Assam Rice

RICE IN ASSAM
Status Paper on Rice in Assam
T. Ahmed*; S.K. Chetia, R. Chowdhury and S. Ali

*Chief Scientist Regional Agricultural Research Station Titabar-785625 Assam, INDIA
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For more Information contact: Visit Rice Knowledge Management Portal http://www.rkmp.co.in Rice Knowledge Management Portal (RKMP) Directorate of Rice Research, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad 500030. Email: naiprkmp@gmail.com, pdrice@drricar.org, shaiknmeera@gmail.com Ph: 91-40-24591218, 295 Fax: 91-40-24591217
RICE IN ASSAM
I.
INTRODUCTION Assam is one of the seven states of northeast India, which is located between 240 N and
28018/ N latitudes and 890.4/E and 9600/ E longitudes. The State is surrounded by Arunachal Pradersh, Nagaland, Manipur and Myanmar in the East Mizoram, Tripura and Meghalaya in the South Bangladesh and West Bengal in the West and Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh in the North. The state is surrounded by many hills in all directions. The total geographic area of Assam is 78523 sq. km with a population of 2.6 crores as per census 2001. The two main rivers viz., the Brahmaputra and the Barak flow through the state with 40 and 7 major tributaries each, respectively. The Brahmaputra valley occupies about 5.6 million ha with 24 administrative districts while the Barak valley is about 0.7 million ha with 3 districts. The Brahmaputra flows from the east (Sadiya) to west (Dhubri). The altitude at Sadiya is 134 m while in Dhubri it is 35 m. The Brahmaputra valley is an alluvial plain having varying topography. The Barak River flows from east to west through undulating plains. There are two hill districts viz. Karbi Anglong and North Cachar Hills in the state occupying about 1.5 million ha. The hills constitute a part of the Barail and the Meghalaya ranges with maximum altitude of about 1000 m above mean sea level. Thus the state has three distinct physiographic units - the plains, the plateaus and the hills. The state has its climatic and physiographic features favourable for rice cultivation and the crop is grown in a wide range of agro-ecological situations. It is grown from hill slopes of KarbiAnglong to very deep-water areas of North Lakhimpur and Dhemaji during very wet humid months to drier period of the year. Wide variation of physiographic features and climatic characteristics have resulted three distinct growing seasons of rice viz., ahu (Feb /March - June /July), sali (June /July - Nov /December) and boro (Nov /December -May /June). To match with diverse land situations encountered with varying growing season, diverse varieties are traditionally grown in the state since unknown past. Ahu or autumn rice is grown during February/March to June/July and it covers 4 lakh hectares (16 percent of gross rice area) to contribute 11 percent of rice production. This class of varieties are photoperiod insensitive and can be grown as early ahu as pre-flood crop in flood affected areas where as normal ahu is grown in the areas where risk of flood is minimal.
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Table 1 : Agricultural classes of indigenous rice in Assam Seasonal class* Growing season March/April A. Ahu Duration Remarks 80-130 Photoperiod insensitive, early
maturing usually broadcast, grown under variable water depth (0-25cm). In Barak valley, ahu rice is further classified as Dumai, Murali and Chengri. 80-90 Generally kernelled 90-100 -dogrown broadcast, Red
(Autumn rice)
Dumai
Murali 90-100 Chengri >100 Ahu (transplanted) June/July B. Sali (winter rice) Nov.Dec 150-180 Photoperiod sensitive, long duration, grown transplanted under variable water depth (0-30cm) There are sub classes like sali, lahi and joha based on the grain characteristics 150-180 Sali Coarse grained called sail in Barak valley Grown transplanted -do-
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150-180 Lahi 150-180 Joha 150-180 Boro 150-180 Chakuwa April/May Asra Dec./Jan 240-270
Medium grained
Scented, fine grained
Glutinous or sticky rice, called birain in Barak valley Soft rice with low amylose content
Medium deep water rice, grown broadcast or transplanted in the low lying areas, can endure water
depth<100 cm. Sown at the time of ahu rice is sown and harvested at the time when sali rice is harvested. April/May Bao Dec/Jan 270-300 Deep water or floating rice, normally grown broadcast, can endure water depth>100 cm. Sown at the time when ahu rice is sown and harvested at the time when sali rice is harvested. Nov.-May/June C. Boro 180-200 Photoperiod insensitive, cold tolerant at the vegetative stage, grown
(Summer rice)
transplanted, traditionally in the beel and marshy land situation with minimal or no tillage.
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Mar/April D. Hill Rice Sep/Oct.
to 210-250
Photoperiod insensitive. Grown in hills slope as direct seeded.
*Based
on
the time of harvest.
(Jhum)
III. ZONAL INFORMATION a. Climate: By and large the climate of Assam is subtropical with warm humid summer and cool dry winter. Due to its large variation of physiography, the state has a very wide variation of climatic conditions. Climate of North East (NE) India, including Assam is distinct from that of the rest of India due to special features like topography, alternating pressure cells over NE India and Bay of Bengal, predominant maritime tropical air mass, the roving periodic Western disturbances and the Local Mountain and valley winds. The climate of the Brahmaputra and Barak valley are characterized by hot and wet summer and mild to moderately cold dry winter. India enjoys a typical monsoonal climate and Assam is no exception. Four distinct seasons viz., Pre-monsoon (March-May), Monsoon (June-September), Post-monsoon (Oct-Nov) and winter (Dec-Feb) are quite obvious in the State. Pre-monsoon is not very hot in this State. Rainfall starts generally from the 3rd week of March and the weather becomes pleasant. During winter and premonsoon seasons, due to western disturbances bring precipitation in the region. The State gets more than 60% of the annual precipitation during monsoon season, which starts in the 1st week of June. Because of the movement of the trough line towards north of India (around Himachal) or due to weak depressions in Bay of Bengal, sometimes the monsoons get weaker after it starts blowing. This leads to a dry spells of 7-15 day duration during the season. It is called monsoon break and is deleterious to the crops, particularly to the standing paddy crop. The season is characterized by flood, inundation and water logging. Almost along the Brahmaputra and Barak valley, the ground water level comes to the surface. The monsoon season receives maximum amount of rainfall (62-65 % of annual rainfall) followed by pre-monsoon (20-23%), post-monsoon (68%) and winter (2-3%) season.
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b. Soil Type Soil of Assam are described as to have been originated from residual or transported materials. The residual material is derived from the rocks of Archeans age which consists mainly of gneiss, schists and granites. The transported type consists of material brought from flowing rivers from Himalaya and Assam. pH ranges from acidic to heavily acidic in most of the areas. The low pH status is due to the leaching of bases under the influence of heavy rainfall. The major soil groups identified are : Recent Riverine, Old Riverine, Old Mountain, Non Laterized, Laterized. The salient features of soil groups are presented in Table 2. Table 2: Major soil groups and the area Major Group Recent riverine Alluvial (Entisols) Old riverine Alluvial (Inceptisols) Sandy loam to loam, Dibrugarh, Jorhat, Sivasagar & Silty clay loam Silty clay a and clay part of Golaghat, Sandy loam, Silty loam Sivasagar, Kamrup, Goalpara Soil Soil Type Feature of the Soil Area (Districts)
Lakhimpur, Sonitpur, Darrang, Nalari, Kokrajhar, Barpeta, Dhubri, Nagaon, Kamrup & Goalpara.
Old Mountain Alluvial valley (Alfisols)
Heavy/Low permeability
Lakhimpur, Sonitpur, Darrang, Nalbari, Barpeta, Kokrajhar, Nagaon, part of Karbi
Anglong, Dibrughar, Jorhat, Golaghat, Karimganj

