rice in rajasthan

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RICE IN RAJASTHAN

Status Paper on Rice in Rajasthan

Rajesh Pandya* and P.K. Prem Meena

*Rice Breeder

Agricultural Research Station

(Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture

&Technology, Udaipur, MPAUT),

Banswara (Rajasthan), INDIA

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I. NAME OF THE STATE: Rajasthan

II. INRTODUCTION

Rajasthan, covering a land area of 3,42,239 sq km is the largest state constituting 10.41

per cent geographical area of India and is situated in the north western part of the country. The

population of the State as per the Census 2001 stood at 5.65 crore. The average population

density of the State is 165 persons per sq. km.

The north-south and east-west diagonals of the state are about 784 km and 850 km long,

respectively. The major rivers in the state are Luni, Mahi, Banganga, Kali Sindh, Parvati, Chambal

and Banas. Besides, there are many internal drainages that are lost into desert sands, a short

distance after their origin.

Rajasthan being a predominantly agrarian State, 77 per cent of the population is living in

rural areas and about 70 per cent depends on agriculture as source of livelihood. The

geographical features of Rajasthan are dominated by the Aravalli range which divides the State

into two distinct zones. The region to the west and north-west, comprising of eleven districts

and nearly 61 per cent of the total area of the state, is known as the great Indian Thar Desert.

Agriculture in Rajasthan is primarily rainfed. About 65 per cent of the total cultivation is under

Kharif season and is mostly dependent on rainfall, which is aberrant and uncertain. 60 per cent

of the irrigated area is under wells and tube wells. The underground water table is falling by one

meter every year. About 61 per cent area lies in arid and semi-arid tracts, where soils are having

poor fertility, low water holding capacity, high infiltration rate and shallow in depth in some

areas. One million hectare area is under problematic soils (saline and alkaline). Due to scarcity

of rainfall there is limited availability of ground water. The crops suffer due to high temperatures

and wind velocity.

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Table-1: Population and literacy in the state (Census 2001).

S. No. Particulars Population % of total

population

1 Total population 56473000 -

2 Male 29382000 52.03

3 Female 27091000 47.97

4 Rural 43268000 76.62

5 Urban 13205000 23.38

6 Schedule caste 7608000 13.47

7 Schedule tribes 5475000 09.69

8 Density (sq/km) 165 -

9 Literacy (%) 61.03 -

10 Sex ratio 922 -

Source : Zila Sankhikiya Rooprekha (2002) & Basic Statistics, Rajasthan (2002).

Ill. ZONAL INFORMATION

a. Climate

As stated above, the Aravali ranges transverse the state into two distinct parts which

influence its climate in the characteristic manner. Although the whole of the state bears

hyperthermic conditions, the areas to the west of Aravalis and other desert and semi-desert

regions are very hostile, with great extremes of temperatures and long period of severe

droughts accompanied by high velocity of wind and relatively low humidity. The areas on

eastern side of the Aravalis, experience less stressing climate, although there is still great

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variation in rainfall and temperatures. Climatically, the year in the state has been divided into

three major conventional seasons (i) Hot weather season (March to mid June), (ii) rainy season

(mid June to September) and cold season (October to February).

Temperature

The state is famous for its peculiar summers with very hot days and cool nights. It starts

from the month of March and temperature rises during April to June. The rise in temperature

during these months is uniform all over the state. The maximum daily temperature touches 40-

45º C during these months whereas daily minimum temperature ranges almost between 26-29º

C. With the onset of monsoon in July, the temperature starts falling. It gradually decreases and

records the lowest daily maximum and minimum temperatures in January. Mean annual

temperature is more than 24º C throughout the state except in Mt. Abu where it is 21º C.

b. Soil type/Nutrient management

The soils of Northern zone are sierozems having alluvium deposited by river Gaghar. At

many places, these are intermixed with sandy material. These soils in general have high salt

content and/or high exchangeable sodium, particularly in areas of high water table having

depressions. Their yellowish brown soils have loam to silty clay loam texture with massive

structure and are calcareous in nature. The drainage conditions of soil ranges from good to

moderate.

The soils in eastern zone are mainly alluvial and prone to recurring floods and water-

logging. The calcareous nature of recent deposit has been observed in the soils. The soils are

deep and sandy loam to loam in texture. They show rather clear development of a structural

profile.

The soils of southeastern zone are predominantly black and alluvial in origin. Generally

the soils are clay loam to clay. Fine textured alluviums of Deccan trap origin are also found in

some pockets. The soils vary in depth from shallow to very deep with kankar layer and lime

coated gravel at varying depths. These are moderate to strongly permeable and generally non-

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saline and non alkaline. In poorly drained soils, the problems of soil salinity and sodicity are also

encountered.

The predominant soils of southern zone are grouped in descending order of dominance

under red loam (rendzina) medium black soil, gray brown loams and skeletal soils. Red loams are

light to fine textured and medium black soils are shallow to moderately deep and in general they

are normal in reaction, well drained and calcareous in some cases. These soils are subjected to

erosion hazards and, on account of this, the area is characterized by bare rocks on hill tops,

shallow soils and deep soils in the valleys. The water holding capacity is inadequate in lighter

soils. The nitrogen and organic carbon status of the soils, in general is medium, whereas

phosphate status is low in red loam soils. The soils are well supplied with potassium. Micro

elemental deficiencies particularly zinc and sulphur have also been observed in pockets.

Besides, small pockets of salt affected soils lie scattered in the paddy growing tracts of

the state.

c. Rainfall and its distribution pattern

The rainfall varies widely in the state with mean annual rainfall of 573 mm. The general

trend of isohyet lines is from northeast to southwest. There is marked decrease in rainfall (1 to

100 mm) in the west of Aravalis, which forms western Rajasthan and covers the most part of the

state whereas in the eastern side of Aravalis, the rainfall increases and makes the region sub-

humid to humid (1001 to 1100 mm). The total annual rainfall received is highly variable in

different regions all over the state but is highly erratic in nature. Though total precipitation in

many cases is adequate to grow a crop, yet production is unstable in all parts of the state on

account of its uneven and erratic distribution. The southwest monsoon brings maximum rainfall

in the state. Nearly 90 per cent of its total rainfall is received during June to September months.

July and August are the wettest months receiving 66 per cent of the annual rainfall. Monsoon

showers sometimes continue till the first week of October. The number of rainy days also varies

widely for different places ranging from 10 (Jaisalmer) to 40 (Jhalawar) days.

