Planting the crop on time will help to produce a fast-growing, uniform crop that will have higher yields and will be better able to compete with weeds and pests. The best time of planting depends on the locality, variety, water availability, labour, and the last harvested time. Rice can either be transplanted from a nursery or direct-seeded in the field with dry and wet seeding methods. Transplanted crops normally take less time in the production field but 10–15 days longer for the total crop duration. In both cases, a well prepared seedbed is needed.
For transplanted crops:
- Select a nursery site that is 1/10 in size of the intended planting area.
- Prepare the nursery by plowing at least 3-4 times and harrow at least once.
- Level the soil surface and put in drainage lines across the field.
- Pre-germination and sowing: Soak the seed for 12 hours and then drain for 24 hours in the shade. Broadcast seed in the nursery evenly, over the water-covered soil surface.
- Apply seed at 40-45 kg seed/ha transplanted area.
- Apply both chemical and organic fertilizer in the field before the last plowing.
- Transplanting age: Short-medium duration varieties need 20-25 days and long-duration varieties need 30-40 days in nursery after seeding.
- Transplant in lines into puddled and water-covered fields.
- Maintain water coverage in field
For direct seeding:
- Prepare the field by plowing at least three to four times and harrowing once – Compare the seed size and clod size, both should be of similar size for better seed-soil contact.
- Level the soil surface.
- Apply and incorporate basal fertilizer before the last plowing or at 10 days after establishment.