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Cachar
and
RICE IN ASSAM
Non laterized
Red (Ultisols)
Soil (a)
Ferrugenous Red Karbi Anglong, North Cachar, Soil Loamy having Kamrup, Goalpara, Cachar, granular structure Karimganj
(b)
Ferrugenous gravelly Small gravels soil,
Laterized
Red (Ultisols)
Soil (a)
High Laterized
Land Low lying areas, Cachar & some part of Kamrup and Level Goalpara
(b)
Ground
Laterized Red Soil (c) Pear Beel Soils
C. Rainfall distribution: Rainfall distribution follows a typical monsoon pattern with peak precipitation during monsoon and scanty rainfall in winter. The highest rainfall occurs during JulyAugust. A rain-shadow belt comprising Karbi Anglong and Nagaon extending partly to Golaghat is conspicuous during the season. Monsoon rainfall in this belt is about 750-1100 mm which then increases in all directions. During the season, Upper Brahmaputra Valley Zone (UBVZ), Lower Brahmaputra Valley Zone (LBVZ) and the Barak valley receive respectively 1500-2500 mm, 10003100 mm and 1300-2300 mm of rainfall. Monsoon is withdrawn normally around 20th October. During post-monsoon season the Hills Zone receives the least rainfall. UBVZ, LBVZ and Barak Valley receive 160-200 mm of rainfall. Winter is the driest period. Local circulations and western disturbances bring some precipitation. During pre-monsoon season thunder storms and local convectional currents produce cumulus clouds. Hailstorms are common feature during the season.
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The annual rainfall over Assam is as high as 3900 mm in the extreme northwest and extreme northeast hilly tracks of the state. The Barak valley also receives rainfall between 2000 and 4200 mm. except the rain shadow belt of Karbi Anglong and Nagaon districts, where the annual rainfall is around 1000 mm, the rainfall in other parts of the Brahmaputra valley and the Barak valley varies from 2000 to 3900 mm. The rainfall gradually increases from the rain shadow area towards the upper and the Lower Brahmaputra Valley Zones as well as Barak Valley Zone. Excepting the central part and a part of the lower Brahmaputra valley the rest of Assam has dependable rainfall and in these areas potential evapotranspiration (PET) is less than the precipitation for greater part of the year. PET varies from 995 mm Dibrugarh to 1722 mm in Nagaon in the Brahmaputra valley and 1186 mm in the Barak valley. The average maximum temperature ranges from 23.60C to 31.70C and minimum temperature varies from 10.00C to 24.20C. The average minimum temperature is about 100C in December/January while maximum of 320C is attained in July/August. However, the minimum temperature drops to as low as 60 C while maximum shoots up to 370 C in some years. On an average, the relative humidity is more than 80% in almost all the locations of Assam throughout the year. Even during dry winter months, the average relative humidity is never below 75% in the region. The state receives 4 hours sunshine/day during kharif and 6 hours in rabi. Average solar radiation indicates that the radiation interception is only 36-38% of the sunshine hours during June to August due to overcast sky while during November to February it is 70-74%. During winter months too, the radiation interception is low due to foggy weather. d. Agro-climatic zones Based on the rainfall pattern, terrain and soil characteristics, Assam has been delineated into six agro-climatic zones viz. North Bank Plain Zone (Darrang, Sonitpur, Lakhimpur, Dhemaji districts), Upper Brahmaputra Valley Zone (Golaghat, Jorhat, Sivasagar, Dibrugarh, Tinsukia districts), Central Brahmaputra Valley Zone (Nagaon, Marigaon districts), Lower Brahpamutra Valley Zone (Goalpara, Dhubri, Kokrajhar, Bongaigaon, Kamrup, Nalbari, Barpeta districts), Barak Valley Zone (Cachar,
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RICE IN ASSAM
Karimganj, Hailakandi districts) and Hill Zone (North Cachar Hills, Karbi Anglong districts) with 18.37, 20.40, 7.08, 25.75, 8.9 and 19.4% respectively of states total area .
Table 3 : Agro-Climatic Zones of Assam. No. Agro-climatic Zones Districts Area Km2 Area percent Popula-tion Percent A. North Plain Zone Bank Lakhimpur, Darrang, Udalguri B. Upper Brahmaputra Valley Zone C. Central Brahmaputra Valley Zoner D. Lower Brahmaputra Valley Zone Dhubri, Borpeta, Chirang, 20222 Baksa, Goalpara, Bongaigaon, Kokrajhar, 25.8 34.7 Gossaigaon Dibrugarh, Sivasagar, Golaghat Nagoan, Morigaon 5561 7.1 11.5 Shillongani Tinsukia 16013 Jorhat, 20.4 22.21 Titabar Sonitpur, 14421 Dhemaji, 18.4 16.7 Headquarter of Regional Station North Lakhimpur
Kamrup(R &M), Nalbari E. Barak Zone F. Hill Zone Valley Cachar, Karimganj Karbi Cachar Anglong, North 15222 19.4 3.2 Diphu Hailakandi, 6962 8.9 11.7 Karimganj
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e. Rice & cultural heritage in the State Assam is traditionally a rice growing area. Rice plays a pivotal role in the socio-cultural life of the people of the state. The crop has enormous diversity in the region, which has resulted due to highly variable rice growing ecosystems. Besides, the region is inhabited by a large number of ethnic groups whose preference also varies from one another. All these factors are responsible for evolution of a large number of varieties in the region. Most of these have been in use from time immemorial with traditional method of preparation. Unknowingly people have selected many useful cultivars, which have commercial value in the present day world in which people prefer to have varieties of tastes. Some of the special classes of rice in the state include joha or aromatic rice, bora or waxy rice and chokuwa or soft rice. Joha ( aromatic rice) : Joha rice in the state are short to medium slender/bold grained unlike Basmati rice which are long slender grains. This indigenous cultivars cook non-sticky and tasty while cooked Basmati grains remain separated. The elongation ratio of joha rice is 1.4 times. However, aroma of this class of rice is as high as Basmati. The price of this class of rice is high as compared to any other rice in the domestic market. Joha rice is used in the preparation of Kheer (payas), polao and other vegetarian and non-vegetarian items. Similar aromatic varieties are also found in many S.E. Asian countries. Bora or waxy rice: The waxy rice or glutinous rice known as bora in vernacular, is grown by the farmers of the state to meet up their domestic consumptions. This class of rice is required to prepare a number of food items during any festival, religious occasions and ceremonies. Many communities in the region also prepare high class rice beer out of bora rice. Glutinous rice also has an enormous diversity in the region. The grain of the glutinous rice are opaque and cooked sticky due to its chemical constituent known as amylopectin, a component of the starch. They also cook easy and preparations can be preserved for long time. Traditionally many items are prepared. Mention may be made about pithas (biscuit like confectionaries) chira (flaked rice), hurum (expanded waxy rice), Sunga chaol (roasted rice inside bamboo internode), Sandohguri (fried rice powder) and rice beers.
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Glutinous rice seems to have attracted many companies outside the state for preparation of instant and packet food, battery component etc. There is also possibility for preparation of glue, beverages etc. Till now Food and Chemical Company, Varodara, PICRIC, New Delhi, Emami Food Products,Mumbai demanded for glutinous varieties from AAU. Chokowa or soft rice : This is another class of rice used for instant preparations. Similar class of rice is also not known in other parts of the world. Its preparations are very popular in community feasts and festivals in Assam. Komol chaol (soft rice) are prepared from this class of rice by boiling paddy followed by one drying and then dehusking them is very common and popular in rural Assam. This preparation can be preserved for quite long time and can be consumed instantly by soaking the rice either in cold or hot water for a brief period of time and then consumed with sugar or molasses, milk or curd and even with salts and oils and pickles. These preparations seems to be useful for sailors, travelers, mountaineers, defense personal etc. However, not much have been done so far either in research or popularising them elsewhere in the country. Rice powders and flake rice prepared from chokowa rice are very tasty and preferred by the local people of the area. IV. RICE PRODUCTION SCENIREO a. Area Sali or winter rice is dominant crop of the State covering17 lakh hectares (71 percent of rice area) and contributing 73 percent of the total rice production. Sali class mainly includes normal Sali (Sali with coarse grain, Lahi with medium grain), Joha (scented), Chakua (semi glutinous), Bora (glutinous), Late Sali, Asra (up to water depth 100 cm), Bao (deep water or floating rice). Asra and Bao are sown at the same time (March/April) as normal ahu crop though harvested in November/December as any other Sali crop. Asra and Bao have the capacity to withstand water stagnation or flood to various levels where as late Sali is mainly suitable as post flood crop in flood endemic and also when ahu crop is delayed due to late occurrence of monsoon in flood free double cropped areas. Out of 17 lakh hectares of Sali areas 12 lakh hectares come under flood free shallow lowland. Shallow lowland is as good as irrigated areas and high yielding varieties like Ranjit, Bahadur etc. can be fitted well and thus productivity of rice can be increased.
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Boro or summer rice is traditionally grown in low-lying areas during November to May. But with the installation of irrigation facilities particularly in the flood prone areas, the rice crop can be shifted from risk prone Sali areas to risk free season. In Assam boro and early ahu are grown in drier season and expansions of areas under these crops are the key to raise the productivity of rice in the State. Direct seeded ahu and sali rice is grown under rainfed condition while transplanted ahu and boro crop are grown in fields with irrigation facilities. Under rainfed ecosystem the crop is grown in upland (un-bunded), shallow lowland (0-30cm water), semi-deep (50-100 cm), deep- water (>100cm) conditions b. Production : The state is producing 4069986 MT of rice during 2008-09 from an area of 2484126 hectares of land area. The highest total production was recorded during sali 2924223 MT, followed by boro 771753 MT, ahu 374010 MT. c. Productivity; Ecosystem wise The highest productivity was recorded in boro (summer rice), 2142 kg. per hectare followed by Sali (winter rice) 1674 Kg. per hectare, ahu (autumn rice) 1084 Kg per hectare. The area, production and average yield of rice of Assam during 2008-09 is presented in the following table 4. Table 4: Area, production and average yield of rice of Assam during 2008-09 Particulars Area (hectares) Productivity (Kg./hectare) Production (MT) 374010 2924223 771753 4069986 1084 1674 2142 1638 Autumn rice 350649 Winter rice 1773211 Summer rice 360266 Total 2484126
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d. Yield gap and its reasons Though a number of technologies have been generated for the fragile rice growing environment of the state, most of them have not become popular in such situations. The rice yield in demonstration plots have been substantially more than the yield obtained by the farmers in their field. Therefore there is possibility of increasing the yield level in the farmers field.
Yield gaps of rice in Assam

