Methods of Organic Rice Farming

Rice is the most important food crop of India that covers about one-fourth of the total cropped area and providing food to about 50% of the Indian population. Rice comes in thousands in varieties having different and unique properties. Among all the rice varieties, Organic rice is one of them which is most appreciated by the health freaks people. 

Whole grain organic brown rice is an excellent source of healthy nutrients such as fiber, and essential minerals while lower in calories.

Since organic foods, such as organic rice manufactured by the rice industry, are less processed than non-organic foods, it means they contain less artificial colorings, flavorings, sweeteners, and preservatives. Generally, Rice loses its essential nutrients when its outer husk is removed during the refinement process. But organic rice maintains its nutrients during the processing.

Rice suppliers in India supplies the four types of organic rice which are given below:

•          Organic 1121 Basmati Rice

•          Organic 1509 Basmati Rice

•          Organic Sugandha basmati rice

•          Organic Sharbati basmati rice

Health benefits of organic rice

•          Good source of magnesium

•          Pesticide-free

•          Promote weight loss

•          Rich source of Antioxidant

•          Control Blood Pressure

Climate a requirement for organic rice cultivation

The organic rice crop requires a high temperature, high humidity, and optimum moisture during its growth. The average temperature ranges from 21 to 35 degrees.  Organic rice requires more uniform and warm conditions to enable more than one crop to be taken per year. High yielding rice crop obtained where abundant water supply, high humid sunshine is available.

Soil a requirement for rice cultivation

The soil used in growing organic rice needs to have an adequate water holding capacity. Silt-clay, loam, and clay are a few of the soil textures which are best for rice farming. The pH of the soil must be 7 or 6, but rice requires pH ranging from 4 to 8. Besides, horizontal lands are better for rice farming to allow balanced water distribution.

The following methods of rice cultivation are practiced in India

1. Broadcasting method

This is the easiest method in which seeds are sown broadcast by hand. It is applied to dry and less fertile areas where do not have much labor to work in the fields.

2. Drilling method

Sowing of seeds and plowing of land is done by two persons and it is mostly done in peninsular India.

3. Transplantation method

This method is practiced in those areas where have adequate rainfall, the soil is fertile and the plentiful supply of labor. Initially, seeds are sown in nursery beds and the seedling is prepared. After 5 weeks the seedlings are uprooted and these seedlings are planted in the field. The whole process is done by hand. Whether this method is very complex, but at the same time, it gives the highest yields.

4. Japanese method

This method includes a heavy amount of fertilizers with high yielding variety of seeds. Sowing the seeds and transplanting the seedlings in rows so as to make weeding and fertilizing easy. This method is adopted for getting high yields.

Seed selection in rice cultivation/ use the best quality seed

Organic rice manufactures selected the best quality seeds which reduce the required seeding rate and getting a proper yield of the crop. Rice manufacturers in India bought a certified seed to raise healthy seedlings.

Select a level field with well-maintained bunds and easy access.

·         Use high quality fully mature and well developed

·         Use clean, pure, and healthy seeds.

·         Seeds should be free from impurities or bad storage

·         Use seeds having a high germinating capacity in order to get a high yield

·         Do a float test on the seed before planting and remove any seeds that float.

Land preparation for rice planting

Land preparation is done when the rice field is ready for planting.  It includes a dry, semi-dry and wet system.  It recycles plant nutrients and provides a soft soil for transplanting.

1. Dry and semi-dry system

Dry preparation is typically practiced in those areas where labor and water are scarce. In this method, the soils are not puddled and there is no standing water in the field. In addition, it requires less water and is effective for soil aeration.

2. Wet system

A wet preparation system is the most common way of preparing flat fields. Wet preparation has a high water requirement, in this method; the soil is tilled in a saturated or flooded condition. It helps improve weed control and facilitates the incorporation of nutrients in the soil.

Control pests and disease effectively

Every year 37% of the crops are destroyed due to pests and disease. Timely and accurate diagnosis and good crop management can reduce the losses. In order to control the pest and disease that affects the rice crop, organic manufacturers in India following recommendations that are given below:

·         Practice good cleaning of equipment.

·         Clean the field between seasons by maintaining & repairing bunds.

·         Use clean seeds and resistant varieties.

·         Do not over apply fertilizer.

·         Do not apply pesticides within 40 days of planting

Irrigation in rice cultivation

Rice crops require abundant water throughout the growing season. Water scarcity is a major issue for rice crops. To overcome the water scarcity, the drip irrigation method and popular system of rice intensification(SRI) method are adopted that uses around 120 to 150 lakh liters per hectare to produce 7 tonnes of rice. Keeping regular water to give access to the roots of rice plants is vital as if the roots do not have access to the water lower quality yields can be produced.

Harvesting on time

It is very important to harvest the crop on time to maximize yields and grain quality.  If crops are harvested too early it may have many unfilled and immature grains. Immature grains can break easily when milled and will not germinate when used for seed. If crops are harvested late, heavy losses may occur through shattering and bird attacks.  For harvesting, medium varieties 26 to 30 days after flowering and for tall varieties 36 to 40 days are recommended. In concern of organic rice crop, it should be harvested when Grain moisture is between 20–23%, which is normally about 30 days after flowering.

Yielding

Total yield can vary depending on various factors such as chosen variety, soil type, cultivation method, and farm management practices. With modern improved varieties, rice production can be expected from 1500 to 2000 kg per acre.

EndNote

Indeed organic rice is an incredibly versatile grain as it is natural and unprocessed food. It needs plenty of heat, plenty of rain, plenty of alluvium and plenty of labor to provide plenty of food for plenty of people. There is no other food crop that is as plentiful as rice in India. 

If you choose these healthy grains, you will make a wise choice for your health. To buy impurity-free organic rice at the reasonable cost, you can contact to organic rice manufacturers in India.