of 30 km and the equally narrow Western Ghats immediately adjoining the coastal plains. 

Greater part of Karnataka lies between 450 and 900 meters above mean sea level. In 

places, however, the elevation reaches over 1,800 meters, in Bababudan (Chandradrona 

Parvatha) ranges followed by Kudremukh at 1,892 meters. The general elevation of this table 

land is about 600 meters but in central parts it is considerably higher at places between the 

Krishna and Cauvery river systems particularly in Chikmagalur, Kodagu and Hassan districts. 

The districts of Karnataka are shown in Figure 1. 

Karnataka is blessed with abundant water wealth with as many as seven major rivers and 

a number of rivulets and streams. The important rivers are Sharavathi, Kali, Nethravathi, Varahi, 

Bedthi, Aghansani, Krishna, Ghataprabha, Malaprabha, Bhima, Tungabhadra and Cauvery. These 

rivers swell in monsoons and a majority of them take out into mere trickle after the monsoons. 





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Fig 1. Districts of Karnataka 

The total catchment area of these river basins is 1, 91,773 sq km and the estimated 

average flow is 97,800 M cum. The Krishna and Cauvery river basins together drain as much as 

77 per cent of the geographical area of the state. 

Groundwater in the state occurs under water table conditions, under the hard rocks 

which have become sufficiently porous to hold moderate quantities of ground water. The 

groundwater utility estimates reveal that the overall utilization of groundwater in the state was 

only 25 per cent or one-forth of the potential. 





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III. 

Zonal Information 

a. Climate: 

Rainfall and its distribution pattern: The climate of Karnataka is basically tropical and 

determined largely by the physiographic and geographic location with respect to the sea and 

monsoon. The state enjoys the benefit of two monsoons and hence can well be called the land 

of the two seasons, because both the south-west and north-east monsoons account for major 

part of the rainfall. A small quantity of rainfall is received during cold and hot weather seasons. 

The state receives an average annual rainfall of 1354.7 mm with a minimum of 552.8 mm 

and a maximum of 3932.4 mm. The analysis of data over two decades reveals that, of the 

average rainfall of the state, 9991.7 mm is received in the south-west monsoon (June to 

September), 212.4 mm from the north-east monsoon (October to December), 142.3 mm in hot 

weather period (March to May), while, hardly 8.3 mm is received in the cold weather period 

(January to February). 

In terms of percentage contribution in the four seasons, south-west monsoon 

contributes a maximum of 73 per cent, followed by north-east monsoon, hot weather and cold 

weather periods accounting for 16, 10 and 1 per cent, respectively. 

The distribution of annual and seasonal rainfall over Karnataka state indicates that it is 

the highest over the Western Ghats and the lowest in the eastern parts of Chitradurga districts. 

The rainfall in the coastal region exceeds 3000 mm, the western ghats including Malnad region 

receives an annual rainfall ranging from 4000 to 8000 mm, the northern maidan region receives 

from 1500 to 500 mm, decreasing from west to east and the southern maidan receives an 

annual rainfall from 2000 mm in the west to around 460 mm in the eastern edge in Chitradurga 

district. 

Temperature: Temperature is the lowest in January and increases thereafter gradually at 

first and rapidly after the middle of February or beginning of March. In the southern maidan 

region, the highest temperature occur in April, while, in the northern maidan and coastal area 

they occur in May. In January, the mean daily maximum temperature is 31 0 C in the coastal area 

and slightly above 30 0 C in the northern maidan area except in Bidar district where it is 28 to 29 0 

C. Over the western Ghat areas, it is 24 0 to 27 0 C. In April, the mean daily maximum 





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temperature is about 32 0 C in the coastal region and increases as we go north-eastwards in the 

northern maidan area to 39 0 C in Gulbarga-Raichur region and decreases to about 37 0 C in Bidar 

area. Over the rest of the maidan area it is 28 to 32 0 C. 

The highest maximum temperature is in May, which is the warmest month over major 

part of the state, reaches 43 0 C in Gulbarga - Raichur region. It exceeds 40 0 C in the area northeast 

of a line joining Bidar, Gadag and Bellary. It is 35 0 C to 36 0 C over the coastal area and 36 0 C 

to 38 0 C over the southern maidan area. Over the Western Ghats and malnad area, it is 32 0 C to 

34 0 C. Temperature decreases after May, and by July the daily maximum temperature decreases 

appreciably. The warmest region in July, is Bellary-Raichur-Gulbarga area where the mean daily 

maximum temperature is about 32 0 C. It decreases to 29 0 C towards Bidar. It is about 28 0 C in 

the coastal area and increases north-eastwards to 32 0 C in Raichur-Gulbarga area. In the 

southern maidan the maximum temperature is 26 0 C to 27 0 C. In the ghats and malnad area, it is 

about 20 to 24 0 C. It is of interest to note that after October, temperature gradually decreases 

throughout the state reaching the lowest in early January. 

Humidity: The average relative humidity is the highest in the state during July-August 

and lowest in March-April. Relative humidity depends not only on the amount of water vapour 

in the atmosphere but also on temperature. In general the coastal area, ghats and Malnad areas 

are more humid than the Maidan areas. Southern maidan areas are comparatively more humid 

than the northern maidan areas. The region having the lowest monthly relative humidity of 

about 30 per cent in April-May is that extending from northern Chitradurga and Bellary districts 

to Bijapur districts to Bijapur, Raichur and Gulbarga districts. Humidity is as low as 5 to 10 per 

cent, and sometimes even less in this area in the afternoon hours in summer. Even in the 

southern maidan area, low relative humidity of 10 to 20 per cent may be recorded during the 

afternoon in March-April. In July and August very high humidity exceeding 90 per cent occur 

over the coastal area, ghats and malnad areas, and 80 to 60 per cent over the rest of the state. 

From September onwards, humidity generally decreases gradually upto November and rapidly 

thereafter. 





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b. Soil type : 

Karnataka state represents a wide variety of geological, climatic, vegetational and 

physiographic features, which have influenced soil formation and thus given rise to various types 

of soils. Accordingly, the different soils have distinct morphological and physic-chemical 

properties that have a bearing on plant growth and have influenced the cropping pattern, giving 

a unique status to the state. A scientific knowledge of soils is a pre-requisite to understand the 

local ecology and useful in planning for agricultural development. 

As per the updated soil survey data, the soils of Karnataka have been broadly classified 

under nine groups. The characteristics and distribution of these nine soil groups in different 

parts of Karnataka are as follows: 

1. Shallow Black Soils 

These soils are usually encountered on undulating ridges in the Deccan trap region and to 

some extent on schist and lime stone upland region of Karnataka, occupying areas in north and 

north-west parts of the districts of Belgaum, Bijapur, Gulbarga and Bidar. 

These are shallow (less than 23 cm), dark greyish brown, dark brown to dark reddish 

browm, usually calcareous, with gravelly clay loam to clay in texture. They are neutral to weakly 

alkaline and have moderate to high water holding capacity with high cation exchange capacity 

(CEC). The soils are well drained to some-what excessively drained with moderate permeability. 

The clay mineral is dominantly montmorillonitic. These soils are classified under the orders 

Entisols and inceptisols with sub-orders Orthents and Ochrepts. 

Suitable soil and water conservation measures along with adoption of package of 

practices are essential to obtain satisfactory crop yields. Care is essential while, developing 

these lands for irrigation due to their shallow depth and steep slopes. 





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2. Medium Black Soils 

These soils usually occur in the Deccan trap, schist, lime stone and shale region of the 

state, occupying areas in parts of Bidar, Gulbarga, Bijapur and Belgaum districts and to some 

extent on peninsular gneiss area in Raichur, Chitradurga and Dharwad districts. 

These soils are moderately deep to very deep (23-90 cm), dark to very dark in greyish 

brown, dark reddish brown or black in colour, usually calcareous, cracking, clayey soils. These 

are highly moisture retentive, neutral to alkaline, and well supplied with bases. They contain 

high percentage of clay dominated by montmorillonitic type of mineral. These are moderately 

well drained with slow permeability. Heavy cracking in dry periods, typical wedge shaped blocky 

structure and prominent slickensides in the sub-surface horizons are quite common. The soils 

are classified under the orders Inceptisols and Vertisols with sub-orders Ochrepts and Usterts. 

The soils are fertile and produce good yields when moisture is not limiting but modera - 

tely susceptible to erosion. 

Adequate soil and water conservation measures along with adoption of package of 

practices are essential to obtain sustained high yields. Indiscriminate use of water may lead to 

development of salinity, alkalinity and water logging problems. 

3. Deep Black Soils 

These soils occur in Deccan trap lime stone regions, in parts of Gulbarga, Bijapur and 

Belgaum districts and considerable areas in parts of Raichur, Bellary, Dharwad, Chitradurga, and 

Mysore districts. 

These are very deep (more than 90 cm), dark brown, dark greyish brown to very dark 

grey or black in colour. The texture is usually clayey throughout the profile. These are 

calcareous and are weakly to strongly alkaline, highly cracking montmorillonitic clayey soils. 





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These are highly moisture retentive and moderately well drained to imperfectly drained 

with low to very low permeability. A loose, crumb to granular surface mulch, gilgai micro relief, 

prominent intersecting slickensides and typical sub-angular to angular blocky structure are 

common in these soils. These soils are classified under the order Vertisols with sub-order 

Usterts. 

These soils are fertile and generally produce good yields when moisture is not a limiting 

factor but are slight to moderately susceptible to erosion. 

Adequate soil and water conservation measures, appropriate provision of drainage 

facilities especially in the low lands and adoption of package of practices are essential to obtain 

sustained high yields under rainfed cultivation. Indiscriminate use of water on these soils could 

spoil the soil structure and lead to salinity and water logging problems. 

4. Red Sandy Soils 

These soils occur on undulating landscape on acidic rock viz. Granites and granite 

gneisses, occupying areas in parts of Dharwad, Bellary, Chitradurga, Shimoga, Bangalore, 

Tumkur, Mandya and Mysore districts of the State. 

