Mkulima today as a nation we import a lot of rice because our own production is not enough to meet the ever-growing demand.Tips on getting into profitable rice farming. The government has launched several initiatives in order to boost food security in the country. One of these steps is through irrigation. Rice farming is one of the largest crops under irrigation and the government is counting on it.

Want to achieve a better harvest or perhaps a bigger income follows this package of technology for rice. it produces healthier rice plants and a plentiful yield.

Quality and abundant harvest create better income.

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Land preparation

Tips on getting into profitable rice farming starts with land preparation would take about three to four weeks, flood the field with water to soften the soil.

This is also to avoid unwanted weeds from growing.

Filling the field with water can be rain-fed or by irrigation. Plow the land either by using a hand tractor or care about attached with a plow.

This is done to turn over the soil and bury weeds, as well as the remains of the previous crops.

Doing this will allow these materials to be incorporated into the soil and to be decomposed.

When the land has been plowed, harrow, the fields twice at a one-week interval, this is done to smoothen the soil and to achieve better tilth for better growth of the rice plant

The field then should be leveled evenly using a wooden plank or leveler.

This is to make sure that the field is flat and for water to be evenly distributed in all parts of the field

Planting

Planting can be done in two ways, either by transplanting pre-grown seedlings in seabeds or by direct seeding. For direct seeding, pre germinate the seeds by submerging the seeds in water for about 24 hours.

Then incubate the seeds for another 24 hours. Broadcast them the seeds evenly throughout the field.

Drain the field from zero to nine days after selling. This will ensure you have good seedling emergence.

For transplanting prepare a small portion of the field for a wet bed. Preparation of seedbeds are done simultaneously, or even before land preparation.

This is where the seedlings will be grown for 15 to 21 days before it can be uprooted and transplanted.

Maintain around two to three centimeters water depth to prevent the hardening of the soil during seedling pulling.

Up root rice seedlings for transplant by holding two to three seedlings close to the root, then gently pull out the seedlings towards you. Rice seedlings are now ready for transplant

Transplant

Transplant uprooted seedlings manually by planting them in rows with 20 by 20 spacing at a depth of two to three centimeters.

Ensure you consult an expert for the quantity of fertilizer to be applied. The crop manager or RCM also provides farmers with personalized guidelines depending on their rice variety

Fertilizer

Cast fertilizer evenly into the field. This provides for nutrients needed by the rice plant in the early stage of growth or the tillering stage. Late application will slow down the growth of the rice plant and will reduce yield.

Controlling the emergence of weeds is done as needed by spraying herbicide.

Spraying can also be done before planting to prevent further development of weeds.

The top dress is done when the rice plant is reaching its panicle initiation stage.

This is about 35 to 55 days after planting. Depending on the rice variety used apply top dress into the field evenly.

The top dress provides nitrogen and potassium plus sulfur calcium and chlorine.

With these nutrients present in top dress, rice plants have a strengthened resistance against pests and diseases and will survive unfavorable weather.

Doing all these will lead to you having a better yield while applying top dress too late can result in decreased yield and poor harvest

Pests

Pests can be prevented by monitoring the fields regularly.

Early detection of possible pests and diseases is important to control these before causing damage.

At the instance of a pest and disease incidents, consultant agronomist on how to address the problem.

Water must be maintained at three to five centimeters throughout to avoid the emergence of weeds.

Harvesting

One week before the expected harvest time drain the field of the water is still available.

This will help hasten uniform, grain maturity, and facilitate harvest and post-harvest operation Rice crops must be harvested when 80 to 85% of the grains are ready or have a golden yellow color.

Harvesting can be done manually using Sickles and size or mechanically with the use of a mechanical harvester.
Harvesting the crop on time is very important to maximize yields and grain quality.

Crops harvested too early. We’ll have grains that break easily and a poor milling recovery.

If crops are harvested late, grains may fall from the Pentacles leading to losses,

Follow the proper package of technology to maximize yields and minimize loss.

Proper practices will lead to better harvest leading to a better farmer’s life MKULIMATODAY.COM, the country’s top leader in soil-specific crop-specific fertilization technology.Tips on getting into profitable rice farming.

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