ICAR advises farmers to irrigate rice land every 4-5 days

According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the Northwest region received 32 per cent less rainfall in the first half of July (from July 1 to July 13).

"The rice plants are in their growing stage, so they need more water. Therefore, we advise the farmers to keep the field wet and perform light irrigation every 4-5 days," said D K Sharma, the Director of the Central Soil Salinity Research Institute (CSSRI), an arm of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).

"The farmers must note that the rice fields do not get cracks, which is harmful for rice crops," Sharma added.

Punjab and Haryana, known as the "grain bowl of the country", are major rice producing states of the country. Paddy sowing activities are on in full swing in these states.

According to the IMD, the country received good rain in June, but by July 13, it received 19 per cent less rain than the long period average (LPA).

Haryana received 363 mm of rainfall this season, which is 7 per cent less than normal.

"Evaporation rate is 5 mm per day and humidity is around 88, which is considered normal for rice crops," said the head of the Karnal (Haryana)-based CSSRI.

The CSSRI scientists also advised farmers to immediately spray insecticides if they notice any insect or infection.

The most common enemy for rice crops in this region are stem borers, which attack the stems of the rice plants.

"The rice crops in saline soil need 25 per cent more nitrogen fertiliser than normal soil. In alkaline soil, the farmers should also use zinc sulphate," said another CSSRI scientist, R S Tripathi.