6 5 4 3 2 1 0 Research Demonstration Farmer's yield station yield Yield 5.5 4.5 2.7
Table 5: Yield difference between Research Station and Farmers field Assam ( Kg/ha) Variety Ranjit Bahadur Luit Jaymati Lachit Season Sali Sali Late Sali Boro Ahu Research station yield 5500 5400 3500 4500 4000 FLD yield 4500 4500 3000 5500 3500
demonstration
yield in
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The reasons for the yield gap is presented below1. Vagaries of monsoon with weather aberrations. 2. Frequent flooding and water inundation in plains. 3. Periodic droughts in between showers in critical growth stages. 4. High incidence of insect pest due to high humidity. 5. Non adherence of recommended package and practices. 6. Inadequate availability of quality seeds. 7. Low light intensity during the Kharif season. 8. Lack of awareness about the new varieties/technologies. e. Major contributing factors in different ecologies In Assam, rice is grown throughout the state in wide range of seasons, soil type and water regimes. Flood is the major problem in the state, which affect all the three classes of rice. Sali rice is damaged in its vegetative stage while ahu and boro get affected during their reproductive and maturity stage due to inundation of low lying areas. Nearly 4 lakh hectares rice is chronically flood prone and in some years, the flood affected area is around 10 lakh hectares. Although all the districts have flood prone areas, yet Morigaon, Nalbari, Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Cachar and Karimganj districts have substantial low lying areas hit by flood every year. Submergence due to inundation causes mortality of tillers and the extent of yield loss depends on the intensity and the duration of flood. Although Assam receives very high amount of rainfall, yet its distribution is erratic over seasons and years. Rainfed ahu rice suffers from prolonged drought due to late arrival of monsoon while transplanted sali is affected by intermittent drought due to rainless periods during growing stages of the crop. Drought causes substantial yield loss in rice when it occurs in panicle initiation stage of the crop. There is a rain shadow area in the adjoining Karbi Anglong and Nagaon districts (e.g. Lanka, Hojai, Lumding, etc.). Sarupathar Sub-Division of Golaghat district (foothills of Nagaland) encounters regular drought in sali growing season causing severe yield loss.
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A large area under sali rice is low-lying and ill drained. Such areas get inundated either due to flood or rain water in the beginning of the season and remain submerged with more than 30 cm of water throughout the growing period. Continuous water logging causes problems for the farmers in preparing the land, transplanting, fertilizer application and sometimes in harvesting too. Due to continuous submergence, the soil remains under reduced condition and many toxic chemicals and gases are produced which affect the plant growth. Due to constant submergence, tillering remains low, iron toxicity symptoms appear on the leaves, attack of sheath blight is more and the plants lodge during reproductive stage. All these factors are responsible for yield reduction in rice grown in such areas. Boro is the most productive season for growing rice in Assam as the sky remains clear during crop growing period and is risk-free so far as flood and drought are concerned. Farmers are encouraged to take up its cultivation in the season when irrigation facilities are available. However, the main environmental factor limiting boro rice cultivation is the cold stress. Cool water and air temperature affect the seedling growth, tillering ability, plant height and crop duration and cause yellowing of leaves and high sterility (Pathak et al 1990). Minimum temperature falls down to as low as 100 C in the vegetative stage and 150 C during PI that are detrimental for obtaining potential yield. The effect of cold is more severe in the districts of Upper Assam (Golaghat, Jorhat, Sivasagar, Dibrugarh, Tinsukia). Therefore, boro rice is traditionally not grown in these districts. Cold also affects the late sali rice in reproductive stage causing poor panicle exertion, grain sterility and grain discoloration and deformation. Late sali rice comes to flowering in late October or November when the air temperature is around 150 C, which is detrimental in the reproductive stage. Effect of cold is seldom felt in ahu crop in the seedling or early vegetative stage causing stunted seedling growth and yellowing of leaves. It is a well established fact that temperature and solar radiation influence rice yield directly by affecting physiological processes involved in grain production. Solar radiation requirement for rice plant differs from one growth stage to another. In Assam, average bright sunshine hours (BSH) is less as compared to other states of the country due to overcast sky in summer and foggy forenoon
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in winter. The average BSH in sali season (June-November) is 5.1 h/day while in ahu (March-July) and boro (Nov-May) is 4.7 and 6 h/day respectively. depicts average BSH/day at different growth stages of rice in Assam. The insufficient solar radiation is the most important factor responsible for low productivity of rice in the State. Assam soil is acidic and rice is grown under submerged condition of the soil after puddling. The reduced condition of soil and low pH favour reduction of Fe3+ to Fe2+ and higher uptake of iron (Fe2+) can cause iron toxicity in rice plants showing symptoms of bronzing, low tillering, yield reduction, etc. The problem is seen usually in the rice fields with prolonged waterlogging in sali season. Continuous welling up of iron rich underground water through STWs for growing of boro rice might aggravate the physiological problems in the non-traditional areas. There are more than 20 species of insects that attack rice plant in Assam. Among them, stem borers attack the rice in all the seasons. There are three peaks of appearance of this pest. MarchApril peak is the major one followed by that of September and June-July. The first peak damages ahu and boro crop causing dead hearts and white ear heads respectively in the field. June/July peak affects sali rice in its seedling and early vegetative phase causing dead hearts and ahu rice in its reproductive phase. The September-October broods infest sali rice in reproductive stage showing white ear heads. Rice hispa is endemic to some pockets particularly in the low-lying areas in sali season. Gall midge is known to attack late-planted sali crops in particular while rice bug attack is very high in ahu, boro and early maturing sali varieties. Hot humid climate of Assam favours harbouring of a number of insect pests and diseases in the rice crop. Intensive cultivation of susceptible modern HYVs, overlapping growing seasons, use of high doses of chemical fertilizers and unjudicious use of plant protection chemicals have changed the pest and disease scenario in the State. Many of the diseases of rice, which are now of concern, were of least importance a few years back. Blasts, sheath blight, bacterial leaf blight are a few
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important diseases of rice in Assam. Sheath blight, BLB, sheath rot, leaf scald and rice tungro virus have assumed importance in recent years. Two nematode species are important to rice in Assam Ditylenchus angustus causing ufra disease and are menaces in deep water rice in Assam. Lakhimpur, Dhemaji and Jorhat districts in Assam are hot spot of ufra. The disease was recorded in 1977 in Assam for the first time. The disease causes yield loss of 30% on an average. Another nematode viz. Meloidogyne graminicola is destructive in upland ahu rice and seedbed. It can cause 32% yield loss in upland rice. High rainfall and tropical climatic conditions favour luxuriant weed growth in the State. They cause severe yield loss in rice crop if not managed properly. Weeds in direct seeded upland rice in Assam cause yield loss to the tune of 65% and in lowland transplanted rice the loss is about 29%. Ageratum conyzoides, Borreria articuleis, Cynodon dactylon, Cyperus rotundus, C. iria, Echinocloa crusgalli, Impereta cylindrica, Monochoria vaginalis, Oryza rufipogon are some of the important weeds of rice in the State. Farmers usually adapt mechanical weeding practices in the rice fields. In broadcast crop, interculture with bullock drawn rake (bindha) and hoeing are usually practised. Although a number of herbicides have been recommended, yet their use in farmers field is limited. F. Contribution to the GDP Agriculture is the mainstay of a large majority of the population of Assam. As per 2001 census, 53% of total work force is engaged in agricultural activities. The contribution of agriculture to Net State Domestic Product at current prices of the state is 26.4% in 2007-08 (advanced estimates). The agriculture in the state mostly depends on rainfall. One of the most serious problems adversely affecting the states agriculture is the recurrence of devastating floods almost every year. At present, rice occupies about two-third of the total cropped area in the state. Being the single major source of agricultural GDP, rice plays a significant role in the state economy. Further, its importance in the consumption basket (the average monthly consumption per capita is about 13kg) also speaks volumes on the rice orientation of the state.