The soils of this type can further be sub-divided into the following three groups occupying on 

distinct topographic sites with varying physicochemical properties. 

a) Upland 

b) Midland, and 

c) Low land soils 

These are usually situated on convex ridges with 3-5 per cent gradient or more. The soils are 

shallow to moderately deep, reddish brown to dark reddish brown, gravelly loamy sand to sandy 

loam on the surface with sandy loam to gravelly sand clay in the sub-surface horizons. They are 

neutral to slightly acidic in reaction and low in cation exchange capacity, base saturation and 

water holding capacity but well drained with rapid permeability. 





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These soils are classified under the orders Entisols, Inceptisols and Alfisols with sub-orders, 

Orthents, Ochrepts and Ustalfs. 

Though these soils respond well to irrigation, manuring and other management practices, 

the yields are very low due to low fertility status, shallow rooting depth and inadequate storage 

soil moisture capacity. 

Adequate storage soil moisture conservation measures, combined with adequate application 

of organic manures to improve soil structure, fertility and water holding capacity are essential to 

obtain satisfactory yields under rainfed cultivation. 

Soils of Midlands 

These soils occur on gently sloping midlands in gneissic complex region. These are deep 

to very deep, reddish brown to dark reddish brown, loamy sand to sandy loam or sandy clay 

loam on the surface with sandy clay to gravelly clay in the sub-surface horizon with well 

developed argillic (clay rich) horizon. They are neutral to acidic in reaction and low to medium in 

cation exchange capacity and base saturation with medium to high water holding capacity. The 

clay is dominated with Kaolinite and hydrous oxides of iron and aluminium. The soils are well 

drained with moderate permeability. These soils are classified under the order Alfisols with suborder 

Ustalfs. 

The yields obtained on these soils are generally good when moisture is not limiting. They 

also respond well to irrigation, manuring and other management practices. Adequate soil and 

moisture conservation measures and adoption of package of practices are recommended to 

obtain sustained high yields. 

Soils of Low Lands 

These are partially deposited soils occurring on very gentle slope to nearly level or flat 

valley bottom areas, are deep to very deep, dark brown to very dark brown, sandy loam sandy 

clay loamand occasionally clay loam soils on the surface and sandy clay loam to clayey soils in 





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the sub-surface horizons. They are neutral to weakly alkaline, non-calcarious to calcarious and 

have medium to high cation exchange capacity and base saturation. The water holding capacity 

is relatively high. These soils are moderately well drained to poor drainage with moderately low 

to low permeability. At places the ground water table is seen within 1.5. to 2.0 meters for a 

good part of the year. Patches of saline and alkaline areas also occur in the low lands. These 

soils are classified under the order Alfisols and Entisols with sub-orders Ustalfs and Fluvents. 

These soils normally respond to irrigation, manuring and other management practices 

and generally good yields are obtained on these soils. 

Adequate drainage and adoption of recommended package of practices can ensure 

sustained yields. In problematic areas like high water table and water logging, encouragement 

for digging wells in the command may help in reducing the water table. Also, soil amendments 

may be added according to the soil test results to reclaim soils affected by alkalinity. 

5. Mixed Red and Black Soils 

These soils usually occur on gently undulating plain or complex geological material 

comprising of gneisses. This type of soil occupies areas in parts of Bijapur, Dharwad, Belgaum, 

Raichur, Bellary and Chitradurga districts. 

Usually red soils resemble the red sandy soils of midland region in physic-chemical 

properties and black soils resemble the medium and deep black soils in physic-chemical 

characteristics. These soils are classified under the orders Alfisols, Vertisols and Entisols with 

sub-orders Ustalfs, Usterts and Orthents. 

The soils are productive, when moisture is not limiting. Care is essential for developing 

these lands for irrigation. Provision of drainage especially in the low lying areas is essential 

while, planning for irrigation. Use of good quality irrigation water and its judicious application, 

application of liberal quantities of organic manures, and careful management are 

recommended. 





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The measures suggested for problematic areas in deep black soils are also applicable to 

the problematic areas like saline, alkaline and water logged areas under these soils. 

6. Red Loamy Soils 

These soils occur on hilly to undulating landscape on granites, granitic gneisses and 

Dharwad schists, occupying areas as a long strip along the western ghats in the transitional zone 

comprising western parts of Belgaum, Uttara Kannada, Shimoga, Chitradurga, Udupi, Mangalore, 

Hassan and Kodagu districts and parts of Chitradurga, Tumkur, Kolar and Bangalore districts. 

The soils of this region can further be sub-divided into the following three groups 

occurring on distinct physiographic position and have varying physico-chemical properties. 

a) Upper slops 

b) Undulating mid-slopes and 

c) Valley plain soils. 

Soils of Upper Slopes 

These are usually situated on convex ridges and steep side slopes. The soils are shallow 

to moderately deep, light grey, yellowish red and strong brown gravelly sandy loam to sandy 

loam soils. They are normal to weakly acidic in reaction and low in CEC, base saturation and 

water holding capacity. These soils are classified under the orders Entisols and inceptisols with 

sub-orders Orthents and Ochrepts. The soils have low fertility status with shallow rooting depth 

and low water holding capacity. Care should be taken to develop these lands for irrigation due 

to their soil depth, coarse texture and steeper slopes. The soils may be restricted to light 

irrigated crops due to high percolation losses. Application of liberal quantities of organic 

manure is recommended. 

Soils of Undulating Mid Slopes 

These soils occur on sleepy to gently sloping undulating to hilly landscape. The soils are 

very deep, dark brown to dark red, sandy loam to clay loam on the surface and loam to clay 





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loam and at places gravelly sandy clay in the sub-surface horizon, with distinct argillic (clay rich) 

horizon. These are neutral to weakly acidic in reaction, low in CEC, base saturation and medium 

to high in water holding capacity. These soils are classified under the orders Alfisols and Ultisols 

with sub-orders of Ustalfs, Udalfs, Uslults and Udults. 

The soils are well drained with moderate permeability. The yields obtained in these 

lands are generally good. 

Appropriate soil conservation measures and adoption of recommended package of 

practices are essential to obtain sustained high yields under rainfed cultivation. 

Soils of Valley Plains 

These are deposited soils occurring on very gently slope to nearly level of flat valley 

bottom areas. These are very deep, very dark grey brown, brown to dark reddish brown, sandy 

loam to clay on the surface and usually clay in the sub-surface horizon. They are neutral to 

weakly alkaline, usually non-calcareous, and have low to medium CEC and base saturation. The 

water holding capacity is generally high. The soils are moderately well drained to poorly drain 

with low to moderate permeability. These soils are classified under the orders Alfisols and 

Entisols with sub-orders Ustalfs, Udalfs and Fluvents. 

The yields obtained in these soils are generally good. The soils normally respond well to 

irrigation, manuring and other management practices. 

Proper bunding, provision of adequate drainage and adoption of recommended package 

of practices are essential for obtaining sustained high yields under rainfed cultivation. 

7. Laterite Soils 

These soils mainly occur on gently undulating, rolling, plain to hilly topography of 

peninsular gneiss and Dharwad schist regions, occupying areas as a long strip along with western 

coast in the coastal high rainfall and transitional region comprising major parts of the districts of 

Uttara Kannada, Udupi, Mangalore, Kodagu and Western parts of Hassan, Chikkamagalur, 





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Shimoga, Dharwad and Belgaum districts; also found in parts of Bangalore, Kolar, Bidar and 

Gulbarga districts. 

These are deep to very deep, yellowish red to dark red, reddish brown to brown, clay 

loam to gravelly sandy loam on the surface and clay loam to gravelly sandy clay or clay in the 

sub-surface horizon. They are acidic in reaction, low in CEC, base saturation and water holding 

capacity. These are well drained to excessively drain with moderate to moderately rapid 

permeability. These soils are classified under the orders Entisols, Ultisols, Alfisols and Oxisols 

with sub-orders Orthents, Ustults, Udults, Ustalfs, Udalfs and Ustox. 

These soils are fairly resistant to erosion. Due to favourable physical condition of these 

soils, sustained and better yields can be obtained on many of these soils by adopting 

recommended package of practices and proper soil and agricultural management systems. 

8. Laterite Gravelly Soils 

These soils occur in patches specially on the convex upland region of the laterite i.e., in 

the southern parts of the districts of Udupi and Mangalore, northern parts of Shimoga and 

north-eastern parts of Bangalore districts. Other characteristics are similar to laterite soils 

described above. These soils are shallow to moderately deep with abundant ferruginous gravels. 

These soils are under scrub vegetation and forest cover varying density. 

9. Coastal Alluvium 

These soils occur on gently sloping to nearly level plains as a narrow strip along the 

western coast in the districts of Uttara Kannada, Udupi and Mangalore. They are deposited soils 

consisting of washed down materials from the western ghats and by the action of the Arabian 

sea. 

These are deep to very deep, light grey, pale yellow or brown, sand loamy sand to sandy 

loam on the surface, with loamy sand, gravelly sandy loam to clay loam in the sub-surface 

horizons. These are acidic in reaction, low in CEC base saturation and water holding capacity 

and deficient in the major nutrients. The water table in the low lying areas in usually within 1.0 





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to 1.5 metres for most parts of the year. These soils are classified under order Entisols with suborders 

Aquents, Fluvents and Psamments. 

The soils are saline due to low lying and inundation by the sea water. 

Adoption of package of practices with salt resistant varieties of crops is recommended. 

c. Agro-climatic zones 

Based on the rainfall pattern, topography, soil characteristics, climate in general and 

cropping patterns, Karnataka state has been divided into ten distinct agro-climatic zones which 

serve as focal areas for conducting location specific research (Anonymous 1993). The ten agroclimatic 

zones of the state are North-eastern transition zone, North-eastern dry zone, Northern 

dry zone, Central dry zone, Eastern dry zone, Southern dry zone, Southern transition zone, 

Northern transition zone, Hilly zone and coastal zone. The salient features of these zones are as 

follows. 

Fig.2 Agro-climatic Zones of Karnataka 





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1. North-eastern transition zone: It is a small zone with a total geographical area of 8.74 

lakh hectares. It comprises 7 taluks coming under Bidar and Gulbarga district. The annual 

rainfall of the zone ranges between 829.5 and 919 mm. 

2. North-eastern dry zone: The total geographical area of the zone is 17.59 lakh hectares. 

It includes eleven taluks of Gulbarga and Raichur districts. The zone receives an average rainfall 

of 720 mm annually. 