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Moisture

The mean annual potential evapotranspiration (PET) varies from a maximum of over

2001 mm and above in northwestern parts to a minimum of under 1301 mm in Banswara and

Dungarpur districts. On an average, maximum PET of 225 mm to 300 mm is obtained during

April and May and a minimum of 50 mm to 80 mm in the month of December. Generally, water

deficit occurs in two distinct phases i.e. pre-monsoon (March to June) and post-monsoon

(October and onwards). Throughout Rajasthan, the imbalance between PET and rainfall is such

that, on an average, more water is needed by plants than what is actually obtained from rainfall.

The distribution and pattern of average annual water deficit are related inversely to rainfall.

Humidity

The average relative humidity in Rajasthan is 60 to 66 per cent with as low as 50 per cent

in the west to above 70 per cent in the eastern Rajasthan.

Weather Hazards

Eastern Rajasthan is more prone to thunderstorms than western Rajasthan. They occur

mostly from May to September but more particularly in June and July. There are 40-45 thunder

days in a year in Jaipur and Jhalawar districts, 30-35 days in Ajmer and Kota districts, about 25

days in Jodhpur district and about 10 days in Bikaner and Barmer districts.

Even more notorious than thunderstorms are dust storms in Rajasthan. On an average

Sriganganagar receives 27 dust storms, Bikaner 18, Jodhpur 8, Jaipur 6, Kota 5 and Jhalawar 3

each per year. Thus dust storms are more frequent in the arid west and decrease progressively

over the semi-arid and fertile regions with higher rainfall. Monthwise, June is the month of

maximum number of dust storms in the northwestern districts, while in the south-eastern areas

they occur in May. The number of dust storms decline rapidly after June but in the northwest

continue even upto September.

Hailstorms in Rajasthan are rare. Their frequency in Jaipur is maximum about three in

two years, but they are extremely uncommon in the desert areas. Ganganagar for instance,

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gets only one hailstorm in 10 years, while Bikaner, Barmer and Ajmer get one in about three

years.

d. Agro-climatic zones

Based on agro climatic conditions, the state has been divided into following nine distinct.

Table-2: Agro climatic Zones of Rajasthan.

S. No. Agro-climatic zone Geographical Area (ha.)

1. Ia Arid Western plain 1243700

2. Ib Irrigated northwestern plain 2063000

3. IIa Transitional plain of inland drainage 3693000

4. IIb Transitional plain of Luni basin 2942000

5. IIIa Semi-arid eastern plain 2948000

6. IIIb Flood prone eastern plain 2368000

7. IVa Sub-humid southern plain 3359000

8. IVb Humid southern plain 1721560

9. V. Humid south-eastern plain 2696000

e. Rice and cultural heritage in the state

Rice is a central part of many cultures. The relationship between people and rice has

inspired stories, songs and paintings. It is used in festivals and religious ceremonies and

considered divine by many emperors and kings in ancient times. As a matter of fact rice has

shaped the culture and dietary habits of its consumers.

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In Rajasthan, when a woman first enters her husband's house, a measure of rice is kept

on the threshold. This she scatters through her new home inviting prosperity and happiness.

When the groom arrives at bridge's home her mother welcomes him by applying Kumkum on his

and sprays rice grains over him. Rice is thrown on newly married couples as a symbol of fertility,

luck and wealth. In all type of warships and holly occasions Kumkum (Roli) tilak or teeka is made

on the forehead and rice grains ( Axat) is applied on it.

The rice, milk, sugar, clarified butter, nuts, spices, dry fruits are blended and cooked,

attendants at the shrine jump into its scalding centre, to serve it as a holy offering to the

pilgrims, the contents dramatically diminishing as the waiting crowds consume it as prasad.

IV. RICE PRODUCTION SCENARIO

Rice is an important crop of Rajasthan grown in command area as well as area of high

rainfall. The area in this crop is fluctuated from year to year depending upon rainfall.

The total area under rice was 1.28 lakh ha with the productivity 2031 kg/ha. (2007-08)

The main reason for this very low productivity is dependency on rains in major rice growing area

in state. The success of this crop in largely depends upon timely sowing and well distributed

rains in growing season.

a. Area

Table-3 : Area of rice in Rajasthan (Area Lakh ha.)

Year 1970-71 1980-81 1990-91 2000-01 2007-08

Rajasthan 1.226 1.701 1.202 1.663 1.278

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b. Production

Table-4 : Production of rice in

Rajasthan (in Lakh tones)

Year 1970-71 1980-81 1990-91 2000-01 2007-08

Rajasthan 1.386 1.498 1.421 1.557 2.596

c. Productivity

Table-5 : Productivity of rice in

Rajasthan (in kg/ha.)

Year 1970-71 1980-81 1990-91 2000-01 2007-08

Rajasthan 1131 881 1183 937 2031

Table-7:- Ecosystem wise area of rice in Rajasthan. (Area in ha.)

S. N. Environment Western Eastern South-

eastern Southern Total

%

Contrib.

1. Transplanted

Irrigated 36175 5779 46833 342 89129 53.4

Rainfed - 4944 - 22000 26944 16.1

2. Upland - - - 50868 50868 30.5

Total 36175 10723 46833 73210 16694

1

%

Contribution 21.7 6.4 28.0 43.9

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The ecosystem-wise area under rice in these four zones is given in Table-7. The maximum

area is under irrigated transplanted (53.4%), followed by rainfed uplands (30.5%) and rainfed

transplanted (16.1%). The total transplanted area accounted for is 70.0 per cent in the state.

However, under rainfed transplanted conditions, transplanting is extremely delayed because of

dependency on rain.

d. Yield gap and its reasons

• Delayed transplanting up to September in rainfed areas.

• Use of local tall varieties leads to poor production because of their low yield potential and

susceptibility to lodging.

• Timely opening of canals and concept of community nursery is mis managed.

• Low N use efficiency because of faulty method of fertilizer application.

• Non-adoption of recommendations of nursery and planting techniques leads to poor plant

stand.

• Lack of balanced use of nutrients leads to weak growth making the crop more susceptible

to lodging.

• Timely availability of seed of suitable varieties for direct seeded broadcasting as well as

upland rainfed conditions.

• Unavailability of seed of location and situation specific genotypes.

• Non adoption of basal dose of fertilizer particularly under rainfed upland conditions

• High crop-weed competition, particularly under rainfed upland situation results in very

poor production.

• Incidence of insect pests and diseases causing severe damages to crop.

• Lack of plant protection measures against diseases and pests.

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Reasons for low productivity

• The complex ecological situation of rainfed ecosystem consisting of upland and shallow low

land conditions is one of prime reasons for low productivity. Rainfed ecosystem is

handicapped with varied natural, socio-economic, organizational and technological

constraints resulting in low productivity.

• It is often found that upland rainfed crop suffered due to soil moisture stress at critical crop

growth stage including drought, lack of resistant/tolerance to diseases and pests, in

adequate plant population and low nutrients status of soils are responsible for low

productivity of rice in upland areas.