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V. Region-wise/district-wise rice ecosystems The district wise area, production and productivity is presented in the Table 6. VI. Rice production and economic analysis Among the major crops of Assam (Rice, Wheat, Maize, Sugarcane, Pulse, Oilseeds, Jute, Vegetables and Spices) percentage of area under winter rice, autumn rice and summer rice area is 43.32%, 8.95% and 9.48% respectively. Among the food grains, percentage contribution of production of winter rice to the total food grain production is 66.48%, while it is 19.86% for summer rice and 9.28% for autumn rice. Annual percentage growth of area coverage, production and productivity of rice in Assam from 2003-04 to 2007-08. Area Production Productivity -1.68%
-1.52% -2.92%
Production and requirements of rice during 10th plan period and 1st year of 11th plan period {figures in lakh MT} Year Rice Production 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 37.38 38.80 34.70 35.52 29.16 Requirement 35.89 36.42 36.94 37.46 37.97 Surplus/Defecit(-) 1.49 2.38 -2.24 -1.94 -8.81
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2007-08
36.49
38.50
-2.01
VII. Rice and rice based cropping systems zone-wise Rice is grown in varied eco-system viz.; rainfed/irrigated upland, lowland, flood-free and flood prone, medium land, deep water and hill eco-system. Among the predominant crop sequences, the following; via. Autumn rice-winter rice-mustard, winter rice wheat/mustard/pulses, Jute-winter rice-vegetables and Autumn rice-winter rice are the main crop sequences followed in the rice-based production system. It is observed that diversification is taking place over the years, though the crop diversification index is heavily influenced by rice, which commands about 64 per cent of the gross cropped area. The share of rice in GCA has decreased by about 12 per cent in the last 50 years due to increase in the gross cropped area under other crops, hence the absolute rice area in the state remained unchanged by and large. In a positive side, the increase in area under boro rice has not only improved the utilization of rabi fallow, but enhance the cropping intensity to about 145 per cent. The oilseeds, such as rapeseed and mustard, and vegetables like potato have improved their position. Fibre crops particularly jute and mesta are the losers, whose absolute area has declined. Area under wheat recorded an increase, especially during mid-1980s to mid-1990s, thereafter started declining. Thus, changing cropping pattern made minimal impact in the sector.
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VIII. Rice growing seasons of different regions Rice growing seasons of different regions along with approximate area, production and productivity is presented in the following table. Zone Area (000 ha) Ahu Sali Boro Total Production (000 ha) Ahu Sali Boro Total Priductivity (kg/ha) Ahu Sali Bor o UB VZ CB VZ NB PZ LB VZ BV Z HZ 17.36 105.0 3 130.4 6 316.4 7 20.45 80.69 29.08 369.1 7 189.6 7 294.4 8 488.7 9 18.07 81.6 8 31.1 9 89.1 8 11.3 2 1.55 5.24 403.5 1 352.0 4 454.4 6 900.0 4 219.8 4 123.7 21.58 106.7 8 253.3 7 29.20 87.56 35.25 608.5 8 262.5 3 381.8 3 494.7 8 340.6 7 289.8 3 1.58 174.8 1 16.28 203.9 3 26.49 9.10 660.3 9 554.0 2 514.3 6 955.9 4 386.1 7 173.8 6 147 9 129 6 738 142 2 9.6 5 749 166 9 131 9 130 5 110 1 178 7 170 0 195 7 249 9 121 8 174 9 136 4 157 0 Tot al 163 7 158 1 114 8 109 5 172 1 152 9
Source: Basic Agricultural Statistics, Department of Agriculture, Government of Assam
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IX. Recommended package of practices Winter rice (Sali) Varieties: A. Transplanted normal Sali : i) Semi dwarf : IR-36U,Jaya,Pankaj,Lakhimi,Bahadur,Piolee,Kushal,Moniram, Ranjit,Kmj 10-2-2, TTB 101-15 ii) Glutinous :Rangalee,Bhogalee,Aghoni, Kmj 3-144,Kmj 2-9-2 iii) Multiple cropping :Satya,Basundhara, iv) Tall :Monoharsali,Mahsuri,Swarnaprova v) Scented Rice : Keteki jaha. B. Post flood transplanted (late Sali) :Manohar Sali,Biraj, Andrewasali,Solpona, Prasad bhog, Govindabahog, Kmj-1-19-1 C. Direct Seeded late Sali :Sonamukhi, Luit, Kapilee, Dishang N.B : .i)IR 50 is recommended for double cropped medium land rice areas where Jaya is grown as ahu in Barak Valley Zone.ii)Varieties with plant height more than 130cm are consideredas tall varieties New variety recommended for unfavourable rainfed lowlands: Prafulla, Gitesh New varieties recommended for rainfed, lowland flash flood affected areas: Jalashree, Jalkunwari New low input rice varieties recommended for lowlands: Gandhari, Mohan, Srimanta, Bharati
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RICE IN ASSAM
Seed Selection:Seeds are put in plain water, stirred well, sunk seeds areselected and the floated ones are rejected. Seed Treatment: A. Wet Method:After selection, the seeds should be soaked directly inone of the following fungicidal suspensions for 24 hours. Onelitre of fungicide solution is required to treat one kg of seed. Seed treatment a. Wet method Fungicide Concentration
Dithane M 45 2.5 g/L of water Captaf 2.5 g/L of water
b. Dry method Fungicide Concentration
Dithane M 45 2.5 g/kg of seed Captaf RAISING OF SEEDLINGS: A. Normal practice :a)Preparation of seed bed: Land is thoroughly puddle and seed beds of 10m length and 1.25m breadth are prepared with 30 cm gap in between the beds. The length of the bed may vary according to convenience. b)Manures and Fertilizers: In each seed bed 20-30 kg cowdung/compost, 80g urea, 80g SSP and 40g MOP are to be applied and mixed well with the soil. 2.5 g/kg of seed
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RICE IN ASSAM
c)Seed rate: Well germinated seeds are to be sown @ 650gto 1kg per bed depending on grain size. Requirement of seed for transplanting one hectare of main field is 40 to 45 kg. d)Water Management: Irrigation water should be applied in furrows to maintain saturated condition in the surface soil of the nursery bed. However, standing water to a depth of 2-3cm should be maintained at least 2-3 days before uprooting. e)Plant protection in seed bed :i)As soon as one or two blast spots are seen,Carbendazim @ 1g/lit or Ediphenphos @ 1 ml/lit of water is to be sprayed.ii)Root knot nematode: Same as in case of normal ahu .iii)Root dip treatment of seedlings: The uprooted seedlings are washed and then the root portion is dipped in 0.02%solution of chlorpyriphos (1 ml/lit of water) along with1% urea (10g/lit of water) for 3 hours as protective measure against stem borer, gall midge and hoppers. Alternatively, carbofuran @ 3g/sq.m or phorate or diazinon1g/sq.m is to be applied in the seed bed 5 to 7 days before uprooting of seedlings or spray Chlorpyriphos 20 EC @0.02% in the seed bed 5-7 days before uprooting. B.Mat nursery for mechanical transplanting: The success of mechanical transplanting (i.e. using selfpropelled rice transplanter or manually operated mechanical transplanter depends upon the quality of seedling. Therefore, all care should be taken to prepare good quality mat nursery. Preparation of mat nursery is described below: a. Materials required: Polythene sheet, wooden or iron frame, well pulverized & well-sieved soil, FYM, sprouted andtreated paddy seed. b. Preparation seed: Seeds are treated as per recommendation and kept immersed in water for one night in a jute bag. Seed bags are taken out of water and kept in open air for sufficient period till the length of sprouting becomes 1-2 mm. Lumps if any are broken gently to ensure uniform distribution. c. Dimension of plot to accommodate seedling: A leveled plot of land free from any undulation and grass, etc. should be selected to accommodate seedling bed. Three numbers of beds, with effective
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RICE IN ASSAM
length of 16 m and effective width of 1 m, each are needed to prepare seedlings for 1 ha of cropped area. Thedimension of the plot should be selected as per the seedling requirement. d. Frame: Removable frame is used to ensure uniform mat size. The dimension of the mat frame should be equal to the dimension of the tray of the machine. Wooden bar or mild steel bar (2.5cm 0.3 cm) may be used as the boundary of the frame. e. Preparation of soil cow dung mixture: The soil crushed and sieved (particle size less than 4 to 5 mm) is mixed with FYM in the ratio of 2.1. The FYM is also crushed to ensure homogenous mixture. The mixture should be free from stone or any other foreign objects. f. Preparation of seedling bed: Polythene sheets (130 cm 1650 cm) are placed on the selected plot of land. The frames are placed over the polythene sheet such that clear width remains100 cm. Pulverized soil-FYM mixture is used to fill up the frame over the sheet to have a bed dimension 100 cm 1600 cm 1.5 cm. Wooden mallet may be used to level as well as to provide mild compaction to the soil-FYM mixture. g. Sowing of sprouted seeds: Sprouted seeds are uniformly sown in the soil bed at the rate of about 1 kg/sq.m. Beds are sprinkled with water after sowing. h. Water management: Beds are covered with light jute bag or straw and water should be sprinkled on the bed for 4 days under covered condition so that soil never dries. The covers are removed after four days. The sprinkling of water may need to be continued up to one week. After about one week seedling would attain some height and water may be applied by flooding .The depth of water should be half of the seedling height. i. Uprooting of seedlings: Seedlings become ready for transplanting when its height becomes 15 cm with 3 to 4 leaves. The seedling mats are then cut into pieces to be used for transplanter. Field preparation: Field should be prepared thoroughly by ploughing 4 to 5times followed by harrowing and laddering. Ploughing should be started at least 21 days ahead of transplanting so that weeds are dried up/decayed.