3. Northern dry zone: It is largest of all the zones in the state and comprises of 34 taluks of 

Bijapur, Bellary, Davanagere, Koppal, Raichur and Dharwad districts. The soils of the zone are 

medium to deep black clay in larger areas and sandy loam in small portion. The annual rainfall 

ranges between 464.5 and 785.7 mm. 

4. Central dry zone: The zone includes 19 taluks of Davanagere, Chitradurga, Tumkur, 

Hassan and Chikmagalur district. It has a geographical area of 19.99 lakh ha. with an average 

annual rainfall of 586.5 mm. 

5. Eastern dry zone: This zone has a low rainfall pattern but with more uniform 

distribution. The head quarters of UAS, Bangalore is located in this zone. The zone comprises 24 

taluks coming under Bangalore, Kolar and Tumkur districts. 

6. Southern dry zone: It has geographical area of 15.56 lakh hectares and consists of 18 

taluks distributed over Mandya, Mysore, Chamarajanagar, Hassan and Tumkur district. Annual 

rainfall of the zone ranges between 670.6 and 88.6 mm. Major area of the zone consists of red 

sandy loam soils. Paddy grows under 3 lakh hectares with production of 6.5 lakh tones and 

productivity of 2.2 tonnes / ha. 

7. Southern transition zone: The total geographical area is 13.09 lakh ha comprising of 14 

taluks coming under Shimoga, Davanagere, Chikmagalur, Hassan and Mysore districts. Annual 

rainfall of the zone ranges from 611.7 to 1053.9 mm. 

8. Northern transition zone: the zone has a geographical area of 11.30 lakh hectares. It 

covers 14 taluks distributed in Dharwad, Haveri and Belgaum district. The zone receives 619.4 to 

1303.2 mm rainfall annually. 

9. Hilly zone: It is also called as malnad zone having district agro-climatic features with 

rolling topography of mountains and deep valleys. It has a geographical area of 22.89 lakh 





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hectares covering 22 taluks of Uttar Kannada, Shimoga, Chikmagalur, Hassan, Coorg and 

Dharwad districts. This zone receives maximum rainfall of about 3695 mm annually. 

10. Coastal zone: It is characterized by heavy rainfall. It has a geographical area of 11.67 

lakh hectare. It includes 13 taluks distributed in Uttar Kannada, Mangalore and Udupi districts. 

The annual rainfall ranges from 3010.9 to 4694.4 mm. 

IV. 

Rice production scenario: 

In Karnataka rice is grown under a variety of soils and wide range of rainfall and 

temperature. Only around 44 per cent of the total acreage is under irrigation while the rest is 

under the regime of monsoon. Rice is cultivated in places where the rains are as heavy as 3000 

mm and in others where it is just 600 mm. In some areas only one crop is grown and in certain 

other areas three crops are raised. The unique feature of rice culture in the state is that either 

sowing or transplanting is seen in all seasons of the year. The duration of the rice varieties 

cultivated in the state varies from 100 to 180 days depending on season and agro-climatic 

location. 

V. Region-wise Rice growing ecosystems 

In Karnataka it is highly challenging for the researchers to work with the problems of 

diversified rice cultivation. Based on the agro-climatic situation, amount and distribution of 

rainfall, soil type and prevailing agro-climatic practices, rice growing ecosystems of the state can 

be broadly classified into following six categories. 

1. Coastal area: A major area of nearly 0.21 m ha of rice is covered by the coastal area with 

the productivity of 2.9 t/ha. This area comprises the entire district of Udupi and Mangalore as 

well as part of Uttar Kannada district. This area enjoys very good annual rainfall of about 3600 

mm. The rice soils are mostly laterites with poor fertility and are generally deficient in lime. It 

has three main rice seasons. In the first crop season, 





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(May-June to September-October) 

varieties with 135-140 days maturity are grown. The second crop is sown in Sept-October and 

harvested in January-February. The third crop is cultivated between January and March. The 

other seasons are late Kharif sown during August first week and Yedakolake sown during 

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December. It is mainly an irrigated crop. In this region, varieties with coarse grain and red 

kernels are generally preferred for parboiling. The major constraints in the region are scarcity of 

labours, leaching of nutrients, infrastructures, soil acidity, crop damage by wild animals, erratic 

rainfall, gall midge, blast and seasonal floods. 

2. Hilly area: A total of 0.26 m ha is under rice with the productivity of 1.98 t/ha. The hill 

region which includes Coorg, Chikmagalur and parts of Hassan district is completely under the 

regime of monsoon. The area receives rainfall from May to October. The annual precipitation of 

this region is around 1600 mm or higher. The temperature variation is also much greater (13 o c 

to 36 o c) in hilly region than in other regions of the state. Soils are mostly laterites, poor in lime 

and acid in reaction. In the eastern parts of Chikmagalur district red soils of sandy to loamy 

texture occur. The main rice season is from June-July to November-December. Rice is grown 

either transplanted or broadcast. The toposequence of land situation limits the choice of 

varieties, with different duration (145 to 180 days). In most hilly areas, rice is grown only once a 

year. In the uplands of this hilly area rice is direct seeded on a considerable area. This class of 

rice is sown in May-June and harvested in September-October. 

3. Transitional area: This is the drill sown rice area, comprising Belgaum, Dharwar and parts 

of North canara districts. It has a total of 0.19 m ha. (14.4 per cent of the area under rice) with 

1.12 t/ha of productivity. This area is unique in that rice is direct seeded over 90 per cent of the 

area. The crop is direct seeded under relatively dry conditions and the fields remain unflooded 

for most part of the period. The region receives an annual rainfall of 619 to 1303 mm. The soils 

vary from laterite to clay loams. Mixed red and black soils also prevail. These soils exhibit 

moderate fertility. Rice is grown in terraced fields with three types of land situations – up lands, 

mid lands and low lands. Short duration rice varieties grown in up lands and mid-late varieties in 

mid-lands. Late duration (long duration) varieties are grown in lowlands. On a limited area, rice 

is also grown during summer season (January-February to March-April) using lift irrigation. 

4. Tankfed area: The area under rice in tank-fed area is around 0.15 m ha with the 

productivity of 2.48 t/ha. This region includes the districts of Kolar, Bangalore, Tumkur and parts 





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Page | 17


of Hassan. It covers 11.0 per cent of the area under rice. This area receives an average annual 

rainfall of about 760 mm. Tanks get filled during October-November. The irrigation is through 

tanks water only. Generally two crops are grown. This region is unique that rice is grown on 

semi-dry cum wet crop called Punaji. Rice is sown dry during June-July and carried on as a dry 

crop until August-September. Water is impounded late in September-October and later 

cultivated as wet rice. In addition transplanting is also in practice but late in the season in 

August-September. This class of rice is harvested in December-January. Summer rice is grown 

on a limited area only when tank water is available. 

5. Irrigated maidan area (South): It occupies an area of 0.18 m ha, with the productivity of 

2.59 t/ha. This includes the canal irrigated areas of Mandya, Mysore, Hassan, Chamarajanagar 

and parts of Shimoga, Davanagere and Chitradurga districts. This area receives an annual 

rainfall of 778 mm. The soils are mostly red in colour, sandy to loamy in texture and rich in 

potash. It has two main season viz., the kharif (June-July to November-December) and summer 

(January-February to May-June). In kharif season varieties of long duration (140-145 days), 

medium duration (130-135 days) and short duration (110-115 days) are grown while during 

summer it varies from short duration to long duration depending upon the availability of water 

in the reservoir / tank. In this area low temperature prevails during November – January. 

6. Irrigated maidan area (North): This occupies an area of 0.21 m ha with the productivity of 

2.53 t/ha. It comprises Raichur, Bellary, Haveri, Koppal, Dharwad, Gulbarga and Belgaum 

districts. Major source of irrigation in Raichur, Bellary, Haveri and Koppal districts is 

Tungabhadra Project. This region receives an annual rainfall of 600 mm only. The rice soils vary 

from black cotton type to mostly lighter black to reddish in colour. These soils exhibit a fair 

degree of fertility and are generally rich in lime and magnesium. Considerable areas are affected 

by salinity and/or alkalinity. As in southern irrigated maidan area here also two crops are grown. 

In the kharif season rice varieties of 140-145 days duration are cultivated while summer crop is 

cultivated on limited areas with short to mid-early duration genotypes. 





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VI. 

Rice Production and Economic Analysis 

Table 1. District-wise Area, Production and Productivity of Rice in Karnataka (2007-08) 

Districts Area (ha) Production (t) Yield (Kg/ha) 

Bagalkote 87 210 2541 

Bangalore Urban 2119 6738 3347 

Bangalore Rural 2293 8183 3857 

Belgaum 71269 89459 1322 

Bellary 122721 410503 3521 

Bidar 6503 3435 657 

Bijapur 12 29 2544 

Chamarajanagara 19294 54673 2983 

Chikaballapur 8122 26356 3416 

Chikmagalur 43789 106000 2548 

Chitradurga 8667 18410 2236 

Dakshin Kannada 55372 132894 2526 

Davanagere 130208 428172 3461 

Dharwad 32834 35398 1135 

Gadag 1905 3055 1688 

Gulbarga 92740 157008 1782 

Hassan 53146 128074 2537 

Haveri 51669 64709 1818 

Kodagu 35362 88096 2622 

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Kolar 4157 7621 1930 

Koppal 75223 245003 3428 

Mandya 88657 266775 3143 

Mysore 123803 356604 3032 

Raichur 164925 468464 2990 

Ramanagaram 6612 17968 2861 

Shimoga 131070 313243 2516 

Tumkur 39816 105308 2704 

Udupi 61512 132678 2270 

Uttara Kannada 80100 127083 1662 

Total (Karnataka) 15, 13, 987 38, 02, 149 2644 

Table 2. Cost of Cultivation of Paddy 

Sl. 

No. 