• Transfer/adoption of improved production technology in harsh rainfed eco-system has not

picked up its desired momentum. Therefore, productivity of rice in these ecosystem is

considerably poor.

• High yielding varieties are fertilizer responsive /oriented. Yet, the farmers are using much

less fertilizer per unit cropped area, resulting in poor productivity.

• A number of high yielding varieties have been released for general cultivation but most of

them are for irrigated eco-system and some improved varieties are available for rainfed

eco-system.

• State is facing drought situation frequently and irrigation facilities is not sufficient to offset

hazards exist by vagaries of monsoon. Besides, cultivation is fully depending on monsoon

with poor management package of practice.

• The cultivation of rice under upland conditions is subjected to different degrees of moisture

stress, which affects plant growth, tillering capacity less leaf area, higher sterility, delayed

flowering and lower harvest index (grain-straw ratio). These factors or combination of these

contribute lower grain yield in upland rice areas.

• Upland rice fields are always infested with high degree of weed population which compete

for water, nutrients and light than low land and fields.

• Farmers are forced to use local traditional varieties continuously due to lack of awareness

about high yielding varieties.

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• Poor crop plant population in case of broadcast sowing method resulting in uneven

germination (upland and direct seeded lowland). Delay in monsoon onset often results in

delayed and prolonged transplanting and sub-optimum plant population (mostly in rainfed

low lands).

• In the high rainfed areas, the rain water is lost rapidly through deep percolation, because of

the upland location and loose texture of the soil. In these soils the plant nutrient applied

through fertilizers are lost rapidly and investment of fertilizer become risky. Further, low

water retention capacity by the soil due to high permeability brings in moisture stress

conditions quickly after cessation of rains.

• In the low rainfall regions, the crops suffer from iron and zinc deficiency in some soils. In

the high rainfall regions diseases break out particularly Helminthosporium possibly due to

imbalance nutrients availability in the soils.

• Non-availability of bullock drawn/power drawn transplanters for timely transplanting of

rice crop.

Major Research Gaps and Priorities

� Development of HYV suitable for different micro farming situations having inbuilt

resistance for biotic and abiotic stresses.

� Breeding for quality improvement.

� Development of suitable agro-techniques for production of hybrid rice.

� Forecasting models for bacterial leaf blight and correlating disease incidence with

meteorological parameters.

� Development of IPM modules.

� Runoff water harvesting for upland and low land rice.

� Use of drum seeder (sprouted seed) under rainfed puddled conditions.

e. Major contributing factors in different ecologies

Te following suggestions are made to increase the rice productivity in different rice growing

ecosystems.

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� Adequate number of improved /high yielding varieties may be evolved for rainfed eco-

system, which constitutes nearly 60 per cent of the cultivated rice area.

� Suitable technology and varieties may be developed for this region so that productivity

could be increased.

� It is also absolutely necessary to develop adequate infrastructure for production and

distribution of good quality seeds on large scale.

� Adoption/transfer of improved production technology seems to be on slow pace in rainfed

areas; therefore, a special programme is needed to be launched in such areas to motivate

the farmers to adopt improved technology.

� A awareness is required to be created among the farming community about balance use of

fertilizers to increase their productivity.

� Full potential of high yielding varieties is not realized. There is a bright prospect for tapping

considerable portion of untapped remaining potential.

� For effective management of production package to suit the environment, it is needed to

make wide exposure/publicity of high yielding varieties suitable for rainfed uplands and

shallow low land situations along with improved package of practices to the farmers

through Front line demonstrations, on farm trials etc.

� Deeper roots are desirable for upland rices because soil moisture increases with depth of

the soil profile and a variety with deep roots can reach and use soil moisture at a greater

depth resulting in high productivity.

� Utmost care should be taken while using fertilizer in upland rice fields. Recommended dose

and timely application of fertilizers always results in higher productivity.

� The line sowing in upland rice areas through suitable seeding devices is required to be

made popularized for desired plant population. This will facilitate to control weeds and

also to carry out intercultural operations.

� Due to drought and erratic rainfall, rice cultivation in uplands is always found risky and

uncertain. Varietal improvement still remains the major strategy for increasing productivity

in upland areas. Therefore, scientists are required to take up this matter seriously so that

the low productivity of up land rice can be improved to a greater extent.

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� A proper research programme is required to be carried out for improving physiological

efficiency of the plant for better photosynthesis efficiency and translocation so as to

reduce sterility under low light intensity.

� Promotion of hybrid rice is required to be popularized among the farmers in suitable areas.

� Leguminous crops may be included in the cropping system in order to improve the soil

fertility.

� Saline and alkaline soils may be reclaimed by application of soil ameliorants.

� Use of Bio-fertilizers such as Blue Green Algae, Azosprilleum, Azotobacter and Azolla may

be encouraged among the farmers for supply of nitrogenous nutrient and their by reducing

the cost of chemical nitrogenous fertilizers.

� To encourage the Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) and Integrated Pest

Management (IPM) approach for effective control of pests and diseases by emphasizing

the need based application of pesticides.

� There is need to promote ‘System of Rice Intensification’ (SRI) technology for increasing

rice productivity in the state.

� Strong extension network Integrated Pest Management (IPM), Integrated Nutrient

Management(INM) for effective transfer of latest technologies, improvement of credit and

market facilities and crop insurance are required for rained lowland ecology.

f. Contribution to the GDP

� Agricultural sector, accounts for 22.5 per cent.

� Agricultural and allied sectorcontributesabout27 per cent to GSDP.

V. REGION-WISE/DISTRICT-WISE RICE ECOSYSTEMS

Table-8 : Name of the Districts as per rice ecosystems in the state.

Irrigated Transplanted

Rainfed

Transplanted

Rainfed

upland

Hanumangarh Kota, Rajsamnd, Dungarpur

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Ganganagar, Bhilwara,

Bundi, Alwar, Bhartpur

Sawaimadhopur,

Chittorgarh, Banswara,

Baran, Tonk

Jhalawar, Dholpur

Udaipur

Pratapgarh

VI. RICE PRODUCTION AND ECONOMIC ANALYSIS.

S. No. Particulars Cost (Rs.)

I Input Cost

1 Cost of 25 kg HYV certified seed 750

2 Cost of 125 g Thiram/ Captan 120

3 Cost of 10 cart loads of cow dung 900

4 Cost of fertilizers

260 kg urea 1820

130 kg DAP 1170

5. Cost of weedicide 650

6. Cost of pesticides (depending on incidence) 450

Total 5860

II. OPERATIONAL COST

1. Land preparation (ploughing twice, pudding.

harrowing. leveling. bunding etc)

2100

2. Seed treatment and making 1000 m2 nursery 300

3. Hand weeding Nursery bed, manuring, spraying 200

4. Application of basal dose of fertilizers 200

5. Uprooting seedlings and transplanting 2600

6. Applying weedicide and single hand weeding 600

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7. Top dressing of Urea twice 380

8. Spraying/ dusting pesticide etc. 310

9. Harvesting with sickle 400

10 Threshing and winnowing 1100

11 Drying and storage 450

12 Miscellaneous expenses 300

Total 8940

III Total Expenditure (I+II) 14800

IV RECEIPTS

Yield: Grain 6.0 ton/ha @ Rs. 28,000/ton 16,800

Straw 30 ton/ha @ Rs. 65/ton 1950

Gross Income 18750

V Net Profit (from one hectare) (IV-Ill) 3950

1. If modern farm implements like tractors, power tillers, transplanters and thresher are used,

the

operational cost can he further reduced.

