Rice
Oryza sativa
Overview
Rice is a major Kharif crop grown in Pakistan, particularly in Sindh and Punjab provinces.
Cultivation Information
Climate Requirements
Hot and humid climate. Temperature 25-35°C with high humidity during growing season.
Soil Requirements
Clay to clay loam soil. Can tolerate waterlogged conditions. pH 5.5-7.0 is ideal.
Planting Season
May to July (Kharif season)
Planting Method
Transplanting method. Prepare nursery beds 25-30 days before transplanting.
Seed Rate
15-20 kg/acre
Spacing
20 x 15 cm
Irrigation Requirements
Flooded field irrigation. Maintain 2-3 inches of standing water during vegetative growth.
Fertilizer Requirements
NPK: 100:60:40 kg/hectare. Split nitrogen application in 3 doses.
Harvesting Time
120-140 days
Expected Yield
30-35 maunds/acre
Disease Management
Common Diseases
Blast, Bacterial leaf blight, Sheath blight, Brown spot
Symptoms
Diamond-shaped lesions, yellowing of leaves, rotting of stems
Prevention
Use resistant varieties, avoid excessive nitrogen, proper water management
Treatment
Fungicide spray: Tricyclazole for blast, Carbendazim for sheath blight
Pest Management
Common Pests
Stem borer, Rice leaf folder, Brown plant hopper, Rice bug
Pest Control
Light traps, pheromone traps, proper water management
Recommended Treatments
Recommended Pesticides
Cartap hydrochloride, Imidacloprid, Chlorpyrifos
Recommended Fungicides
Tricyclazole, Carbendazim, Validamycin
Organic Solutions
Neem extract, Azadirachtin, Trichoderma, crop rotation
Additional Information
Best Practices
Proper seedling age, optimum plant density, balanced fertilization, timely pest control
Market Information
Peak harvest: October-November. Government procurement available at support price.
Storage Tips
Dry to 14% moisture. Store in gunny bags in dry, airy place. Check regularly for weevils.