Nature of work Total amount 

(Rs./ha) 

1. Preparatory tillage 

a) Nursery preparation : 750.00 

b) Bund trimming : 1,250.00 

c) Ploughing (2 times) : 2,500.00 

d) Leveling and puddling : 1,875.00 

Total : 6,375.00 

2. Manures and manuring 

a) Organic manure (FYM @ 10 t/ha) : 4,000.00 

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b) Application of FYM : 500.00 

c) Inorganic fertilizer (100:50:50 kg NPK/ha) 

Urea : 217 kg : 1,130.00 

SSP : 313 kg : 1,282.50 

MoP : 083 kg : 600.00 

ZnSO 4 : 20 kg : 600.00 

d) Fertilizer application : 750.00 

Total : 8,862.00 

3. Seeds and Transplanting 

a) Seeds (62.5 kg/ha) : 1,250.00 

b) Plucking of seedlings and transplanting : 3,100.00 

Total : 4,350.00 

4. After tillage and care 

a) Weeding – weedicide (Londax power 10 kg/ha) : 900.00 

b) Application cost : 250.00 

c) One hand weeding at 25-30 DAT : 1,200.00 

d) Plant protection measures : 

Insecticide/Fungicide(Need based chemicals) and 

application cost 2,250.00 

Total : 4,600.00 

5. Irrigation : 2,250.00 

Total : 2,250.00 

6. Harvesting and preparing for market 

Page | 21 





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a) Harvesting, bundling, threshing, winnowing and 

transporting 

: 

7,300.00 

7. Miscellaneous (Land rent, etc.) : 1,250.00 

Total : 8,550.00 

Grand total : 34,987.00 

Total cost of cultivation/ha: Rs.34, 987/- 

B. Gross income 

(i) Principal products Grain yield : 6250 kg @ 10.00/kg = 62, 500.00 

(ii) By-product Straw : 7500 kg @ 00.50/kg = 3, 700.00 

Total Gross income/ha: Rs.66, 200/- 

Net profit: Gross income – Cost of cultivation 

: Rs. 66, 200 – 34, 987 

: Rs. 31, 213/- 

B:C ratio : 0.9 

Note: Market Value 

1. TL seeds :- Rs. 20 / kg 

2. Grain :- Rs. 10 / kg 

3. Straw :- Rs. 0.5 / kg 

4. Bullock :- Rs. 250 / day 

5. Casual Women Labour :- Rs. 80 / day 

6. Casual Men Labour :- Rs. 100 / day 

7. Urea :- Rs. 5.20 / kg 

8. SSP :- Rs. 4.10 / kg 

9. MOP :- Rs. 4.40 / kg 

10. ZnSO 4 :- Rs. 30 / kg 

------------------- 

66, 200.00 

-------------------- 

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VII. Rice and rice based cropping systems zone-wise 

In Karnataka, where two crops of rice are taken in a year black gram / greengram is 

cultivated after rice crop. The first crop is cultivated from June-July and harvested during 

December and the second crop is sown during January and harvested in the months of April- 

May. In canal irrigated areas of the state the cropping patterns like Rice-Rice-fallow, Rice-Ragi or 

Rice-Pulses are being followed. 

Table 3. Rice based cropping systems followed in different zones of Karnataka 

Zone-4 

Sl. 

No. 

Kharif Rabi Summer 

Low Land 

01 Paddy Green Manuring Crop Paddy 

Plane Land 

01 Green Manuring Crop Fallow Paddy 

02 Paddy Fallow Hybrid maize / Ragi / Ground 

nut / Sunflower 

03 Paddy Fallow Sesamum / Cowpea / 

Sorghum 

04 Ragi Sunflower Paddy / Ground nut 

05 Ragi / Pulses Sugarcane 

Zone 5 (Tank-fed) 

01 Ragi / Ground nut / 

Sunflower 

02 Paddy (Short 

duration) 

Fallow 

Fallow 

Paddy 

Ragi / Ground nut / Sunflower 

/ Cowpea 

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Zone 6 (Channel Irrigated) 

01 Paddy Fallow Paddy 

02 Paddy Fallow Ragi 

03 Paddy Fallow Sesamum / Cowpea / 

Sorghum 

Zone 7 

Low Land and Mid Land Area 

01 Paddy Fallow Soybean 

02 Paddy Fallow Ground nut 

03 Paddy Fallow Maize 

04 Paddy Sunflower Cowpea 


01 Paddy Wheat Maize / Sorghum / Ground nut 

02 Paddy Wheat Paddy 

03 Ground nut Wheat Paddy 

04 Paddy Fallow Paddy 


01 Paddy Fallow Paddy / Cowpea / Ground nut 

/ Soybean 



Three Crops Growing areas 

01 Paddy Paddy Ground nut 

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02 Paddy Ground nut Ragi / Vegetables 

Two Crops Growing areas 


02 Paddy Fallow Vegetables 

03 Paddy Fallow Black gram / Green gram / 

Cowpea 

04 Paddy Fallow Sesamum 

Mono Crop Growing areas 

01 Paddy - Green Manuring Crop 

02 Paddy – Horse Gram 

VIII. Rice growing seasons and regions 

Major rice growing areas of the state can be broadly classified into two seasons, viz., 

kharif (June-July) and summer (January-February). In all the six rice growing ecosystems, Kharif 

sowing is common while during summer season the crop is cultivated mainly in the irrigated 

maidan areas of north and south. In the tank-fed areas, the crop is taken up late in the season 

(August-September) depending upon the monsoon showers. In coastal area, one can see a 

specific situation where a second crop is sown in September-October and harvested in January- 

February and the third crop is cultivated between December-January and March-April. In each 

district, nearly 60-80 per cent of the total area is covered during Kharif (wet) season while the 

remaining area is occupied in late Kharif and summer (dry) season. 

a. Zone-wise Varieties and Hybrids : 





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Table 4.Rice varieties recommended for Zone 4, 5 and 6 under channel and well irrigation 

Varieties Duration Grain type Sowing time Transplanting time Yield (q/ha) 

Kharif 

BR-2655 140-145 Medium Before end of 

June 

Jaya 140-145 Bold Before end of 

June 

Mandya Vijaya 140-145 Fine Before end of 

June 

Thanu 130-135 Medium Before July 2 nd 

week 

MTU-1001 130-135 Bold Before July 2 nd 

week 

IR-30864 130-135 Medium Before July 2 nd 

week 


week 

Before July 3 rd week 60 to 65 



August 1 st week 45 to 50 




Pushpa 130-135 Long, 

Slender 

MTU-1010 120-125 Long, 

Slender 

Before July 2 nd 

week 


week 



Rasi 120-125 Medium Before end of 

July 

Tellahamsa 120-125 Medium Before end of 

July 

Mangala 110-115 Bold August 2 nd 

week 

August 3 rd week 40 to 45 


September 1 st week 35 to 40 

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Mukthi (CTH-1) 125-130 Bold, Red 

Rice 

Before end of 

August 

September 3 rd week 30 to 35 

Billimukthi 

(CTH-3) 

Hybrid 

110-115 Bold Before end of 

August 


KRH-2 130-135 Medium Before July 2 nd 

week 


Table 5. Rice varieties recommended for Zone 5 and 6 under tank irrigation 


Kharif 


week 


week 



Pushpa 130-135 Long, 

Slender 


week 


Rasi 120-125 Medium Before end of 

July 

Tellahamsa 120-125 Medium Before end of 

July 

Mangala 110-115 Bold August 2 nd 

week 



September 1 st week 45 to 50 

Mukthi (CTH-1) 125-130 Bold, Red 


Before end of 

August 


Billimukthi 

(CTH-3) 

110-115 Bold Before end of 

August 


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Hybrid 

KRH-1* 120-125 Medium Before end of 

July 

KRH-2 130-135 Medium Before July 2 nd 

week 



Table 6. Rice varieties recommended for Zone 4 and 6 under Saline soils 


Kharif 


week 

Vikas 130-135 Medium Before July 2 nd 

week 



Table 7. Rice varieties recommended for Zone 7 and 8 under channel and well irrigation 


Kharif 

KRH-2 125-130 Medium 

Slender 

Before end of 

June 


BR-2655 140-145 Medium Before end of 

June 

Jaya 140-145 Bold Before end of 

June 

Mandya Vijaya 140-145 Fine Before end of 

June 




IR-30864 130-135 Medium Before end of Before July 3 rd week 50 to 55 





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Slender 

June 

Late Kharif 

KRH-1 115-120 Medium 

Slender 

IR-20 120-125 Medium 

Slender 

Rasi 120-125 Medium 

Slender 

Mangala 110-115 Medium 

Slender 

Before mid July August 1 st week 55 to 60 




Table 8. Rice varieties recommended for Zone 7 and 8 under Punaji cultivation 


Are-makki gadde (Mid Land Rice) 

Jaya 140-145 Bold Before June 15 th Before July 3 rd week 35 to 40 

Kadamba 135-140 Medium 

Slender 

Before end of 

June 


Avinash 135-140 Bold Before end of 

June 


Low Lands Rice 

Abhilash 155-160 Medium 

Slender 

Intan 165-170 Medium 

Slender 

Before end of 

June 

Before end of 

June 



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Table 9. Rice varieties recommended for Zone 9 

Varieties Duration Grain type Sowing time Yield (q/ha) 

Kharif 

Low Land 

Intan 165-170 Medium Slender 1 st forenight of 

June 

Hemavathi 165-170 Medium Slender 1 st forenight of 

June 

Sharavati 180-185 Bold, Red 2 nd forenight of 

May 

KHP-10 145-150 Medium, Red Before June 3 rd 

week 

PUBM-8 175-180 Medium Slender Before June 1 st 

week 

45 to 50 

50 to 55 

50 to 55 

45 to 50 

45 to 50 

Majalu Bhoomi (Mid Land) 

KHP-2 145-150 Medium Slender 1 st fortnight of June 45 to 50 

IET-7191 150-155 Bold 1 st fortnight of June 50 to 55 

IET-13901 150-155 Medium Slender 1 st fortnight of June 50 to 55 

KHP-10 145-150 Medium bold Before June 3 rd 

week 

45 to 50 

Hilly Area 

Gama-138 135-140 Bold 2 nd fortnight of 

May 

Karana 140-145 Medium Slender 2 nd fortnight of 

May 

Jaya 145-150 Bold 2 nd fortnight of 

May 

KHP-5 145-150 Medium bold Before June 1 st 

week 

35 to 38 

35 to 38 

35 to 38 

40 to 43 

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Late Kharif 

Karna 140-145 Medium Slender Before July 2 nd 

week 

IR-20 140-145 Medium Slender Before July 2 nd 

week 

Mangala 125-130 Bold Before July 2 nd 

week 

Mukthi (CTH-1) 130-135 Medium Bold Before July 2 nd 

week 

Billimukthi (CTH-3) 130-135 Medium Bold Before July 2 nd 

week 

40 to 43 

40 to 43 

38 to 40 

38 to 40 

38 to 40 

Summer 

Mangala 125-130 Medium Slender 1 st week of January 38 to 40 

IR-20 140-145 Medium Slender 1 st week of January 40 to 43 

Mukthi (CTH-1) 130-135 Medium Bold 1 st week of January 38 to 40 

Madhu 130-135 Medium Slender 1 st week of January 38 to 40 

Table 10. Rice varieties recommended for Zone 10 

Varieties Duration Salient features Sowing time Yield 

(q/ha) 

