Direct-seeded rice saves money, water and labour. Validated RNRRS Output.

Abstract

This is one of 280 summaries describing key outputs from the projects run by DFID's 10-year Renewable Natural Resources Research Strategy (RNRRS) programmes.

Summary for Project titles: R7377: Development of sustainable weed management systems in direct seeded, irrigated rice and R8233: Promotion of integrated weed management for direct seeded rice in the Gangetic Plains of India.

A suite of new techniques associated with direct-seeding of rice has the potential to secure and sustain India's rice bowl—the Indo Gangetic Plains. The time is ripe for alternatives to transplanted irrigated rice, as the system used now is threatened by increasing shortages of irrigation water, higher energy costs, and the rising cost of labour. Recommendations on managing weeds, and on how and when to plant, have been produced for areas with different soils, rainfall and ploughing methods. Plus, decision-support tools are available for extension workers and farmers that present the choice of technology options for direct-seeded rice in a farmer-friendly way.

The CD has the following information for this output: Description, Validation, Current Situation, Environmental Impact. Attached PDF (10 pp.) taken from the CD.

Citation

CPP29, New technologies, new processes, new policies: tried-and-tested and ready-to-use results from DFID-funded research, Research Into Use Programme, Aylesford, Kent, UK, ISBN 978-0-9552595-6-2, p 34.

Published 1 January 2007