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Land preparation by bullock drawn modified helical blade puddler: Modified helical blade puddler is an improved bullock drawn implement of puddling operation. The weight of the implement is about 26 kg and it covers about 50 cm in one pass. It can be operated by all types of bullocks available in Assam. One or two passes of puddler operation followed by one pass of mould board plough are sufficient for obtaining good quality puddle soil. The puddler can cover 2 to 2.5 bigha of land per day. Considerations for efficient use of the modified helical blade puddler: The well ploughed field should be covered with water at the time of puddler operation. To protect the sharpness of the blade the implement should never be operated over stones or hard ground. At the end of its operation the puddler should be properly cleaned and stored dry. Painting is advisable to avoid rusting. Manures and Fertilizers: Well rotten FYM or compost @ 10t/ha has to be applied during field preparation. In addition, the following nutrients are to be applied at rates given below in areas with moderate fertility In case of poor soil, the rates of fertilizers may be required to increase to the extent of 60:30:30 kg/ha N, P2O5 and K2Orespectively.Diammonium phosphate (DAP) in combination with rock phosphate or alone at the recommended nutrient level (40:20:20)can be applied. In mono crop Sali areas of Barak Valley Zone, sowing of dhaincha is recommended as green manuring crop before Sali rice. The optimum doses for NPK for HYV of sali rice is60:20:40 and 60:20:20 for low and medium fertility classes of soil respectively in Hills zone. Time of Application of Fertilizers :a) For short duration varieties(100-120 days). i)Half of urea and whole of super phosphate and muriate of potash should be applied at the time of final puddling. In standing water, urea along with super phosphate and muriate of potash can be applied in pallet form .ii)Second dose (half) of urea should be applied at the time of panicle initiation stage. b) For medium and long duration varieties (120-150 days).i)Half of urea and entire quantity of super phosphate and muriate of potash should be applied at the time of final puddling .ii)Of the remaining
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RICE IN ASSAM
part of urea, half at tillering stage i.e. 20-30 days after transplanting and other half at panicle initiation stage should be applied. iii)For long duration varieties under rainfed low land situation with water depth between 30-50 cm, basal incorporation of prilled urea at 30 kg N/ha is recommended. iv)Split application of potassic fertilizer half as basal and half at maximum tillering stage is recommended for North Bank Plain Zone. Number of Seedlings per Hill :i)2-3 seedlings for normal planting (July August)ii)4-6 seedlings for late planting (September). Depth of Planting:4-5 cm depth of planting should be maintained for all varieties. Interculture: i)To weedings should be given with paddy weeder or hoe at20 and 40 days after transplanting. ii)For weed control: Pretilachlor @ 0.75 kg/ha or Anilofos is to be applied @ 0.4 kg/ha at 3 days after transplanting. Water Management :In sali rice, application of 5 cm irrigation water 3 days after disappearance of ponding water is recommended in medium and heavy soils. Boro a. Varieties/hybrids: Boro 1, Boro 2, Culture 1, Mahsuri, IR 50, Bishnuprasad, Jyotiprasad, Jaymoti b. Management: Time of sowing Nov/Dec; Time of planting Dec/Jan. Land : Low lying typical boro areas or irrigated areas. Seed selection: Seeds are put in plaibn water and healthy seeds are selected by rejecting floating ones. Seed treatment : Same as sali Seed Bed : Flat seed bed of 125cm wide, 10m long with 30cm gap between two beds. Seed rate : 40-45 kg/ha
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RICE IN ASSAM
Age seedling: 5-6 leaf stage Field Operation: 3-4 ploughing followed by laddering Spacing: 20cmx20cm Fertilizer N:P2O5:K2O = 60:30:30 kg/ha. Water management: After 2-3 days of transplanting, 2 cm of irrigation water should be applied than 3 days after disappearance of ponded water against 7 cm water should be applied. Such intermittent irrigation should be given up to 7 10 days prior to harvesting. Weeding :Two weedings at 20 and 40 days after transplanting. Ahu: a. Varieties/hybrids b. I) Semidwarf : Govind, IR 50, IR 36, Luit, Kopilee, Disang, Lachit, Chilarai, Jaya II) Tall : Rongadoria, Banglami, Dubaichenga, Fapori, Guni, Ihajit etc. Seed selection : Same as in boro rice. Seed treatment: Same as in boro rice. Seed bed: Same as in boro rice. Manures/Fertilizers in seed bed: In each seed bed 20-30 kg cowdung or compost, 80 g urea, 80 g SSP, 40 g MOP to be applied. Seed rate : 40-45 kg/ha. Plant Protection in seed bed: Application of Bavistin @ 1 g/L of water against blast: Furadon 3 G granules @ 3 g/m2 against root knot nematode and stem borer. Field preparation: 3-4 plouging followed by laddering Fertilizer: Semi dwarf varieties ; N:P2O5:K2O = 40:20:20 kg/ha.
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Tall varieties: N:P2O5:K2O = 20:10:10 kg/ha. Spacing: 15-20cm between rows, 10-15 cm between hills. X. Indigenous technical knowledge (ITKs) specific to the state To get rid of general pests confronted in rice field, farmers of Assam follow the following ITK practices: To reduce the ini al inoculums of general pests and disease, a few farmers used to burn the straw and stubbles before initiate plouging of field operation. However, this burning operation is not common, but it is based on the disease pressure experienced of the preceding years by a farmer of specific locality. For early germina on the farmers used to cover the seeds with colocasia leaves due to which the temperature raises and contributed in early germination. They prefer to use aged seedling so as to debar early pest infestation Before transplan ng, seedlings are trimmed due to which eggs of pest like stem borer could be eliminated easily and thereby reduce the pest pressure considerably . Vermicaste are subjected to dip in kerosin oil for soaking and after a while these are placed in the 4 corners of rice field after establishment of seedling. This practice enable early pests control (stem borer, case worm, leaf folder, stem rot sclerotic, gall midge etc.) Bamboo perches are used in the rice field which allow the predatory birds to rest on it and thereby able to prey the insect pests comfortably. To contain the early pests, farmers used to apply leaves and twigs of some herbs such as, Poso a, Eupatorium odoratum, bel, zizipus sp, and also peel of pummelo, orange, goat excretion etc. Against case worm and rice hispa a technique is used whereby a kerosin dipped coconut thread is slide over the crop canopy by two persons holding the thread at the two ends against each
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RICE IN ASSAM
other. The larvae along with case fall on the water which could be drained off easily and hispa repel as well. Dead frog, sh, slug, snail etc used as cure to a ract the rice bug and later on they were killed mechanically, some farmers also used inside cover of the consumed ripen jack fruit with the same intension to trap the insect and later mass killing is done. Fire torch at night also reduce insect pest in the field more particularly the rice bug. To reduce the a ack of storage pests, farmers used neem leaf in the storage bin/structures in several layers in between the seeds. Camphor is also used to reduce the attack of those pests. Against rice bug, farmers used to keep saw dust or rice husk of at least 6 inch layer upon the seed in storage structure. This will mislead the rice bug and seed become safe from egg laying. Ghara neem extract kill insect of rice field. Pieces of black colocana are applied to the rice eld which control case worm infesta on. Wood ash is applied in nursery beds a er sowing of seeds, which prevents birds for easily uprooting. Placing of scarecrow in eld at seedling stage of rice and thereby prevent bird damage. Tin sheets are ed with strings and apped. Noise/reec on of light confuse the birds. Also reel of audio and video cassette are tied around nursery plots to prevent birds visit to rice field during grain formation. Leaves of Keturi/turmeric/toruwa kadam or bihlongni leaves is applied to rice eld for controlling rice hispa. Plastering of bunds reduced seepage and also weed infestation thereby prevent disease like sheath blight from spreading to main crop. Farmers have believed that presence of ger beetle control the popula on of rice bug.