Ennilu : karthi (Kharif) 

Bettu 

Mahavira 110-115 Red rice, Gall midge resistant 1 st week of June 35 to 40 

KCP-1 115-120 White rice, Gall midge resistant 1 st week of June 35 to 40 

Majalu 

Shakthi 120-125 White rice, Gall midge resistant May end – June end 40 to 45 

Latha 125-130 White rice, Gall midge resistant May end – June end 40 to 45 





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MO-4 130-135 Red rice, Gall midge resistant May end – June end 40 to 45 

Champaka 130-135 Red rice, Gall midge resistant May end – June 2 nd week 40 to 45 

Bayalu 

Phalgunna 135-140 White rice, Gall midge resistant May end – June 1 st week 40 to 45 

Netravathi 135-140 White rice, Gall midge resistant May end – June 1 st week 40 to 45 

MO-4 130-135 -- May end – June 1 st week 40 to 45 

Suggi 

Mukthi 120-125 Red Rice, Blast Resistant October 35 to 40 

Joythi 100-105 Red Rice October 30 to 35 

Shakti 120-125 -- October 35 to 40 

Kolake 

Jaya 120-125 Bold, White Rice January 40 to 45 

Table 11. Rice varieties recommended for Zone 1,2,3,8,9 and 10 

Varieties Zone and 

Situation 

Kharif 

Jaya 1,2,3,8,9, Rain 

fed / Irrigated 

Rasi 1,2,8, Rain fed / 

Irrigated 

Sowing time 

Before end of June 

Before end of June 

Duration and salient features 

140-145, Long, Bold 

125-130, Suitable for drill sowing 

Vaani* 1,2,3, Irrigated Before end of June 140-145, Long Slender 

Sona* 1,2,3, Irrigated Before end of June 140-145, Long Slender 

Prakash* 1,2,3, Irrigated Before end of June 145-150, Long Slender 

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IR-20 1,2,3, Irrigated Before July 15 th 130-145, Medium Slender 

Pushpa* 1,2,3, Irrigated Before July 15 th 120-125, Long Slender 

Madhu* 1,2,3, Irrigated Before July 15 th 120-125, Medium Slender 

Mangala* 1,2,3,8,9, Rain 


Up to August 15 th 

105-130, Medium Slender 

BPT-5204 1,2,3, Irrigated Up to June 140-145, Medium Slender 

Mandya 

vaani* 

1,2,3,8, 

Irrigated 

Up to July 15 th 

130-135, Long Slender 

Karna* 1,2,3,8,9, Rain 


Up to July 15 th 

130-135, Long, Bold 

GEB-24* 1,2, Irrigated Up to August 15 th 165-175, Long Slender, Suitable for 

drill sowing 

Avinash* 3,8, Rain fed / 

Irrigated 

May - June 

135-145, Medium Bold 

MTU-1001 8, Rain fed May - June 130-135, Medium Slender 

Pragathi* 1,2,3, Irrigated Up to July 130-135, Medium Slender 

Mandya 

Vijaya 

8, Irrigated Up to June 140-145, Medium Slender 

Joythi 8, Irrigated Up to June 125-130, Long, Bold 

Amruth* 8, Rain fed May - June 105-110, Medium Bold, Suitable for 


Abhilash* 8,9, Rain fed May - June 155-165, Long, Bold, Suitable for drill 

sowing 

Intan 8,9, Rain fed May - June 160-170, Long Slender, Suitable for 


Hemavathi 9, Rain fed May - June 160-170, Medium Slender, Suitable 





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for drill sowing 

KPH-2 9, Rain fed May - June 1 st week 145-150, Medium Slender, Suitable 


IET-7191 9, Rain fed May - June 1 st week 150-155, Long, Bold, Suitable for drill 


Mahaveera* 10, Rain fed May - June 1 st week 110-115, Long, Bold, Red, Suitable for 


Shakthi* 10, Rain fed May - June 1 st week 120-125, Long, Bold, Suitable for drill 


Phalguna* 10, Rain fed May - June 1 st week 135-140, Medium Slender, Suitable 


KKP-6 10, Rain fed May - June 1 st week 135-140, Long, Bold, Suitable for drill 


Getu* 10, Rain fed May - June 1 st week 135-140, Long, Bold, Suitable for drill 


IET-7564 10, Rain fed May - June 100-105, Long Slender 

IET-13549 10, Rain fed May - June 130-135, Long Slender 

Rabi (Irrigated) 

Phalguna 10 Before end of October 140-150, Long, Bold 

Jaya 10 Before end of October 120-145, Long, Bold 

Joythi 10 Before end of October 100-105, Long, Bold 

Shakthi 10 Before end of October 120-125, Long, Bold 

Summer (Irrigated) 

IR-64 1,2,3 Before end of January 120-125, Long Slender 

ES-18* 1,2,3 Before end of January 





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Tellahamsa 1,2,3 Before end of January 120-125, Long Slender 

Sujatha 1,2,3 Before end of January 120-125, Long Slender 

Rasi 8 Before end of January 120-125, Medium Slender 

Joythi 8 Before end of January 125-130, Long Bold 

Shakthi 10 Before end of January 120-125, Long Bold 

Mukthi 

(CTH-1) 

10 Before end of January 125-130, Red Rice 

* Varieties not in seed production chain 

IX. Package of practices 

Table 12. Fertilizer Requirement / ha 

Fertilizers kg/ha 

Transplanting 

Zone 4, 5, 6, 7 & 8 Zone 9 Zone 10 

Kharif Summer Kharif Kharif 

Aerobic Rice / 

Drill sown / 

SRI 

Hybrid 


Nitrogen 100 125 75 60 100 120 

Phosphorous 50 62 75 30 50 60 

Potash 50 62 90 45 50 60 

Table 13. Input Requirement / ha 

Zone 4, 5 and 6 Zone 7, 8 & 10 Zone 9 

Inputs 

Transplanting Drill sown Transplanting Transplanting 

Drill 

sown 

SRI 

Seeds 

Variety 62 kg 75-80 kg 62 kg 62 kg 82 kg 5 kg 

Hybrid 20 kg -- -- -- -- -- 

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FYM 10 tons 10 tons 05 tons 

Or Organic matter 

/Green manures 

05 tons 

05 tons -- 10 tons -- -- 

-- 

10 

tons 

X (a). Traditional Rice Varieties: 

Traditional rice varieties is being grown in very few selected regions of the state. The 

major area of these varieties can be seen in Malnad, Hilly and Coastal tracts in Shimoga, Hassan, 

Coorg, Udupi and South Kanara districts. Most popular traditional Rice varieties cultivated in 

these areas include Rajaboga, Rajamudi, Kayame, Ratnachudi and Jerasanna. In maidan areas of 

southern Karnataka cultivation of Haluballu can be seen in a limited area. 

Rajaboga, Rajamudi and Ratnachudi are long duration, photosensitive, tall varieties with 

fine grain quality. These varieties suite very well for the cropping system of malnad tract. 

Hence, these are cultivated in few selected areas of the region. Jerasanna is cultivated in hilly 

tracts of South Coorg and part of Hassan districts owing to its fineness and scented nature. The 

cultivation of ‘Haluballu’ a medium duration, variety can be attributed to its good taste and 

tolerance to pests and diseases. 

Cultivation of rice in Karnataka state (earlier called as Mysore state) it as old as its 

cultivation in the country. There were many varieties grown in different parts of the state under 

varied agro-ecological situations. An exhaustive list of traditional rice varieties of erstwhile 

Mysore state is compiled by Ramaiah (1953) and Richharia and Govindaswamy (1966). The most 

important traditional rice varieties of the state and their salient features are given in Table14 





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Table 14. Salient features of traditional rice varieties of Karnataka. 

Sl. 

No. 

Variety 

Salient features 

Merits 

Demerits 

1. Haluballu Medium bold quality rice Poor yielder, lodging 

2. Ratnachudi Fine grain good quality rice Poor yielder, photosensitive 

3. Rajaboga Medium fine, good quality rice Lodging, medium yielder 

4. Rajamudi Medium fine, good quality rice Lodging, medium yielder 

5. Jerasanna Aromatic rice with short bold Blast susceptible, poor yield 

6. Bangarkovi Long fine grain, quality rice Tall variety, lodging 

7. Bangarasali Long fine grain, quality rice Tall variety, lodging 

8. Bangakaddi Long fine grain, quality rice Tall variety, lodging 

9. Bellary sanna Fine grain, quality rice Tall variety, lodging, poor yield 

10. Coimbatore 

sanna 

Fine grain, good quality rice 

Tall variety, lodging, poor yield 

11. Anekombu Elongated bold grain, for PB Poor yielder 

12. Suggi Submergence tolerant red rice Poor yielder 

13. Kolke Drought tolerant, red rice Poor yielder 

14. Kaddi Oval bold for par boiled rice Coarse variety poor yield 

15. Gajawali Elongated fine rice, good 

quality 

Coarse variety poor yield 

16. Kembhuti Elongated bold grain Coarse variety poor yield 

17. Bilekagga Saline Resistant variety Poor yield 

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18. Kare kagga Saline resistant variety Poor yield 

X (b). Traditional classification of rice lands and cropping seasons in the state 

The cultivation of rice in the state dates back to early part of 20 th century. During this 

period, it was cultivated in an area of 3.2 lakh ha with a production of 0.21 million tonnes. The 

practice of rice cultivation purely under monsoon, monsoon followed by tank water and through 

artificial irrigation by canal water under different agro-ecological situation was documented by 

Ramiah and Rao (1953). Coastal region adjoining to Arabian sea in western part of the state has 

been a traditional rice growing area. Rice was being cultivating here almost throughout the year 

in different topographical situations. The farmers used to grow the crop under five different 

periods / seasons and locally designated them as Anilu, Patla, Suggi, Yedekolake and Kolke. 