2. If family labour is engaged to carry out various intensive operations, the operational cost can

be educed considerably.

VII. RICE AND RICE BASED CROPPING SYSTEMS-ZONE WISE

Agro-climatic

zone

No. of

Tehasils Tehsils covered Major crops

Predomina

nt cropping

system

Ia Arid

Western plain

20 All tehsils of Bikaner,

Jaisalmer, and

Barmer districts and

Phalodi,, Shergarh,

Osian and Jodhpur of

Bajra, Kharif pulses,

gram, wheat,

sesamum, rape

seed and mustard

Bajra,

Kharif

Pulses

based

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Jodhpur district, also

Dungargarh,

Sujangarh, of Churu

district

Ib. Irrigated

north-

western plain

12 All tehsils of

Sriganganagar and

Hanumangarh district

Wheat, cotton,

sugarcane, gram,

rape seed and

mustard, Bajra,

Kharif pulses,

paddy and

groundnut

wheat,

cotton,

sugarcane,

gram,

paddy

based

IIa.

Transitional

plain of inland

drainage

22 All tehsils of Nagaur,

Sikar and Jhunjhunu

districts and

Taranagar, Churu and

Rajgarh of Churu

district

Bajra, Kharif pulses,

gram, wheat, rape

and mustard,

sorghum and

sesamum

Bajra,

Kharif

pulses,

gram

based.

IIb.

Transitional

Plain of Luni

basin

16 All tehsils of Jalore

and Pali district

Reodhar, Sirohi and

Shivganj tehsils of

Sirohi district. and

Bilara, Bhopalgarh

tehsils of Jodhpur

district

Bajra, sesamum,

rape seed and

mustard, wheat,

Kharif pulses,

sorghum, maize,

cotton and castor

Bajra,

sesamum,

rape seed

and

mustard,

cotton

based

III a. Semi-arid 27 All tehsils of Ajmer, Wheat, bajra, Wheat,

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eastern Plain Jaipur and Tonk

district

barley, gram rape

seed and mustard

sorghum, maize,

sugarcane,

ground nut and

cotton

bajra

barley

based

IIIb. Flood

prone eastern

Plain

31 All tehsils of Alwar,

Bharatpur, Dholpur

district Mahua, Toda

Bhim, Hindon,

Nadauti, Bamanwas,

Gangapur, Karauli,

Sapotra and Bonli

tehsils of Sawai

Madhopur district

Wheat, bajra,

rapeseed and

mustard, gram,

barley, sugar cane

and sorghum

wheat

bajra,

rapeseed

and

mustard

based

IVa. Sub-

humid

southern

Plain

35 All tehsils of Bhilwara

district, all tehsils

except Dhariyawad.

Salumber and Sarada

of Udaipur district, all

tehsils except Chhoti

Sadri, Pratapgarh,

Arnod and Bari sadri

of Chittorgarh district

and Abu road and

Pindwara tehsils of

Sirohi district

Maize, wheat,

ground nut, barley

and sorghum

Maize,

wheat,

based

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IVb. Humid

southern

plain

16 All tehsils of

Banswara and

Dungarpur districts,

Sarada, Salumber

and Dhariyawad of

Udaipur district and

Chhoti Sadri,

Pratapgarh Arnod

and Badi Sadri of

Chittorgarh district

Maize, wheat,gram,

paddy and urd

Maize,

paddy, urd,

whear,

gram

based

V. Humid

south-eastern

plain

24 All tehsils of

Kota,Bundi,Baran and

Jhalawara district,

Sawai Madhopur and

Khandar tehsils of

Sawai Madhopur

district

Sorghum, wheat,

gram, maize, rape

seed and mustard

Sorghum,

Maize,

gram,

paddy

based

Cropping Pattern.

The most popular cropping patterns are as below

Kota

Irrigated rice - Wheat - Summer Moong/Vegetable

Irrigated rice - Barseem/Lucerne

Irrigated rice - Wheat/Barley/Vegetable

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Banswara

Irrigated rice - Wheat - Summer Moong

Irrigated rice - Gram

Irrigated rice - Wheat/Barley/Maize

VIII. RICE GROWING SEASONS OF DIFFERENT REGIONS

Rice is important Kharif crop of Rajasthan. During Rabi season approximately 10,000 to

15,000 ha. area is covered in Banswara district. Generally, seedlings are raised in the second

week of June and transplanted in the field after 30-40 days. In the rainfed areas, direct sowing is

often practised with the onset of monsoon showers. The crop is harvested in October-

November.

For Rabi crop seedlings are raised in the month of November and transplanted in

December.

IX. RECOMMENDED PACKAGE OF PRACTICES

a. Varieties/hybrids

In order to improve yield potential of Basmati and Kamod types, these were crossed with

Ratna, Pusa 150, BK 79, Vani, Chambal, BK 190, IET 7318, IET 7310 and Sona. The following

varieties have been developed/identified in the state.

Transplanted Rice Varieties

BK 79, a derivatives of cross (TN 1 x NP 130) x Basmati 370 developed in the state has

been found suitable to replace traditionally grown tall Basmati types in the state. It qualifies the

quality characteristics of Basmati varieties along with high yield and early maturity in

comparison to Basmati 370. The variety has been released for general cultivation. BK 79 yielded

nearly 30 per cent higher and matured nearly 10-15 days earlier than Basmati 370. The panicles

are compact, long and fully exerted with brownish colour at flowering stage. It has got long

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slender translucent grains with good cooking quality. It is reported to be resistant to green leaf

hopper.

BK 770 (IET 8581), a cross derivatives of BK 79 x Basmati 370 has significantly out yielded

Basmati 370 and other check varieties like Ratna and Sona. In All India Coordinated Trials also

this culture has stood at 3rd

and 4th

position by yielding significantly higher over checks and other

varieties, It is a medium duration variety maturing in nearly 130-135 days from seed to seed,

possessing long slender, translucent aromatic grains.