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Farmers use the leaves of Shera Tamul in the soil of rice eld to prevent the attack of rice stem borer. Lukeworn water is sprayed on the seedling of boro rice which might enhanced growth of rice seedling. Neem seed is powdered and ed in a piece of cloth and allow it to dip in water for 24 hrs. The filtrate can be used as insect repellent. Walking inside rice eld cure yellowing of rice. Seeds of black cumin are kept near storage and house holds to prevent rodent a ack. Black cumin has repellant action on rodents. A prepara on of colocasia (Kolakochu) extract along with fresh cowdung is used against case worm. Fresh cowdung prepara on @ 200 g/L is used either as spray or spray against Bacterial leaf blight. Both Kresak and leaf blight phase are found to contain by this treatment. XI. Byproducts/extended use of rice specific to the state Varieties for special preparation/rice based products/medicines. Rice is life for the people of Assam. Besides being a staple food crop, it is also used in various festivals, religious and social ceremonies. A number of preparation are made out of rice. No function is held without the preparations of rice. Three special classes of rice are grown to prepare special dishes. They include bora (waxy rice), Chowkua (instant rice) and Joha (aromatic rice) classes of rice.
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I. Boro (waxy) class of rice: This class of rice has very high amylopectin which confer stickiness in cooked rice. This property is useful in preparations of several confections and dishes. Some of the important preparations include. a. Tilpitha Black sesamum with juggery or coconut powder is laid over dry rice powder and rolled into cylindrical shape. This can be preserved for quite long time. b. Ghilapitha Rice powder is mixed with juggery and s cky prepara on is made. Small eatable cakes are made in mustard oil. c. Sungapitha Rice powder is roasted in bamboo internodes in re. The s cky round piece is eaten with milk or curd. d. Chungachaol Instead of rice powder glu nous rice is roasted in bamboo internode which can be consumed raw or with milk or curd. e. Chira Flaked rice is prepared from waxy rice variety par cularly from Bokulbora. It is consumed with milk or curd. f. Bhojabora Parboiled waxy rice with special technique is prepared. This is consumed as breakfast food. g. Hurum It is a special kind of preparation from waxy rice to be consumed with milk. h. Rice beer Rice beer prepared out of waxy rice is thought to be of high quality amongst the traditional consumers of the state. Different communities prepare a large number of preparations during festivals and ceremonies.
II. Chokuwa : It is a special kind of rice used for preparation of instant rice called Komol chaol. Komol chaol (soft rice) can be consumed without cooking merely by soaking them in water. The soaked rice is eaten with milk or curd with juggery or salts. III. Joha : Joha rice is short grain aromatic rice. Payash or Kheer and Palao are prepared out of joha rice during ceremonies, pujas and special occasions. Kheer or Payash is prepared in milk with sugar. Cooked joha rice with meat of pigeon is a special preparation in the rural areas of Assam while Polao is common in urban areas.
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XII. Rice and commerce (exports and revenue generation) Agricultural marketing is gaining priority in the State agriculture sector. There is a network of 224 regulated markets, 1175 rural and wholesale markets have been created in the State. Besides, 20 rural, wholesale markets and 50 rural hats being developed in 20 districts. Moreover, first consignment of 17.50 MT organically produced aromatic rice (Joha rice) already been exported to Europe and 14 MT sold in local market. XIII. Special development programmes in rice sector of the state
No. Name of scheme
Objective of the scheme
A. Centrally sponsored/central sector 1. Rastriya Krishi Vikash For all round development of agriculture & allied sectors for food security. Implemented from 2008-09 Security Development of Rice cultivation, Implemented in 13 districts. Implemented from 2007-08 Technology Strengthening agricultural extension system through ATMA Agency Implemented in 12 districts from 2006-07. Another 11 districts covered under World Bank assisted project AACP.
Yojuna (RKVY) 2. National Food
Mission (NFSM) 3. Agricultural Management (ATMA) 4.
Macro Management Mode Implementation of various schemes identified tomeet the states of Agriculture (MMMA) requirement, Implemented 2000-01 To produce quality seeds to make state self sufficient in seeds. Implemented from 2007-08 with direct involvement of farmers.
5.
Seed Village Programme
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B. State Plan 1. 2. Tribal sub plan Scheduled Component Plan 3 Specific Fund Scheme Distribution of raincoat to BPL farmers Farmers award & Gaon Chalo Programme 4 Farmers Institute & FMTC Infrastructure development of KVK for welfare of farming (Specific fund) 5. Diaster Programme 6. Fertilizer farmers 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. Plan Protection Campaign Field Trial Station Seed farm and Nursery Soil and land use survey NAEP III Distribution of bio-pesticide and machinery equipments Development of Field Trial Stations for location specific trials. Development of Seed farm & Nurseries Soil survey and soil mapping Input distribution for cereals, pulse and oilseed distribution to Distribution of bio fertilizers tro farmers community Development of Tribal Farmers Caste Development of scheduled caste farmers
Management Assistance for natural calamity affected farmers
cultivation./Organic Farming 12. Assam Agricultural Activities like farm mechanization, irrigation, market
Competitiveness Project
development etc. under World Bank assisted Project.
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13. 14.
Crop Insurance Agricultural
To help farmers under Crop Insurance Scheme Implements Distribution of tractor to farmers at 50% subsidy.
(Assam Bikash Jyjana) 15. Mukhya Mantir Assam Distribution of Japi to farmers
Bikas Yojana 16. 2435 agricultural Assistance for activities under Agricultural Marketing
marketing
XIV. Status of recent rice production/technologies a. SRI : SRI was introduced in Assam under the National Food Security Mission. The details is presented below Covarage area under SRI Demonstration since inception of the NFSM Programme Sl.No. Year Araea NFSMdistrict under Area under SRI (Schematic Area under
rice provision) Nos. demonstration of Area under
farmers own efforts
SRI (ha) 80.00 93.20 60.00 2030.00
1. 2.
2007-08 2008-09
1321980 1502983
200 2333
Yield Analysis report under SRI demonstration Sl. Variety used Average under yield Average SRI under yield PC farmers (over increase SRI
traditional
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No.
(Ton/ha) tillers crops Yield (t/ha)
and field (other than method) SRI) Yield (t/ha) 3.5 Tillers (Nos.) 10-12 54.28 Yield (%) Tillers (%.) >100
Tillers (Nos.) 40-60
1.
Luit/Ranjit/MTU 1001
5.4
b. Hybrid rice : The area under the hybrid rice is increasing gradually in some pockets of Assam. Under the NFSM, hybrid rice is also one of the component. The details are presented below District wise area covered under Hybrid Rice (District under NFSM) Sl. No. Name of district Name of the hybrid 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Barpeta Bongaigaon Darang Dhemaji Goalpara KarbiAnglong Kokrajhar Lakhimpur Marigaon Nagaon PAC 832/Sahidry/KRH 2 PAC 832/KRH 2 PAC 832/KRH 2/Sahidry PAC 832/KRH 2/ ARIZEE 6444/KRH 2 ARIZEE 6444/KRH 2 ARIZEE 6444/KRH 2/PHA 832 ARIZEE 6444/KRH 2 ARIZEE 6444/KRH 2 ARIZEE 6444/KRH 2/Sahidry Area covered (ha) 16107.67 11408.00 14303.67 8339.00 14577.33 20431.00 19309.33 14743.67 20981.33 59281.33
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11. 12. 13.
Nalbari Sonitpur Tinsukia Total
ARIZEE 6444/KRH 2/Sahidry/PAC 832 18387.00 ARIZEE 6444/KRH 2/PAC 832 PAC 832KRH 2 37466.00 7587.67 262823.00
Districts not under NFSM Sl. No. Name of district Name of the hybrid 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. Cachar Hailakandi Karimganj Dhubri Kamrup (R+M) Baksa Chirang Udalguri Jorhat Golaghat Sivasagar Dibrugarh ARIZEE 6444/PAC 832 PAC 832/Sahidry ARIZEE 6444 PAC 832 Area covered (ha) 501.33 324.67 420.00 470.00
ARIZEE 6444/PAC 832/Sahidry 587.67 PAC 832 ARIZEE 6444/PAC 832 PAC 832 PAC 832 PAC 832 ARIZEE 6444/PAC 832 ARIZEE 6444/PAC 832 361.33 358.00 459.33 470.00 455.00 468.33 410.00
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13.
N.C. Hills Total c. IPM/IDM
ARIZEE 6444
263.00 5548.66
Leaf blast: (a) Tolerant/ Resistant varieties : Bahadur, Maniram, Piyolee, Kushal, Luit, Kapilee, Culture-1, IR 36, Andrew Sali, Manoharsali, Jaya. (b) Seed Treatment: Indofil M-45 Captaf (c) Split application of urea (60 kg N2/ha): at the time of final ploughing and later in three equal splits at 20,40 and 60 DAP. (d) ETL : 5-10% of leaf damage of transplanted crop and 2% neck blast infection. (e) Spray: Carbendazim 50 WP @ 1 g/L , Thiophenate Methyl 75 WP @ 1 g/L , Hinosan @ 1 ml/L Sheath Blight: (a) Tolerant/Resistant varieties : Bahadur, Ranjit, Maniram, Piyolee, Kushal, Lakhimi, Pankaj, Manoharsali (b) Cultural practices: Affected leaves are to be removed and destroy Limited use of N2 fertilizer In endemic areas close planting to be avoided Clean cultivation. @ 2.5 g/L