These seasons can be simulated with the present kharif (May-June), late kharif (July-August), 

rabi (September-October), early summer (December-January) and summer (January-February). 

The cultivation was practiced on different land system and locally/traditionally called as Bettu 

(upland), Majalu (mid land), Bailu (low land) and Patla (river bank). It was grown purely as a 

purely rainfed crop in the hilly areas of malnad tract where soils are generally poor. Broadcasting 

of seeds was the usual practice in these areas. In maidan (flat) basins the crop was grown using 

monsoons with a protective irrigation from tanks. The cropping periods in the above two 

situations prevailed between June to September. The crop was also cultivated purely under 

canal irrigation in maidan areas during the said season. In lowland with tank water facility, 

cultivation was also under practiced during summer months (January to April) popularly called as 

Kar season. 

X (c). Traditional cultural practices for pest and disease management 

Cultivation practices followed in rice prior to the introduction of improved varieties, 

chemical fertilizers, plant protection chemicals and machineries / agricultural equipments etc. 

was not systematic and uniform in the state. Farmers used to follow different methods as per 

their convenience and suitability in different traditional rice growing areas. 





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Hilly areas, coastal areas and transitional areas of the state are considered as traditional 

rice areas of state. In hilly and coastal areas, cultivation of rice was done on different soil 

topography. The popular ones are Bettu (upland), Majalu (mid land), Bailu (low land) and Patla 

(river bank). In all these eco-systems broadcasting of unsprouted seeds was the common 

practice. Manual weeding and plant protections were not common. Application of forest soils 

was the usual practice in many places. Harvesting and processing of the produce was done at 

family level as the land holdings were small and scattered. 

In transitional areas, farmers broadcast the self saved seeds after ploughing their land and 

cover it up by passing a wooden plank on the land. In some other areas, sowing was also 

practiced in the plough soles along with decomposed (FYM) farm yard manure. Weeding was 

not usually practiced in the broadcasted crop while in line sowing it was controlled by intercultivation 

by bullocks. No control measures were practiced for pest and disease in the rain-fed 

ecosystem. However, pulses and oilseeds were intermixed (intercropped) which control the 

pests and diseases to certain extent. 

In all these areas, rice was cultivated mainly during monsoon period (May to August). In 

coastal and hilly areas where water was available in the valleys and streams, rice was cultivated 

to a limited extent during summer season. In transitional area, farmers grow crop using tank 

water wherever available. 

XI. Indigenous technical knowledge (ITKs) in the state 

Sl. 

No. 

1. 

Indigenous Technology 

Sowing of sorghum, red gram and Beans 

on bund of Terraces 

Advantage 

Efficient utilization of space and 

smothering the weeds on bunds 

2. 

Mixed cropping of Rice + Sorghum in 

drought prone areas 

As insurance crop to get the produce 

from either of one crop depending on 

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rainfall 

3. 

Inter-cultivation and ‘Hodta’ (Planking) 

operations in dry and wet conditions in 

paddy fields 

Helps in removing the weeds, induces 

better tillering, avoids percolation loss of 

water and nutrients 

4. 

Cutting the sides of terrace bunds during 

rainy season with big sickle and putting 

the soil on terrace bunds. 

Removes weeds and avoid the flow of 

water from Paddy fields 

5. 

Manuring the weeds removed by heaping 

in the fields and turning it frequently. 

Improves organic matter and soil 

properties in the paddy fields. 

XII. 

<strong>Status</strong> of recent rice production technologies 

a. SRI 

Need for SRI: 

The rice production in India is strongly influenced by the amount and distribution of 

rainfall. The water crisis that we are facing to-day is the greatest threat to rice cultivation. 

Inadequate rainfall, lack of water harvesting measures and unscientific way use of water for 

agriculture have brought down the per-capita availability of water by 40-60% in many Asian 

countries including India. The depletion of ground water, inadequate water in reservoirs has 

forced many farmers to abandoned rice cultivation. Since rice is most water consuming crop, 

alternative rice cultivation strategies that require less water needs an hour. To mitigate the 

looming water crisis there is a need to develop novel technologies and production system that 

increase or sustains rice production. SRI is an emerging water saving technology, which can help 

the farmers to overcome the present water crisis and as a methodology for increasing the 





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productivity of irrigated rice by changing the management of plant, soil, water and nutrients. 

More changes in this system are lower seed rate (5 kg/ha) , planting of young seedlings of 10-12 

days at wider spacing of 25 cm x 25 cm or 30 cm x 30 cm with good soil conditions, use of more 

organic nutrients sources, regular weeding and using less water (no flooding) to achieve higher 

yield. SRI has been purposefully called a system rather than a technology as it involves the 

holistic management to give ideal growing condition to rice plant. 

Impact of SRI : 

In southern Karnataka, adoption of system of rice intensification is very meager and this 

system of rice growing has hardy created impact. Even though the SAUs, KSDA and NGOs of the 

state have conducted demonstration on SRI, but the farmers of this region are reluctant to 

adopt the technology because of more physical drudgery involved in transplant the young 

seedlings in square planting, frequent weeding, problems in adopting intermittent irrigation, 

non-availability of critical implements like marker and weeder and finally farmers mind set itself 

is the major obstacle in the way of adoption of this novel management practice for enhancing 

irrigated rice production. Hence, there is a need of refinement of SRI practice to suit the farmers 

need and local conditions. 

b. Hybrid rice 

The basic research on hybrid rice in Karnataka started during 1970s under the guidance 

of Dr. M.Mahadevappa. It was intensified through post graduate research when he returned 

from China with technical know-how and breeding materials in 1981. In 1989 it was further 

strengthened under the leadership of Dr. B.Vidyachandra when government of India sanctioned 

ICAR/UNDP aided project on hybrid rice to Mandya recognizing it as one of the lead centers for 

hybrid rice research in India. The intensive and systematic work done by the project has resulted 

in the release of two hybrids viz., Karnataka Rice Hybrid 1 (KRH 1) in 1994 and Karnataka Rice 

Hybrid 2 (KRH 2) in 1996. KRH 1 is a short duration hybrid maturing in about 120 –125 days with 

the yield potential of around 6 t/ha. KRH 2 on the other hand is a medium duration hybrid 

maturing in about 130-135 days with the yield potential of around 10 t/ha. The grain is long 





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slender with little aroma. On an average it yields one tones extra per hectare over the best check 

variety that is Jaya with the duration advantage of about 15 –20 days. In 2002 it has been 

accepted for release at national level for all rice growing areas in the country except for coastal 

and hilly regions. It is accepted for yield widely across the country. 

Future strategies 

The future research strategies for popularizing rice hybrids in Karnataka should focus on 

the following aspects. 

• Development of medium duration, bold grain hybrids without scent. 

• Development of medium duration, long slender hybrids without scent. 

• Development of medium duration, medium slender hybrids without scent 

• Development of medium duration, long bold red rice hybrids without scent 

• Development of hybrids suitable for delayed sowings (July-August) and for adverse 

soils with tolerance to cold, blast and BPH. 

• Development of hybrids suitable for coastal and hilly areas with tolerance to blast 

and gall midge. 

Development of suitable parental lines to achieve the above objectives and appropriate 

seed production practices need immediate attention of the researchers. 

c. Aerobic rice / conservation agriculture : 

Rice is an important food crop largely cultivated under submerged condition by 

transplanting. This method of cultivation requires large quantities of water and is labour 

intensive. It is estimated that 5000 liters of water is needed to produce 1 kg of rice. Water is 

most limited natural resource of late, due to failure of rains and over exploitation of ground 

water. The dwindling water resources reveal a grim situation for lowland puddled rice 

cultivation. Farmers are seeking alternate methods of cultivation for growing Rice to combat 

this water scarce situation. One such method is cultivation of rice under aerobic situation which 

is, characterized by aerated soil environment during the entire period of crop growth. In this 





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type of cultivation rice is grown like ragi, maize of Jowar by giving surface irrigation. Irrigation is 

provided once in 5-7 days in a direct seeded aerobic rice crop. Varieties suitable for this type of 

cultivation also possess ability to withstand drought periods. Varieties are bred for aerobic 

situation with root introgressed from upland genotype base that yield on an average of 5.0 t/ha 

of grain and 6.00 t/ha of fodder. This type of cultivation saves about 60 percent of water. The 

amount of methane emitted under aerobic situation is very low thus protecting the 

environment. A new mid-early, high yielding variety MAS 946-1 is recently released by the 

University for Aerobic Cultivation. 

Advantages of Aerobic Cultivation: 

• Puddling and submergence is not required 

• Direct seed sowing 

• Nursery and transplanting not required 

• Less quantity of seed requirement 

• Less labour requirement 

• Saving irrigation water upto 60 per cent 

• Efficient fertilizer utilization 

• Low pest / diseases incidence 

• Reduced methane emission leading to lower environmental pollution 

• Profuse rooting and high tillering, less lodging and high grain and fodder yield 

• Retention of soil structure and quality 

• Control of mosquitoes 

Recommended Varieties 

• MAS 946-1 

• MAS 26 

• Rasi 

• Farmer grown locals 

• Doddabairanellu 

Seeds and Fertilizers (ha): 

* Seeds - 7 kg 

* FYM - 10 tons 





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* Chemical Fertilizers 

Nitrogen - 100 kg 

Phosphorus - 50 kg 

Potash - 50 kg 

* Micronutrients 

Weedicides (Pre-emergence): 

Zinc Sulphate - 20 kg 

Iron Sulphate - 12 kg 

1. Butachlor 50 EC, 1 lt/acre (300 ltrs of water) 

2. Saathi (Phyrazosulphuran Ethyl 100g/acre in 300 ltrs of water) 

a. IPM/IDM 

Integrated Pest Management: 

1. Cultural practices 

Judicious use of nitrogen, pesticides can minimize the pest development. Adjust the 

planting in such a way, can minimize the pest incidence. For instance early planting in coastal 

and avoiding late planting in Cauvery command area can escape the gall midge and stem borer 

incidence, respectively. Crop rotation is the best way to prevent the BPH problem in endemic 

areas. Ploughing immediately after harvest (fall ploughing) can destroy the stages of the pest. 