Mahi Sugandha has been developed from cross of BK 79 x Basmati 370. Mahi Sugandha

is a semi dwarf, photo-insensitive indica variety maturing in 130-135 days from seed to seed

under transplanting conditions. It qualifies all basmati quality characteristics, combined with

high yield potential and is early maturing in comparison to Kali Kamod.

IET 13549 (Malva Basmati) is a dwarf Basmati culture with significant yield edge of 1.5

t/ha over Pusa Basmati-1 and found suitable for parboiled (Sela) Basmati rice. It is tolerant to

multiple pests/diseases like leaf blast, BLB, stem borer. It yielded 9.6 per cent higher over Pusa

Basmati 1 and 56.3 per cent over Toraori basmati and 43.6 per cent over Kali Kamod.

Pusa Sugandha - 4 is a cross derivates of P 614-12 x Pusa 614-35. It is a medium maturity

variety matured in 135-140 days. This variety is resistant to blast, BLV and BPH. It’s also suitable

for Saline Alkaline conditions. It has long slender grain and highly scented. It average grain yield

5800 to 6000 kg/ha.

Pusa Sugandha - 5 is a cross derivates of P 3A x Haryana Basmati. it is a early maturity

variety matured in 125-130 days. This variety has long slender grain. This variety showed

resistant to BLB, GM and moderately to leaf folder, BPH. Average grain yield is 5700-6000 kg/ha.

Direct Seeded Varieties

Vagad Dhan it is a semi dwarf variety matured in 80-90 days. It have coarse grain and

yielded 18-20 qt/ha.

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Kalinga 3 it is a tall variety matured in 75-80 days. It is a drought tolerant variety and

having fine grains. It produced 15-20 qt/ha grain yield.

Ashoka 200 F it is a very early variety matured in 70-75 days. It is a tall variety having fine

grain. It produced 18-20 qt/ha grain yield.

Package for practices for rice cultivation

Package Transplanted Upland

Seed rate 25 kg/ha. 80 kh/ha.

Seedling density (Nursery) 15-20 /m2 -

Spacing 15 x 15 20 x 15 cm

Seedling per hill One or two One or two

NKP dose 120:60:0 kg/ha. 60:30:0 kg/ha.

Plant Protection Need based Need based

Rice Hybrids recommended for Rajasthan

Hybrid Yield

t/ha. % increase over Checks

Duration

(Days)

Type

KRH-2 ( 1996) 7.4 21.3 (Jaya) 130-135 Non-basmati

PRH-10 (2001) 6.5 39.9 (Pusa Basmati-1) 110-115 Basmati Quality

RH 204 (2003) 6.9 22.6 (Jaya) 120-125 Non-basmati

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Package for cultivation of Hybrid Rice

Seed rate 15 kg/ha.

Seedling density (Nursery) 15-20 /m2

Spacing 15 x 15 or 20 x 15 cm

Seedling per hill One or two

NKP dose 120:60:0 kg/ha.

Plant Protection Need based

b. Management inclusive of mechanization.

Mechanization of rice cultivation can play the key role in enhancing its productivity by

creating optimal field conditions for timely establishment of crop, maintaining optimal plant

population, efficient utilization of costly inputs and resources. For field preparation, different

types of puddling equipment such as rotary blade puddler and peg type puddler have been

widely adopted. Power tiller or tractor-operated rotary tillers and paddy disc harrow with tractor

cage wheels are also common. Transplanting however is still being done manually but the self-

propelled mat type transplanters are now picking up. Drum type seeders for drilling of sprouted

seeds under wetland conditions and a variety of conservation agriculture seed drills for direct

drilling of rice are being adopted by the farmers as these drills are also being used for

establishment of subsequent wheat crop under crop residue conditions without tilling. The

technology is site-specific though has a widespread application. For harvesting and threshing

operations both wheel and track type combines, and axial flow threshers have been widely

adopted.

The erratic and uncertain rainfall forces the tribal farmer to go for subsistence level of

farming because of least risk bearing capacity. This has been a major constraint for poor

adoption of technology.

X. INDIGENOUS TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE (ITKs) SPECIFIED TO THE STATE.

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In order to take up varietal improvement programme, a survey of different paddy

growing areas was conducted. Special emphasis was given to find out the nature of existing

types, their edaphic and climatic requirements and agronomic practices.

Nearly 200 local types were found under cultivation in southern zone. These varieties are

tall and compact in habit, having only a few numbers of effective tillers. Except Basmati, Delhi

Sal, Jeera Sal, Nawabikolem and Rajbhog, other varieties are coarse grained. The duration varies

from 93-160 days. The coarse varieties are early and poor yielding as compared with the fine

grained varieties. Suthar, Patharia, Kamod and Basmati are the popular varieties of the zone.

Where water-logging is a problem due to flooding and ill-drained conditions, the variety Ropadi

is cultivated. This variety has coarse, black-grained panicle.

Table-9: Predominated local rice varieties cultivated in the state.

S.

No

Varieties Eco-

system

Duration

(days)

Awning Grain

Yield

(q/ha)

Remarks

1. Lal Sutar Upland 96 Al 5-8 Coarse, Golden panicle

2. Kala Sutar Upland 106 Al 5-8 Coarse, black L and P

3. Batika sutar Upland 93 Al 8-10 Coarse , straw

4. Safed

parmal

Upland 120 Al 8-10 Coarse, straw

5. Patharia Upland 95 Al 5-8 Coarse and black panicle

6. Tukri sal Upland 95 Al 6-10 Coarse, straw

7. Dhania sal Upland 120 Awned 8-10 Short grained, red awns

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8. Chhoti

pankhi

Upland 125 Al 8-10 Coarse grain , L and P

straw coloured bigger

sterile glumes

9. Dhimani Upland 95 Al 8-10 Coarse, straw coloured L

and P

10. Sutar sal Transplanted 105 Al 10-12 Coarse straw

11. Delhi sal Transplanted 108 Al-P 15-20 Fine, Straw L and P,

slightly pigmented plant

base

12. Basmati Transplanted 156 Al-P 12-15 Fine, Straw L and P, slight

pigmented plant base

13. Kamod Transplanted 150 Al 10-15 Media fine, straw L and P,

apiculus pigmented,

scented

14. Kolombo Transplanted 110 Al 15-18 Fine, golden coloured

pigmented

15. Kali

Kamod/

Kala Badal

Transplanted 150 Al-Pa 15-18 Medium fine, highly

scented, panicle

pigmented

16. Jeera sal/

Zed Zeera

Transplanted 130 Al 10-12 Medium fine, straw colour

L and P

17. Nawabi

Kolam

Transplanted 160 Al 8-10 Medium fine, scented

straw L and P

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Al = Awnless, PA = Partialy awned, L = lemma, P = Palea

XI. BYPRODUCTS/ EXTENDED USE OF RICE SPESIFIC TO THE STATE.

Rice has potential in a wide range of food categories. Besides having nutritional and

medicinal benefits, the by-products of rice are equally important and beneficial. By-products

from growing rice create many valuable and worthwhile products. The unedible parts, that are

discarded through the milling process, and the edible part could be transformed into some of

the following suggested products.

