Rice

What kind of sites are best for growing rice? Here’s three things to remember.

One: Rice needs a clay loamy soil because rice is grown in water, and so the soil must retain water.

Two: The land must be both flat and not likely to flood. This will make managing water much easier and keep yields high.

And three: Choose fertile soils. Look for healthy, green, blooming, and bushy vegetation. This is a sign of fertile soils, as is elephant grass.

 

Spot #2: Nursery activities

Experts highly recommend using nurseries to grow rice. Here are four things to remember about growing rice in a nursery.

First: Dry nurseries are raised one metre above the water level. Make sure that soils are not waterlogged and water every two days.

Second: Add 100 grams of NPK as a basal application if nursery soils are not fertile.

Third: Transplant from the nursery to the field about 14-21 days after seedlings germinate. Make sure your nursery is close to your rice field.

Fourth: Space transplanted seedlings 20 cm apart in rows 20 cm apart in the rice field.

Transplanting seedlings from a nursery improves the quality of your rice – and improves your yield!

 

Spot #3: Deep placement

Good morning, (name). Why are you digging a hole beside your rice plant? I thought you were applying fertilizer today.

I am.

So why are you digging a hole?

It’s called deep placement, (name). If I place the fertilizer under the soil surface like this, it reduces wastage. But if I leave it on top of the soil, some of the fertilizer always evaporates into the air. After all, I don’t want my hard-earned money to fertilize the sky!

NARRATOR: Deep placement. It’s the most efficient way to apply fertilizer and feed your rice. Ask your extension agent for more details.

 

Spot #4: Selective and non-selective herbicides

Weeds can be a major problem in rice production. Using herbicides can help your rice compete and lead to better yields.

There are three times during the season when farmers can use herbicides: when clearing land, before the crop emerges, and after the crop emerges.

Some herbicides are selective. That means they are effective at killing specific types of weeds, but don’t kill all weeds.

Other herbicides are non-selective. These herbicides kill all vegetation.

When you clear land, use non-selective herbicides.

When you use herbicides before or after the crop emerges, make sure to use selective herbicides to avoid damaging your crop.

Selective and non-selective herbicides. Make sure you use the right kind of herbicide at the right time!

 

Spot #5: Three methods for managing pests and diseases without chemicals

(Name of farmer), you have been spraying pesticides all week. You must have a lot of pests!

Yes, it’s a bad year for them. But what about you? You grow rice too. I saw you spraying last week. But you can’t have finished so soon!

Well, I didn’t need to spray very much.

Really? Why?

I remember to use three practices to prevent pest and diseases. First, I rotate between rice and maize or sugar cane every year.

Second, I remove all weeds and unwanted crops and feed them to my animals.

Third, I plant certified rice seeds that are tolerant or resistant to diseases.

Because I do all that, my pest and disease problems are not serious.

Farmers, if you use preventive strategies like these, you won’t have to spray so much!

 

Spot #6: Harvesting rice

Welcome listeners. Here is today’s quiz question about harvesting rice. Name three signs that rice is ready to harvest.

I know! First, there are flower grains on the top of the plant. Second, the leaves turn yellow or brownish. And third … um … third … sorry, I forget.

It’s when you can break the seed with your teeth.

Correct! Congratulations to both of you. When you see flower grains at the top of the plant and when about 80% of the leaves and stems are brown or yellow, and when you can break the seed with your teeth, get out your harvesting tools!

 

Spot #7: Bagging rice

Farmers! After threshing and winnowing, you must bag your rice.

Why?

For easy storage, easy transportation, easy measuring and weighing. And to prevent pest damage, ensure good quality and fetch a better price!

Here are four important things to remember about bagging your rice:

First, grains must be well-dried before bagging. When you bite the grains between your teeth, they should break into two or more pieces and separate from the husk.

Second, bagged grains must be free from excess moisture. This will reduce disease.

Third, bags must be good quality, free from holes.

Fourth, whoever bags the rice should wear a face mask to avoid inhaling dust.

Bagging! It’s worth doing it right!

 

Spot #8: Keys to successful marketing

So you’ve harvested a great crop of rice, you’ve stored it carefully, and you’re ready to sell. Congratulations!

Now, here’s some important tips for getting the best price for your rice.

First, ensure that your rice meets market standards for cleanliness and that it’s exactly the variety that your buyer wants.

Second, handle the rice carefully to avoid contamination. This will help maintain a good price.

Third, explore all possible markets, especially selling as a group. Doing this homework will reduce the amount of time you waste with unsuccessful marketing.

Fourth: Sell with a group. Group sales mean that individual farmers spend less time looking for markets, and spend less on marketing.

Finally, monitor all possible means of communication to stay up-to-date on market prices and on markets where rice is particularly in demand.

Happy marketing!