Bunds scraping during January / February can minimize the grasshopper incidence. Some other 

important cultural practices which reduce the incidence of insect pests are proper bund 

cleaning, harvest the crop at ground level, limited use of irrigation, cutting of leaf tips during 

transplanting, Leaving alleyways for every 3 to 4 mt transplantation in BPH endemic areas, avoid 

use of insecticides without complete information. 





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2. Use of resistant varieties 

The Use of resistant varieties is more profitable and risk free in endemic areas. It was 

practically demonstrated that growing BPH resistant rice variety (IET-8116) was more profitable 

than growing susceptible variety (Jaya) in spite of taking plant protection measures. Resistant 

varieties recommended for BPH and Gall Midge in Karnataka are as fallows. 

Insects 

BPH 

Gall Midge 

Resistant Varieties 

IET-7575 and IET-8116 

Shakthi, Latha, MO-4, Phalguna, Mahaveera, Nethravati 

3. Use of natural enemies 

In rice ecosystem there are several groups of bio-agents against rice key pests; 

conservation of these agents is very essential to reduce the pest population. Don’t destroy the 

natural enemies by applying insecticides without complete knowledge. Important natural 

enemies for BPH and Gall Midge are as fallows. 

Insects 

BPH 

Gall Midge 

Stem Borer 

Leaf Folder 

Case worm 

Natural enemies 

Spider, Mirid, Coccinellids, Green Bug, Fungal Pathogens 

and Nematodes 

Platygastra oryzae 

Trichogramma spp on eggs, Telenomus on pupa, 

Tetraatichus schonobii 

Spider, Trichograma spp, Dragon fly and Ichneumonid 

Spider and Birds 

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4. Use of insecticides at economic threshold level of Insects 

Insects 

Stem Borer 

ETL of insects 

5-10% Dead Heart at early stage / Upto 5% White ears 

at reproductive stage / One moth or one egg moss per 

sq mt 

BPH 5 to 10 BPH per hill after tillering / At flag leaf stage / 

Panicle emergence time. 

Gall Midge One infected tiller / hill in endemic areas and 5% 

infected tillers / hill in other areas 

Leaf Folder 

One infected leaf / hill 

Need Based Insecticides / Application: 

In the market varieties of insecticides are available; proper selection and application is pre 

requisit factor for pests management programme. Before opting for use of insecticides; workout 

the ETL for rice key pests, if warrants select suitable insecticides. However, the following are 

some insecticides suggested against rice key pests. 

Insecticides 

Carbofuran 3 G 

Phorate 10 G 

Cartap 4 G 

Methylparathion 50 EC 

Quinalphos 25 EC 

Chlorpyriphos 20 EC 

Phosphamidon 100 EC 

Insects 

BPH, GM, YSB, GLH 

GM, YSB, BPH 

YSB, L.F 

YSB, C.W, WM 

LF. Etc, 

BPH, LF, YSB & Thrips 

YSB, GLH 

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Carbaryl 50 WP 

Indoxacorb 14.5 SC 

Buprofezin 25 SC 

Fipronil 0.3 G 

Monocrotophos 36 SL 

Thiomethoxam 25 WG 

Imidacloprid 200 SL 

BPH = Brown Plant Hopper 

GM = Gall Midge 

GLH = Green Plant Hopper 

YSB = Yellow Steam Borer 

BPH, EB 

LF 

BPH 

SB 

SB, GLH, BPH 

BPH 

BPH 

WM = Whorl Maggot 

CW = Caseworm 

EB = Earthed bug 

LF = Leaf Roller 

Integrated Diseases Management (IDM): 

Rice crop is encountered by fungi, bacteria, viruses, nematodes and mycoplasmas. After 

the introduction of dwarfs HYV the disease spectrum was widened due to narrow genetic make 

up. Intensive crop management including heavy chemical fertilization, continuous flooding 

aggravates the disease problem further continuous monoculture of rice helps in perpetuation of 

pathogens from crop to crop. Presence of collateral hosts, infected seed and plant debries non 

adoption of clean cultivation are also important factors for the spread of diseases. Close 

planting coupled with high N dressing enhance the humidity of microclimate and create 

conducive environment for the disease spread. The loss in yield due to diseases may vary from 

10 to 30% depending on season, weather conditions and variety cultivation. 

The important diseases of rice observed in Southern Dry Zone of Karnataka are blast, 

brown leaf spot, bacterial blight, sheath blight, sheath rot, Uddabatta, root knot nematode, false 

smut and tungro diseases (Anjaneyulu 1986 and EPPO 2005) which are causing economic loss to 

an alarming extent. 





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Of late rice farmers used chemicals alone for the control of these diseases which led to 

deterioration of soil health, besides polluting water and environment. Keeping all this in view 

IPM approach has came into existence which refers to harmonious use of multiple methods to 

control single disease as well as multiple diseases that are practical effective economical and 

protective of both public health and environment. 

The IDM approaches included for the control of rice diseases are growing of resistant 

varieties, cultural practices biological and chemical methods. 

A. Controlling fungus diseases 

i) Resistant varieties : 

Planting resistant varieties is the least expense and safest method of disease control. 

Rice varieties like BR-2655, KMP 105, Rasi, Mangala, IET 1791, are some of the blast resistant 

lines being recommended in Southern dry zone of Karnataka. Whereas, IET 1791 and Amruth 

varieties found resistant to brown spot disease. Varietal mixtures can also be used to reduce 

slow disease spread. 

ii) Regulatory and cultural controls : 

Quarantine is particularly important because most fungus disease of rice are seed borne. 

Almost all cultural practices used in rice production are timing of planting and harvesting, 

fertilizer application, tillage, weed control and cropping system affect disease development. 

Judicious use of nitrogen fertilizers helps in reducing blast, sheath blight and brown spot 

diseases. Changes in cropping pattern crop rotation are important to break continuity in disease 

cycle and reduction in disease severity in endemic areas. 

iii) Biological control : 

Bio-control agents such as Trichoderma viridae and Pseudomonas fluroscence are known 

to cause deleterious effects on Rhizoctonia solani causing sheath blight in rice. In endemic areas 

incorporation of these bio control agents to soil along with organic matter (FYM, pressmud and 

wormicompost etc.) can be done for the sustainable management of this disease. 





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iv) Chemical control : 

Seed treatment with Carbendazim @ 2 g/kg seed is the most effective method for blast 

control for 30-40 d after sowing. Spraying of carbendazim @ 1 g or Ediphenphos @ 1 ml or 

Tricyclazole @ 0.6 g or Kitazin @ 1 ml in one lit of water are being recommended for control of 

blast in the field crop. 

For brown spot management foliar application of Ediphenphos @ 1 ml or Mancozeb @ 2 g 

per lit of water are being recommended. 

Hot water treatment of seeds at 52 0 C for 10 minutes, is highly effective in elimination of 

uddabatta disease. 

Foliar application of Carbendazim @ 1 g or Tilt @ 1 ml/lit of water is recommended for 

the management of sheath blight disease. 

B. Controlling of bacterial diseases : 

The effectiveness of chemical controls are limited by heavy rains, therefore varietal 

resistance is the most important way to control bacterial leaf blight. Use of resistant varieties 

like IR-20, IR-50 and IR-64 etc. is most economical. 

Cultural methods such as avoiding chopping of leaves, avoiding top dressing at tillering 

stage is being recommended. 

Seed treatment with 0.1 g. Streptocycline 0.1 g. copper sulphate in one litre of water for 

30 minutes. Foliar application of 0.05 g. streptocycline and 0.05 g. of copper sulphate in one 

litre of water is also recommended for the control of bacterial leaf blight. C. Controlling virus 

diseases : 

Eliminating vector insects is the best way to control virus diseases out breaks. Soil 

application of Carbofuron @ 33 kg/ha is being recommended. 

Foliar application of monocrotophos @ 1.5 ml/lit of water is recommended and it is 

found most effective. 





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D. Controlling Nematode diseases : 

Treating the seeds with hot water (52-53 0 C) for 15 minutes reduce nematode infection. 

Soil application or Carbofuron @ 33 kg/ha or soil solarization for 4 weeks in hot summer or soil 

incorporation of Neem cake @ 250 kg/ha is found effective for the root knot nematode in rice. 

Growing of green manuring crops such as Sunnhemp/Diancha/Cowpea can also eliminate 

root knot nematodes. 

Much efforts are to be put in to encourage the farming community to adopt the IDM 

approaches. This is not only helps to sustain higher productivity in rice but also helps in reducing 

the fungicide/pesticide usage. 

E. Integrated Nutrient Management : 

Intensive rice cropping with short-duration high-yielding varieties along with increased 

use of mineral fertilizers and improved irrigation facilities have resulted in spectacular increases 

in crop productivity. This has, however, led to gradual replacement of organic manures as 

sources of plant nutrients. There has been a sharp increase in the prices of P and K fertilizers 

following withdrawal of subsidy, which was led to their decreased consumption by the farmers. 

The low purchasing power of the farming community and the issue of soil health have again 

renewed interest in organic recycling. Organic sources available for use in rice production 

include the bulky organic manures like FYM, quick growing leguminous shrubs grown in the 

cropping sequence, leguminous trees grown in alley formations and using their loppings as 

mulch materials, forage or food legumes properly inoculated with Rhizobia and grown in the 

sequence, blue green algae and Azolla. Yield potential of both the crops in rice-based cropping 

systems can be realized by organic manuring of Kharif rice with the available sources along with 

mineral fertilization of both the crops in the acid lateritic soil conditions. Highest yields of Kharif 

and Rabi rice were obtained with application of green manure and N application. 

Long-term experiments have shown that neither organic sources nor mineral fertilizers 

alone can achieve sustainability in crop production. Continuous use of FYM is effective in 

stabilizing rice productivity under low to medium cropping intensity where the nutrient demand 





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is relatively small. Nonetheless, integrated use of organic and mineral fertilizers has been found 

to be more effective in maintaining higher productivity and stability through correction of 

deficiencies of secondary and micronutrients in the course of mineralization on one hand and 

favorable physical and soil ecological conditions on the other. Organic manuring also improves 

the physical and microbial conditions of soil and enhances fertilizer use efficiency when applied 

in conjunction with mineral fertilizers. Thus, all the major sources of plant nutrients such as soil, 

mineral, organic and biological should be utilized in an efficient and judicious manner for 

sustainable crop production in rice-rice cropping system. 