Rice bran is an important by-product of the rice milling industry. It constitutes about 5 to

7 percent by weight of the brown rice and is abundant in oil (18 to 20 percent in raw rice bran,

22 to 25 percent in parboiled rice bran). The deoiled bran, which is a rich source of protein (17 to

20 percent) and vitamins (vitamins A and E), is used as a cattle and poultry feed. It commands a

good market both within India and abroad and is a good source of foreign exchange earnings.

a. Usage and consumption

Rice is considered to be a staple food not only in India but in Rajasthan. Apart from the rice

grain, byproducts of rice grain and paddy can be used to make wonderful products and give

value addition to rice. Two wonderful techniques have been developed useful for common

masses by using rice husk ash, which is considered to be a waste product coming out from the

rice milling industry.

• Rice Husks

• Rice Bran

• Rice Starch

• Rice Straw

• Rice used in Beverage Making

• Rice Paper

• Rice Glue

• Rice Vinegar

b. Market value

18. Ropadi Broadcasting 130 Al 8-10 Coarse, Black panicle

deep-water paddy.

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Table-10: Market-wise report on 01/01/2009

Market Arrivals

(Tonnes) Variety

Minimum Price

(Rs./Quintal)

Maximum Price

(Rs./Quintal)

Modal Price

(Rs./Quintal)

Rajasthan

Kota 1256.1 Fine 1050 2290 1500

Udaipur 1.0 Coarse 740 900 875

Table-11: Market-wise report on 01/01/2010

Market Minimum Price

(Rs./Quintal)

Maximum Price

(Rs./Quintal)

Modal Price

(Rs./Quintal)

Rajasthan

Baran 1134 2311 1522

Bundi 1100 3200 2400

Hanumangarh 2100 2100 2100

Kota 1151 2850 2050

c. Milling products

• Broken Rice

• Rice Flour

• Rice Milk

• Rice Pudding

• Rice Cakes (mochi)

• Rice Soy Milk

• Red Yeast Rice

• Rice based food products

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d. Rice based food products

Rice, a delicacy in Rajasthan, was served as a sweet with the addition of sugar, saffron

and dried nuts and raisins. In Rajasthan, rice is cooked in boiling milk and the mixture is then

sweetened with jaggery to form Kheer.

In addition rice is used in many ways as food or other preparations,, such as Rajasthani

Pulavu, Suji Halwa, Suji Ladoo, Khichra/ Khichri, Rice Sevai, Rice Noodles, Pohas, Rice Papad,

Murmure (Puffed rice) Rice Roti etc.

XII. RICE AND COMMERCE (EXPORT REVENUE GENERATION)

The rice export performance achieved in recent years, although praiseworthy, has raised

apprehensions about India's capability to continue as a major rice exporter in the years to come.

This achievement has made India self-sufficient in foodgrains in general and rice in particular,

with a small surplus for export. Pusa Basmati-1, Mahisugandha, Basmati-370 and Pusa Sugandha

4 are promising basmati rice verities for export purpose.

In addition to growing unique long grain basmati varieties, State also abounds with many

short grain aromatic types which enjoy patronage in certain parts of the state on account of

their desirable cooking and eating quality features. These varieties includes Kamod, Basmati

(Local), Kalikamod, Kala Badal and Jaljeera. Small volumes of medium and short grain rices of

both semi-sticky japonica and indica types are traded internationally.

XIII. SPECIAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME IN RICE SECTOR OF THE STATE.

1. Integrated Cereals Development Programme in Rice based Cropping Systems Areas (ICDP-

Rice)

2. In the Mid-Day-Meal Programme different recipes of rice as khichdi, sweet rice etc are

included.

3. De-oiled rice barn used for manufacture of cattle feed will now be exempted from tax.

4. Rice “Seed Minikit” programme.

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5. Rice production training. The one week to three-month training programmes are organized by

the State agricultural universities.

6. Extensive field demonstrations and training programme for farmers and farm labourers are

other components of the programmes for effective transfer of crop production technology.

7. Frontline demonstrations are being conducted by State Agricultural Universities and State

Department of Agriculture.

XIV. STATUS OF RECENT RICE PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGIES.

a. SRI

Cultivating a single kilo of rice requires 5,000 litres of water. Rajasthan has abot 0.80 lakh

hectares under irrigated paddy, so imagine all the water required. If the system of rice

intensification (SRI) were to be applied on all this land we would be able to cut water

requirement for paddy by 50 per cent and simultaneously boost rice production by 50 per cent.

Benefits of SRI

1. Seed requirement reduced by 65-70 per cent.

2. Saving of water by about 35-45 per cent.

3. More number of tillers/productive tillers.

4. More number of spikelets per panicle.

5. Uniform maturity.

6. Head rice recovery is more.

7. Earlier maturity by 5-20 days.

8. Healthier plants resistant to major pests and diseases.

9. Yield advantage over the conventional method by 1.5 to 2 times.

10. Less competition between rice plant and weeds.

Work on SRI is also initiated in Rajasthan, recently. A field experiment comprising of four

plantings pattern of Pusa Sugandh-4 (20 x 20 cm, 25 x 25 cm, 30 x 30 cm and 15 x 20 cm) with

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four fertility levels under the adoption of SRI practices was conducted during kharif 2008 & 2009

in RBD design with three replications. The planting pattern at 25 x 25 cm with 100 per cent RDF

recorded highest yield of 37.73 q/ha over rest of the planting patterns, 30 x 30 cm (29.82 /ha),

20 x 20 cm (35.26 /ha) and 15 x 20 cm (35.02 q/ha).

b. Hybrid rice

Area under hybrid rice is negligible only some private agency testing hybrids. No

published data are available. Assistance of NSC / SFCI State seed agencies and also private

agencies is required for seed production. Farmer's training programmers for hybrid rice seed

production should be promoted.

c. Aerobic rice / conservation agriculture

Traditional lowland rice with continuous flooding has relatively high water inputs.