(c) ETL : 6 to 7% infected plant. (d) Spray : Bavistin @ 1 g/L, Contaf 2ml/L, Validamycin 2ml/L Brown Spot: (a) Resistant/Tolerant varieties: Mahsuri, Ranjit, Bahadur, Piyolee, Kushal (b) Seed treatment : Indofil M 45 @ 2.5 g/L Captaf @ 2.5g/L
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(c) Potash
fertilizer:
Besides
use
of
normal
N,P,K
dose
of
fertilizer
(60:20:40),
extra 18-20 kg of Potash to be applied. (d) Spray: Indofil M 45 @ 2.5 g/L. Sheath rot: (a) Resistant/Tolerant varieties: Bahadur, Maniram, Ranjit, Pankaj, Andrewsali (b) Seed treatment: As above. (c) Spray: Bavistin 1 g/L Bacterial leaf blight: (a) Resistant/tolerant varieties: Ranjit, Bahadur , Pankaj, Maniram, Piyolee, Mahsuri (b) Seed treatment: Streptocycline/Agrimycin/Pusamycin @ 0.5 g/L (c) N2 fertilization: To be applied at split doses @ 60 kg/ha. If BLB appears immediate skip off of N2 fertilization and instead to be applied additional K @ 18 kg/ha. d. INM (Integrated nutrient management) : Integrated nutrientmanagement (INM) package of organic manure @ 1 t/ha (on dry weight basis) mixed inoculate of Azospirillium amazonenseA-10 and Bacillus megaterium P-5 @ 4 kg/ha (0.4 to 0.5 kg/bigha), rock phosphate @ 10 kg P2O5 (56 kg/ha or 7.5 kg/bigha), MOP @ 40 kg K2O/ha (67 kg Potash/ha or 9 kg/bigha)is recommended for rice in rice-rice, rice-legume-rice and sole rice sequence. In low land kharif rice(Sali), incorporation of 45 days old dhaincha can substitute 50% of recommended NPK in Hills Zone. XV. Organisations (Government and Non-government) Some of the sister organizations/agency of Agriculture in the state are : Crop insurance scheme launched by Govt. of India. Krishan Credit Caredit through Banking system. Assam Rural Infrastructure and Agricultural Service Project (ARIASP) introduced with financial support from the World Bank. Assam seeds corporation Ltd. Assam Agro-industries Development Corporation Ltd. (AAIDC)
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Assam State Seed Certificate (ASSCA) Assam State agricultural Marketing Board (ASAMB) Assam Small farmers Agribusiness Consortium (ASFAC) Agricultural and Processes Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).
XVI. Constrains in rice production The entire north eastern region experiences wide variation in soil and climatic conditions. The state of Assam has been divided into 6 agro climatic zones based on variations in soil, climate and cropping pattern, broad soil characteristics, annual average rainfall and irrigation available etc. Problems of crop production vary with zones as the soil and climate vary from zone to zone. However, there are still many constraints of rice production which are common to more than one zones and types of rice culture. The problems of rice cultivation in Assam are manifold. Therefore, it is the need of the hour to find out constraints which hinder high productivity to plan research and development strategies in order to achieve as much of rice production potential as possible. a) Biotic stress The NE Region in general and Assam, in particular experiences the highest biophysical constraints in the country which are mostly natural. 1. Availability of water in an uncontrolled manner 2. Frequent flooding and water inundation in plains 3. Heavy soil, water and nutrient losses due to heavy showers. 4. Erratic response to inputs making investment a risky venture 5. Periodic droughts in between showers in critical growth stages 6. High pests and diseases incidence due to high humidity. 7. High weed infestations in direct-seeded rice 8. High incidence of non-insects pests such as stray cattle, wild animals, birds, rodents etc. 9. High loss at or after harvest due to rainy days and at store. 10. Soil acidity and iron toxicity in pockets 11. Low light intensity during the kharif season.
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b) Technological constraints Farmers select local, improved local and modern varieties to suit to their specific land conditions (uplands, medium lands, low lands and deep water area). The major technological constraints are: 1. Shortage of labour during the peak period of operations. 2. Low draft power and low energy out put of bullocks. 3. Dependence on monsoon due to less area coverage under irrigation. 4. Spread of high yielding modern varieties is slow due to lack of assured water supply 5. Negligible nutrient consumption due to erratic response and high loses as a result of lack of controlled water supply. 6. Delayed sowing and planting due to agro-energy crisis and weather aberrations. 7. Non-availability of inputs in time particularly quality seeds 8. Use of over aged seedlings due to delay in land preparation. 9. Irregularity in depth of sowing and planting resulting in uneven emergence and tillering. 10. Inadequate plant population because of broadcasting and random planting method. 11. Lack of soil health care through inclusion of legumes in rotation. 12. Lack of soil and water conservation measures in uplands. c) Institutional constraints The region have shown low level of productivity not because the farmers lack dynamism, but because of the prevailing organizational, promotional and supporting services for practicing modern technology. 1. Inadequate and erratic power supply. 2. Long channel of technology delivery system resulting in distortions of messages 3. Lack of single window delivery system for technology inputs and credits. 4. Lack of organizational set up to impart practical training to the practising farmers, youth and farm women.
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d) Socio-economic constraints Socio-economic constraints are man-made and can easily be solved. 1. Sub-division and fragmentation of holding due to population explosion hindering mechanization. 2. Predominance of small and marginal farmers in the farming profession. 3. Migration of landlords to higher income profession and cultivation falling in the hands of Adhiaries (contract or tenant farmers). 4. Low labour efficiency and skill due to limited employment opportunities of the rural folk in the non-agricultural sectors. 5. Lack of community approaches amongst farmers. 6. Lack of storage, marketing and support prices facilities for the produce. 7. Festivals like Puja and Bihu hinder field operations. 8. Low input mobilization due to poor conditions of farmers. XVII. Economics of rice production in the state. Cost of cultivation of rice per hectare (approx cost). Particulars A. Seed bed (0.1 ha) Initial ploughing Subsequent ploughing and leveling Side cutting of existing fund and mud plastering Seed selection, treatment and soaking Seed Preparation and sowing Irrigagtion, cultural operaton 1 6 2 1 4 4 100 600 200 100 400 400
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Man days Expenditure (Rs.)
RICE IN ASSAM
Spraying against diseases and pest Uprooting of seedling Carrying seedling to main field Total unit B. Main field (0.1 ha) Initial ploughing (tractor/power tiller) Subsequent ploughing (bullock/power tiller) Side cutting of existing bund and mud plastering
2 10 4 34
200 1000 400 3400
5 20 12
500 2000 1200 1500 700 2500 700 500 1500 400 500 2500 2000 3000
Final land preparation, fertilizer application, and leveling 15 Making alignment of seedlings Planting Gape filling, weeding Water management Weeding Top dressing (twice) Spray against diseases and pest Harvesting Carrying of harvest products Threshing, drying 7 25 7 5 15 4 5 25 20 30
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RICE IN ASSAM
Winnowing, storage Miscellenous
20 10
2000 1000
C. Expenses on inputs Seed 40 kg @ Rs. 20/kg Urea 88 kg @ Rs. 7/kg SSP 125 kg @ Rs. 5/kg Wages on labourers 800 616 625
MOP 34 kg @ Rs. 27.5/kg 255 Pesticides 2L @ Rs. 260/L 520 Organic Manure 5 tone 1000
Dieseal 60 Ltr. @ Rs. 38/L 2280 Mobil 5 Ltr @ Rs. 90/L Total 450 6546
Grand total cost A+B+C= Rs. 32356.00. XVIII. Strategies and modern techniques to enhance rice production The scope for expansion of area under rice cultivation has almost been exhausted, the only way to sustain production for meeting increasing demand, is to increase productivity per unit of area including intensive use of land by increasing the cropping intensity. The following strategies may be adopted to increase the productivity of rice.
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RICE IN ASSAM
a. Propagation of local specific improved crop production technologies in different rice growing ecosystems through demonstration on farmers fields and organizing of training for farmers including woman in improved crop production technology. b. Replacement of traditional varieties by new high yielding varieties with promising yield potential. c. Emphasis on balanced use of plant nutrients along with the popularization of integrated plant management system and method of applying required nutrients in standing water , example neem cake coated urea, fertilizer mud ball, deep placement of super granule urea etc. d. Popularization of line transplanting and maintenance of desired level of plant population. e. Encouraging the use of machines as well as bullock drawn and hand operated implements. f. Promoting of integrated pest management approach foe effective control of pests and diseases by emphasizing the need based application of pesticide. g. Emphasis may be given on cropping system approach rather than a single crop development approach.
