Method of Raising Seedling of Rice for Transplantation
Rice is one of the major cereal crops belong to gramineae family. It is the major stable food crop for Asian countries ; India , Nepal , Bangladesh . It is the number one crop in term of cultivation , production and consumption in Nepal.
It is generally cultivated in tropical and sub-tropical region but some varieties can be grown in high hill. Rice can be sown in main field, known as direct seed rice ( DSR). But in Nepal majority of farmers raised rice seedling in nursery bed and then transplanted in main field. Some of the method of seedling raise in nursery are
Dry bed method
This method is generally adopt in rainfed area where there is deficiency of irrigation water. Application of organic manure in soil is followed by 2-3 ploughing and planking. Individual beds are made for seed sowing of 1.5m width, 8-10cm height and 8-10m length with 30 spacing between beds. Seed can be broadcast or line sowing with row distance 10cm. 500m2 seed bed required for 1 ha field.
Wet bed method
It is generally practiced in irrigated area. Land preparation is done by 2-3 ploughing and planking followed by puddling. Individual beds are prepared with dimension same as dry bed. Pre-sprouted seed are broadcasted. Seedling is ready after 20-25 DAS for transplant.
Dapog bed method
This method was introduced from Philippines in Nepal. In this method, seedling can raise on open field, polythene, wooden platform, banana leaf and sides are supported by wood.
The pre-sprouted seed are broadcast heavily without soil. So sprinkle water 3 times daily to maintain depth upto 1cm. The area requirement is only 40m2 per hector. Seedling are ready within 2 weak.
Modified Dapog method
This method is overcomes the drawback of Dapog method. In this method, seed bed or platform are filled with sand or ash upto 2.5cm . Pre-sprouted seed are sown and covered with gunny bags for about 3 days and irrigate water twice a day and maintain upto 1cm. Seedling are ready within 2 weeks.
Seedling quality have effect on rice production so, good quality seedling need to produce .
Writer: Birbal Tamang