Because of increasing water scarcity, there is a need to develop alternative systems that require

less water. “Aerobic rice” is a new concept of growing rice. Since aerobic rice is targeted at

water-short areas, socio-economic comparisons must include water-short lowland rice and other

upland crops. The development of high-yielding aerobic rice is still in its infancy and germplasm

still needs to be improved and appropriate management technologies developed.

Work on this aspect is also initiated in southern Rajasthan. GP Dhan (Gramin Pratap Dhan) an

early variety and having coarse grain is found to be suitable for aerobic conditions.

d. Biotechnological intervention / golden rice

Work on this aspect is in progress.

e. IPM/IDM

♦ Raising healthy nursery: apply carbofuran granules @ 40kg/ha or Phorate @ 12.5 kg/ha of

nursery bed before 5-7 days of pulling of the seedlings in endemic areas of gall midge and

stem borer.

♦ Use of disease free seed.

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♦ Seed treatment with Carbendazim 50 WP @2.5 g/kg seed or soaking seed in Carbendazim @1g/l

of water for 24 hours or spraying Propiconazole 25 EC (Tilt) @ 1ml/l or Hexaconazole 5 EC

(Cantof) @2ml/l or Validamycin 3@ 2ml/l.

♦ Transplanting at appropriate stage after removal of terminal part (2-4”) of seedling to reduce

the chance of carrying and migration of immature stages of yellow stem borer and leaf folders.

♦ Install one light trap (200W mercury lamp) per hectare to catch the adults of some nocturnal

pests such as tobacco caterpillar (positively phototropic).

♦ Install 5-6 pheromone traps per hectare (change septa after 3 weeks), specific for male adults of

tobacco caterpillar (separate pheromone for each).

♦ Avoid excess N and water.

♦ Collection of egg masses and larvae of pests.

♦ Use of rope in rice crop for dislodging caseworm and leaf folder larvae etc.

♦ Need based spray of endosulphan 35EC or Formothion 25 EC or Monocrotophos 36 WSC

or Dimethoate 30 EC @ 1.0 lit./ha or Acephate 75SP @ 500g/ha.

f. INM

Based on experiments conducted in southern Rajasthan, the integrated use of chemical

fertilizers and organic manures have been found to be quite promising not only in achieving high

productivity but also in providing stability in crop production. Among organic manures,

vermicompost is a well known source which release nutrients into simpler and available form.

Apart from the nutrient source, their favorable effect on improving soil structure and stimulating

microbial growth is well established. Azotobacter and phosphobacateria produce growth

hormones viz., Indolacetic acid and gibberelin. These hormones stimulate root growth and

development. The use of growth stimulating seed inoculants helps to accelerate the uptake of

plant nutrients from applied chemical fertilizer by increasing the root growth. VAM inoculation

increases the phosphate activity. Azotobacter population in the rhizosphere soil has been

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reported to increase in the presence of FYM and mixed inoculants.

It may be concluded that application of 75% recommended doses of NP through fertilizers in

combination with 25% N through FYM along with Azotobacter + PSB + VAM appears to be a

good proposition for getting high yield of upland paddy as this treatment gave the maximum

yield of rice of 24.75 q /ha. with the maximum values of net returns (Rs.17937 /ha) and benefit :

cost ratio (2.23).

g. Any other N.A.

XV. ORGANIZATIONS (GOVERNMENT AND NON-GOVERNMENT)

Till, 1962, Rice Research was under control of Directorate of Agriculture, Rajasthan, Jaipur. The

stup was as given below:

Director of Agriculture �Joint Director of Agriculture (Research) �Economic Botanist .

Assistant Rice Breeder, Agricultural Research Station, Banswara and Kota are the leading stations

carried outwork on rice in the state. Some of work on rice varietal testing is also being carried

out at ARSS, Hanumangarh.

Presently there are two Agricultural Universities in the state, namely, Swami Keshvanand

Rajasthan Agriculture University (SKRAU) at Bikaner and Maharana Pratap University of

Agriculture & Technology (MPUAT) with headquarters at Udaipur. Out of the four rice growing

zones, Northestern Plain and transitional flood-prone zones are located in SKRAU where the rice

research is carried out under non-plan by the Junior Scientists (Assistant Breeders) whereas the

other two zones, humid Southeastern and humid Southern plain, are under the control of

Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture & Technology. An ICAR scheme for rice improvement

has been operating in humid Southeastern Plain zone since December 1968 at ARS, Kota headed

by an Assistant Breeder with one more scientist (Assistant Agronomist) whereas, the rice

improvement in humid Southern Plain zone is looked after under non-plan by Rice Breeder. The

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Rice Breeder stationed at Agriculture Research Station, Banswara has been designated as the

team leader who coordinates the rice research activities in the state. (Dr. Rajesh Pandya, Rice

Breeder is looking after the work).

Vice Chancellor � Director of Research � Zonal Director of Research � Senior Crop

Specialist � Assistant Crop Specialist

XVI CONSTRAINTS IN RICE PRODUCTION.

Rice is one of the important crops of the state, the crop is grown under diversified

farming situations in the state. Under command area, where assured irrigation water is available

for raising seedlings in time, timely planting of the crop is being practiced. In other areas, where

rainfed rice culture is commonly practiced, delayed transplanting (as raising seedlings depends

on rain) or direct seeding (broadcasting) either in puddle fields or on dry lands (drilling on

upland) is a common method of rice cultivation.

The major constraints faced by the farmers are enumerated below:

a. Biotic stress - Insects, Diseases, Nematodes, rodents, and weeds.

Pest and disease

Pest and diseases in rice are not so serious problems so far. However, sporadic

appearance of stem borer, army worm, leaf folders, Gundhi bug and WBPH among insect pests

and BLB, Khaira and Helmithosporium among diseases causes a serious threat to the rice

cultivation in the area.

Crop-weed competition

Under direct seeded rice crop, particularly under upland situations where drilled paddy is

grown on dry lands, there is heavy weed-crop competition. Many a time, this results in total

failure of the crop if weeds are not controlled in time.

Major Weeds are as below

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Grasses - Jungle rice (Echino chloa colonum), Sowan (Echino chloa. Crusgalli).

Sedges - Nut grass (cyperus iria), Madurkoti (Cyperus difformis).

Broad leaf weeds -Bhangra (Eclipta alba), Dad mari (Ammenia baccifera).

b. Abiotic stress — Temperature, drought, water logging, saline problems.

Moisture stress.

The success of rainfed rice culture mainly depends on the intensity, distribution and

duration of rainfall. The crop generally suffers moisture stress at one or the other critical growth

stage because of long dry spell. The occurrence of frequent dry spells at different growth stages

of the crop results in either total failure of the crop or poor yields due to high spikelet sterility

caused due to partial exsertion of panicles. Moisture stress during germination, active tillering

stage or just before flowering brings down grain yields markedly. The reproductive stage is the

most sensitive stage for moisture stress resulting in chaffiness of the grains. There is a lack of

suitable varieties for such situations.

