Rice Production and Processing Quiz

Post-Harvest Management

• After harvesting, proper water management is essential to maintain soil moisture levels and prevent waterlogging.
• Water may be drained from the field to facilitate soil drying and decomposition of crop residues.
• Irrigation scheduling should be adjusted based on weather conditions and the moisture needs of the soil and upcoming crops.

Pest and Disease Management

• Monitoring paddy fields for pest and disease outbreaks is important after harvest to prevent damage to the next crop.
• Integrated pest management (IPM) practices, including cultural, biological, and chemical control methods, should be implemented as needed to manage pest and disease pressure effectively.

Crop Rotation

• Rotating rice with other crops in the cropping system helps break pest and disease cycles, improve soil health, and enhance overall crop productivity.
• Crop rotation options should be considered based on local agro-climatic conditions, market demand, and agronomic practices.

Direct Sowing Cultivation

• Direct sowing cultivation is a method that cultivates rice by sowing seeds directly in paddy fields without transplanting.
• Direct sowing methods include direct sowing in flooding paddy field and that in well-drained paddy field.
• Seeds coated with calcium peroxide (Calper) or iron are used to improve budding.

Sparse Planting

• Sparse planting is a cultivation method that reduces planting density by widening the intrarow spacing set by rice transplanters.
• Widening the interrow spacing from 15 cm to 28 cm can reduce the number of nursery boxes by more than 40%.

Rice for Livestock Feed

• Rice for livestock feed requires drying to reduce moisture content from 20-27% to 14-15% using heated-air.
• Brown rice is prepared by hulling, removing any rice fragments, and then packing in 30 kg rice bags and flexible containers.

Residue Management

• After harvesting, the remaining plant residues should be managed properly by incorporating them back into the soil through plowing or mulching.
• This helps improve soil organic matter content, enhances soil structure, and promotes nutrient recycling.

Weed Control

• Controlling weed growth is essential to prevent competition for resources and ensure the success of the next crop.
• Weed control methods may include manual removal, herbicide application, or mechanical cultivation.

Soil Preparation

• Paddy fields should be prepared for the next planting season by leveling the soil surface, breaking up soil clods, and ensuring proper drainage.
• This may involve plowing, harrowing, or using appropriate machinery to achieve a fine seedbed for planting.

Soil Testing and Fertilization

• Conducting soil tests after harvest helps assess nutrient levels and pH balance in the soil.
• Appropriate fertilization strategies can be implemented based on the nutrient requirements of the upcoming crop and local agronomic recommendations.