Several studies have been conducted on the complementary use of organic and mineral 

fertilisers in cropping systems involving rice. Extensive field investigations in the acid lateritic 

soils at Kharagpur revealed that locally available organic materials such as chopped straw, FYM, 

water hyacinth compost, Azolla and green manure in situ with sunnhemp and Dhaincha can 

substitute N fertilizer up to 50 per cent of the total crop requirement. In a study on Rice based 

cropping system, it was found that significant increase in yield parameter as well as soil nutrient 

status in INH treatment i.e 50% NPK + 25% N through green manure + % N through FCM. Also 

found that yield levels were stabilized during 1999-2009 in the INH treatments in Red sandy 

loam soils of ZARS, V.C.Farm, Mandya. It was however more beneficial to apply the organic 

manure in the Kharif season because of its better decomposition and mineralization of nutrients 

in soil. Further, the effect of FYM application was found to be comparable or even superior to 

lime amendment on the acidic soils which seemed mainly due to the formation of A1-organochellates, 

resulting in the reduction of A1 concentration in soil solution to levels beneficial to 

plant growth. Similarly, in the red soils of Hyderabad, the average increase in rice yield due to 

NPK+FYM was 17-21 percent in both Kharif and Rabi seasons. These and other results suggest 

that substitution of 25-50 percent of the N through FYM in Kharif and application of 75-100 

percent optimum level of NPK in the Rabi produced the highest yields of rice. The beneficial 

effect of organic manures in increasing nitrogen-use-efficiency was also evident, particularly in 

the Rabi season. Further application of NPK fertilizers alone did not influence the yield of 

succeeding rice crop but the residual effect was observed with the incorporation of organic 

manure. The grain yield of Kharif rice was increased by 21-22 percent and 10-13 percent with 





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the application of Azolla or wheat straw and FYM or water hyacinth compost, respectively. The 

residual effect of these sources on the succeeding Rabi rice showed a yield increase of 14-18 

percent and 8-10 percent compared with the control. Further, the residual effect was more 

pronounced with integrated used of NPK fertilisers and organic manures. Therefore, integrated 

nutrient supply is important as a soil ameliorant in alleviating the adverse soil ecological 

conditions as in the case of acid lateritic soils and in improving soil fertility and productivity. 

Green manure of legume shrubs or tree loppings has been known to be beneficial for 

sustaining rice productivity. Sunnhemp and Dhaincha are popular legumes for green manuring 

in rice and can accumulate up to 100 kg N/ha in 50-55 days. Incorporation of these green 

manures in situ before transplanting rice supplies about 45-60 kg N/ha, besides providing a 

significant residual effect to the succeeding crops. Fertilizer use efficiency is improved when a 

legume crop such as Sesbania cannabina or Lathyrus satious is introduced in rice-rice cropping 

system. Adding loppings of leguminous trees like Leucaena leucocephalla and Glyricidia napus 

grown in alleys can also meet the crop N requirement substantially. The productivity of rice-rice 

cropping system can be increased by about 1 t/ha besides a net saving of 30kg fertilizer N/ha by 

including a short duration legume such as cowpea or greengram and incorporating its residues 

into the soil after harvesting the grains. Similarly, blue green algae culture in the rice field can 

contribute about 25 kg N/ha to the rice crop. Algae multiply and cover the field like a carpet 

which when incorporated into the soil, decomposes and releases N for rice crop. Azolla can be 

grown in tanks or in rice fields and incorporated into the soil after 4-6 weeks. Nitrogen 

contribution through Azolla dual cropping with rice has been worked out to be about 25-30 kg 

N.ha. Azolla growth is generally poor without P fertilization but a substantial improvement in 

growth and yield of rice is achieved when dual cropped Azolla is fertilized with P and 

incorporated into the soil at a later stage. An application of about 30kg P 2 O 5 /ha is adequate for 

optimum growth of Azolla. The use of Azolla appears to be promising in the Rabi season when 

there is good water management and availability of other organic sources like FYM and green 

manures is limited. 





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XII. Organizational set up of Agricultural Research in State: 

a. Up to the establishment of ICAR : 

Prior to the establishment of ICAR (1929) agriculture research in the state was under the 

control of state Department of Agriculture and the Director of Agriculture was the head of all 

activities related to development and progress of agriculture. During this period the agriculture 

department worked very systematically and efficiently for the crop improvement. 

During the tenure of state agriculture department, Government started Agriculture Research 

Station at Nagenahalli in 1917 as a demonstration and experimental farm for sugarcane and rice. 

This was the first of its kind on rice research in the entire state. Nagenahalli situated in the area 

served by Cauvery river (channel) was mainly emphasized to cater the needs of farmers 

cultivating the rice under canal irrigation. 

Similar kind of research activities and demonstration in rice as well as in other crops was also 

set up in different parts of the state under varied agro-ecological situations viz., Coastal areas, 

Hilly areas, Malnad areas and rainfed Maidan areas. 

b. Up to the establishment of SAU in the state. 

The first agricultural university in the state “University of Agricultural Sciences” was 

established in 1965 with the head quarters at Bangalore. Later in the year 1987 the second 

agricultural university of the state was started at Dharwad. 

The agricultural research activities in different parts of the state which was looked after by 

the Director of the Department of Agriculture was further strengthened by increasing the No. of 

research stations and appointing the technical personnel like Economic Botanists to direct and 

monitor the research activities. 

In 1922, Agricultural Research Station in Mugad, in Dharwad district was established to serve 

Malnad tract which was growing very coarse, white kernelled rice under drill sowing. It was 

under Bombay province at that time. 





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Agricultural Research Station (ARS), Nagenahalli which was established as a demonstration 

and experimental farm for sugarcane and rice was placed under the immediate charge of an 

Assistant Economic Botanist in 1929. Further, in 1931, the rice work in the state was reorganized 

under the leadership of Late Dr.V.K.Badami, the Economic Botanist. During his period 

the main rice work was shifted to Nagenahalli farm, representing the area fed by Cauvery 

channels, work for Malnad area was taken to Maruthur farm and that for summer rices to 

Hebbal farm near Bangalore and at Dhadesagar in Gulbarga district. 

In 1937, Government appointed a whole time research officer Mr.Sharma, to monitor the 

work in all rice stations. 

Consequent to increase in the channel-fed area, ARS, Nagenahalli that was established as a 

demonstration and experimental farm for sugarcane and rice was converted into paddy 

breeding station in 1938 for investigating the manural and cultural practices and on the control 

of diseases besides breeding work in rice. 

The paddy breeding station at Mangalore, formerly under Madras presidency (state) was 

opened in 1942 for the improvement of rice for coastal area of South Canara district. 

During 1948, at Kumta in North Canara (Uttar Kannada) district a research station was started to 

work for combining the quality and resistance to blast disease. Further, Kumta (salt land) station 

was opened to develop salt-land rice varieties for south Konkan coastal area. At Sirsi, which is 

also in North Canara district another paddy research station was opened for improvement of 

rice crop of upghat (hilly) areas. 

At Ponnampet in South Coorg district, Agricultural Research Station was started in 1951 for 

taking up breeding and agronomic aspects of hilly rice under a scheme financed by ICAR. 





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c. Present Organizational set up for Rice Research in the State 

The Rice research in the state is operating under the administration of three agricultural 

Universities viz., University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, University of Agricultural 

Sciences, Dharwad and University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur covering the research needs 

of the entire state. The financial assistance is provided by both central government and state 

government 

The All India Coordinated Rice Improvement Project (AICRIP) is functioning in all the 

three Universities with different objectives. Besides AICRIP centers few other stations of the 

University are taking up the rice research voluntarily to meet the local requirements. 

Different AICRIP and voluntary centers under the jurisdiction of the three universities 

located in different parts of the state and their mandates/objectives are given below. 

University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore : 

AICRP Centers 

Objectives / mandates / Situation addressed 

1. Mandya - Generating technologies for irrigated maidan 

areas (Southern part of state) 

2. Brahmavar - Generating technologies for coastal area of 

the state 

3. Ponnampet - National blast screening nursery centre 

Voluntary Centers 


1. Kathalagere (Davanagere Dist.) - Generating technologies for / testing the 

technologies for irrigated maidan areas 

(Transition part of the state) 

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2. Mudigere - Generating technologies for hilly areas of 

the state including submerged and deep 

water rice 

(ARS, Bavikere, ARS, Nagenahalli – testing centres MLT conducted) 

University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad 

AICRP Centers 


Mugad - Generating technologies for drill sown areas 

University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur 

AICRP Centers 


Gangavathi - Generating technologies for irrigated maidan 

areas (Northern part of state) of transitional region. 

Voluntary Centers 


1. Siraguppa - Testing the technologies for irrigated 

maidan / command area (Northern part of 

state) 

2. Sirsi - Testing the technologies for drill sown and 

irrigated areas of Northern part the state 

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IV. Future Strategies: 

In the crop improvement of rice owing to the changes in agro-climatic conditions and 

availability of water attention should be focused on the following areas 

Varieties: 

1. Development of medium and short duration fine grain varieties besides the existing bold 

and medium grain quality. 

2. Development of medium and short duration varieties in place of long duration varieties with 

moderate tolerance to blast and BPH. 

3. Development of cold tolerant varieties suitable for delayed plantings (August – September). 

4. Development of varieties suitable for problematic soils as the area under salinity and 

alkalinity is increasing in the command areas. 

5. Development of varieties suitable for drought and intermittent moisture stress especially for 

tail end areas in the command and tank achkat. 

6. Development of varieties suitable for aerobic seeding (broadcasting and drum seeding). 

Hybrids: 

1. Development of medium duration, bold grain hybrids without scent. 

2. Development of medium duration, long slender hybrids without scent. 

3. Development of medium duration, medium slender hybrids without scent 

4. Development of medium duration, long bold red rice hybrids without scent 

5. Development of hybrids suitable for delayed sowings (July-August) and for adverse soils 

with tolerance to cold, blast and BPH. 

6. Development of hybrids suitable for coastal and hilly areas with tolerance to blast and gall 

midge. 





Ph: 91-40-24591218, 295 Fax: 91-40-24591217 

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