Poor fertilizer use

Poor use of fertilizers in irrigated as well as in dry land rice cropping system is still the

major constraint for rice production in the state as the farmers prefer getting an assured crop

without fertilizer application instead of taking any risk by investing on fertilizers. It results in

direct seeding of rice without application of basal fertilizers which ultimately results in poor

initial vigour and poor tillering.

Fertilizer application in flowing water

In some of the areas, particularly in Dungarpur district, paddy cultivation is done on

sloping lands where water flows from one field to another. The seedlings are planted with the

onset of monsoon. Under such conditions, fertilizers application is a problem because of

continuous flow of water.

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Late planting

Because rice cultivation in the state is monsoon-dependent, the cultivators raise their

seedlings with the onset of monsoon in the month of July and continue transplanting up to late

August or mid September which results in very poor yields. The varieties used for this type of

rice culture are local with low yield potential.

Soil problems

Due to ill drainage, soil salinity has been observed in rice growing areas. Zinc deficiency

too, has been widely observed both in uplands as well as in transplanted rice fields.

c. Institutional constraints

Research of rice is sponsored by State Govt. under non-plan Scheme at ARS, Banswara, whereas

at ARS, Kota, rice research work is supported by AICRIP.

d. Socio-economiC constraints.

As majority of the farmers belong to scheduled castes or scheduled tribes, socio-

economically, they come under small and marginal group of farmers and their investment

capacity is very poor. The cost-intensive technologies are the major deterrent to the widespread

adoption of high yielding varieties of rice

XVIII. STRATEGIES AND MODERN TECHNIQUES TO ENHANCE RICE PRODUCTION.

� increased water efficiency (Aerobic Rice, SRI)

� increased nutrient efficiency

� mproved drought tolerance

� integrated pest management

� enhance the nutritional value of rice through modifying the genetic code. (Golden rice)

� Hybrid Technology

� Bt. Rice

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XIX. STATUS OF SEED PRODUCTION OF MAJOR VARITIES/AGENCIES INVOLVED/DEMAND AND

SUPPLY.

Seed Producing Agencies (Govt. Sector)

♦ SKRAU, Bikaner

♦ MPUAT, Udaipur

Seed Producing Agencies (Public Sector)

♦ Rajasthan state Seed Corporation (RSSC)

♦ Tilam Sangh

♦ National Seed Corporation (NSC)

♦ State Farm corporation of India (SFCI)

♦ Krishak Bhartiya Cooperative Ltd.(KRIBHCO)

Seed Producing Agencies (Private Sector)

♦ Rajasthan State Certified seed Producers Association, Sriganganagar, through its

members.

♦ Seed Association of India, through its members.

♦ Others private seed companies.

In all, there are about 149 seed producers who are, at present, registered with RSSCA.

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Paddy seed production program of RSSC. (Seed in qtls)

Crop Ideal SMR

Actual BS lifting

during Kh-2007

FS Prod. as per

ideal SMR

FS being produced by

RSSC

Paddy 80 0.76 60.8 40

Target for Conversion of B/S in to F/S by RSSC during 2008-09 & 2009-10. (Seed in qtls)

Crop Ideal SMR

BS Indent

for 2008-09

BS Indent

for 2009-10

FS Production

in 2008-09

FS Production

in 2009-10

Paddy 80 1.0 1.11 80 89

Seed Replacement Rate (SRR%): Existing, Desirable & Plan up to 2011-2012.

Crop

SRR%

02-03

SRR%

03-04

SRR%

04-05

SRR%

05-06

SRR%

06-07

SRR%

07-08

Desirable

SRR (%).

Plan

08-09

Plan

09-10

Plan

10-11

Plan

11-12

Paddy 6.25 3.33 2.63 4.84 7.61 6.24 25 20 25 28 30

XX. MODERN AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS USED IN RICE PRODUCTION.

♦ Runoff water harvesting for upland and low land rice.

♦ Use of drum seeder (sported seed) under rainfed puddled conditions.

♦ Testing of bullock drawn implements like thresher, puddler, ratovator, transplanter etc.

will also be tested.

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XXI. CONCLUSION AND WAY FORWARD

In order to fulfill the need of the area, some new approaches have been proposed which will

ultimately help developing suitable high yielding varieties for different micro-farming situations

having in built resistance for biotic and abiotic stresses.

The present production levels of high yielding varieties will be protected to bring stability

in production. Hence, breeding for higher yield potential with high stability will continue on

priority in breeding programme for irrigated rice. Efforts will also be made to strengthen the

programme on breeding for quality rice based on physio and bio-chemical parameters.

Resistance to diseases is often associated with nutritional deficiencies. The study this

aspect is to be initiated for resistance to major diseases and insects. Hence, breeding for

multiple resistances involving screening techniques backed by physiological and bio-chemical

assessment are required to be standardized.

Development of short duration varieties for late planting conditions needs to be

accelerated. Such varieties should have synchronous maturity and greater partitioning

coefficient which can regulate source sink relationship.

XXII. FUTURE THRUST IN RICE PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGIES.

� Development of suitable agro-techniques for production of hybrid rice.

� N and P fertilizer use efficiency in rice and rice based cropping system.

� Studies on irrigated nutrient management on productivity of rice based cropping system.

� Efficacy of various new herbicides for effective control of weed flora in transplanted rice.

� Development of suitable and low cost package of practices for transplanted rice.

� Pathology of paddy blast under artificial inoculation condition will be initiated.

� Efficacy of various antibiotics and botanicals against paddy bacterial leaf blight will be

tested under natural and artificial inoculation conditions.

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

RICE IN RAJASTHAN

� Recent advance high yielding varieties of paddy will be screened against paddy leaf and

neck blast, bacterial leaf blight and helminthosporium blight resistance under natural and

artificial conditions.

� Appropriate forecasting models will be formulated for bacterial leaf blight of paddy by

correlating disease incidence with meteorological parameters.

� Time of maximum insect infestation be worked out.

� Eco-friendly chemicals can be tested for controlling the insect problem.

� Beneficial insect fauna associated with rice eco-system should be conserved.

� IPM module will be involved for better pest management.

*******

Appendix- 1: Area, Production and Productivity of rice in Rajasthan State.

Year Area (Lakh ha.)

Production

( Lakh tones)

Productivity (kg/ha.)

1970-71 1.226 1.386 1131

1980-81 1.701 1.498 881

1990-91 1.202 1.421 1183

2000-01 1.663 1.557 937

2007-08 1.278 2.596 2031

rice in rajasthan

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