XIX. Status of seed production of major varieties/agencies involved/demand and supply. Quality seed enhance production and productivity of crops. In the state of Assam, production of certified seed has been taken up in the Field Trial Stations (FTSs) and in some Government/ Assam Seed Corporation seed farms. Due to inadequate infrastructural facility desired quantities of quality seeds cannot be produced for which huge quantities of quality seeds has to be procured from outside sources to meet the demand.
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RICE IN ASSAM
Requirement and availability of rice seed in Assam during 1998-99 Area (Million hectares) Seed (Kg/ha) rate Total Seed Seed Seed Seed replacement rate
Requirement demand by availability/ (000t) State supplied
Government (000t) (000t) 2.5 50 125 2 2 1.60
Seed replacement rate has recently been improved to 12.30 % Rice Seed Production Programme Year Quantity of Production of Certified Seed
Breeder Seed lifted Foundation (qtl.) 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 36.35 44.85 60.0 (qtl.) 2181 2691 -
Seed production (qtl.)
130860 16140 -
Production of Certified Seed during 2008-09 Particular Department Agriculture, Assam Paddy Seed 12625 of Assam State Seed Assam State Seed Total Corporation 1784 16515
Certification Agency 2106
Production (qtl.)
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RICE IN ASSAM
XX. Modern agricultural implements used in rice production In Assam number of agricultural implements viz., Moulboard plough, Garden rake, cultivator, Paddy Weeder, Cono Weeder, Dry land Weeder, Wheel hoe and machineries like Tractor, Power tiller, rotavator, laveller etc. are in use. Achievement made in Farm Mechnization and Irrigation (till 31 March 2008) in the state. Sl. No. Item No. of distributed to the farmers under different schemes/projects Tiv 1997 ARIAS AACP MMMA NAARD State Horticulture Total
priority technology section mission 1342 1472 5386 62
1 2 3
Tractor Power tiller Power Thresher STW
554 1500 62
477 793 -
1751 -
441 3392 -
21434 70450 15183 5089 6280 -
99000 -
15005
1466 102 -
207533 12386 15005
5 6
LLPs Small implement kid
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RICE IN ASSAM
XXI. Conclusion and way forward More than 90 percent of the rice cultivated areas of Assam is rainfed. Drought, submergence and flash flooding, low resource base of farmers, and unavailability of appropriate technologies are varied obstacles to higher rice productivity in rainfed areas. In Assam flood affects more than 4 lakh hectares of sali rice growing areas, and sometimes, flood affects more cropped areas. Though, rice research has helped to alleviate poverty and improve food security in shallow low land areas, modern technologies have yet to make an impact in the flood prone areas of Assam. Strategic research is needed, so that constraints to increase rice production in flood prone ecosystem can be minimized. In view of the explosive increase in population, the anticipated demand for rice in future can not be met by merely concentrating on improving yields in irrigated/shallow lowland areas; the thrust has to be on enhancing productivity in flood prone areas as well as to increase overall rice production of Assam. There are many opportunities for increasing rice yield in the flood prone ecosystems. Among the priorities are the development of higher-yielding varieties having staggering ability, development of short duration varieties, submergence tolerant varieties, high yielding asra/bao varieties and cold temperature tolerant at seedling stage boro varieties. The development and/or validation of crop and natural resource management strategies are needed to explore the genetic potential of improved cultivars. The development of appropriate farming system incorporating nonrice crops and fisheries can ensure the efficient use of resources and improve farmers income. An in-depth study on socio-economic aspects is required to determine research needs, assess the impacts of new strategies and, determine gaps and emerging challenges. A participatory approach to technology development and transfer can accelerate the achievement of this impact. In recent years, rice research has succeeded in developing improved cultivars and resource management practices appropriate to flood prone environments. Varieties with higher yield and the traditional capacity to elongate above deep water have been developed. Improved short duration varieties, submergence tolerant varieties and high yielding varieties having staggering ability have been developed. Crop management strategies developed for this ecosystem are also providing opportunities for increasing rice productivity of Assam.
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RICE IN ASSAM
XXII. Future thrust in rice production technologies The population of Assam has increased at an alarming rate in the last three decades. With this trend, rice requirement for the state would be 120.0 lakh tonnes by 2020. There is no other way but to increase the per capita productivity of land, as there is no scope of increasing crop area due to rapid urbanization in the region. This is all the more a challenging task when 50% of the rice growing area is risk-prone. Modern rice growing technology has bypassed these areas and the growth of the agriculture sector has been sluggish for the past few decades. From eighties, emphasis was laid on breeding rice varieties keeping the farmers problem in mind. Adoption of modern high yielding varieties has not been satisfactory. There is need to motivate, mobilize and activate the extension programme for adoption of modern technology in every nook and corner of the state. With intensive cultivation in rice growing areas and overlapping seasons, the pest dynamics is likely to change. The germplasm of the region should be thoroughly evaluated to seek the sources of resistance. The germplasm collection in the State is not exhaustive. The thrust should be on collection of valuable germplasm as a mission before they are wiped out due to natural calamities like flood, landslides, drought and human intervention. It is high time to evaluate them for various agro-morphological and biochemical characters. Although the State receives very high amount of rainfall, the crop suffers from prolonged drought in ahu season and intermittent drought in sali season. Varieties with drought tolerance would encourage the farmers to adopt them in these seasons. The potential of boro rice has recently been duly appreciated and efforts have been made to create irrigation facilities in the State. To reap maximum yield per unit area and time, hybrid rice varieties suitable for boro season are required. However, continuous welling up of iron-rich underground water for irrigating rice field might cause iron toxicity problem in rice plants. Therefore, the variety development programme should give due attention to incorporating the tolerance to iron toxicity in the varieties for irrigated situations.
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RICE IN ASSAM
The chokuwa class of rice, indigenous to the State, has tremendous potentiality. This is yet to receive attention from the breeders for its improvement and standardizing techniques for producing soft rice and other instant food preparations. Therefore, due attention has to be paid on these aspects of this class of rice. Large-scale adoption of location specific varieties and production technologies would substantially increase the yield of rice in the State. Therefore, efforts should be made to popularise the technologies involving various extension machineries of the University, Government and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) of the State. In near future, deployment of biotechnological tools for studying aspects of resistance, submergence tolerance quality, male sterility, etc. may help in increasing yield potential of rice varieties. Variability of germplasm up to DNA level should be documented adopting appropriate biotechnological techniques. It has become an urgent need in the present IPR regime.
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RICE IN ASSAM

Status Paper on Rice in Assam

T. Ahmed*; S.K. Chetia, R. Chowdhury and S. Ali

Scented, fine grained

Mar/April D. Hill Rice Sep/Oct.

Photoperiod insensitive. Grown in hills slope as direct seeded.

the time of harvest.

Old Mountain Alluvial valley (Alfisols)

Lakhimpur, Sonitpur, Darrang, Nalbari, Barpeta, Kokrajhar, Nagaon, part of Karbi

Anglong, Dibrughar, Jorhat, Golaghat, Karimganj

Ferrugenous gravelly Small gravels soil,

Laterized Red Soil (c) Pear Beel Soils

Yield gaps of rice in Assam

Source: Basic Agricultural Statistics, Department of Agriculture, Government of Assam

Dithane M 45 2.5 g/L of water Captaf 2.5 g/L of water

b. Dry method Fungicide Concentration

No. Name of scheme

Objective of the scheme

Yojuna (RKVY) 2. National Food

Mission (NFSM) 3. Agricultural Management (ATMA) 4.

Seed Village Programme

Management Assistance for natural calamity affected farmers

development etc. under World Bank assisted Project.

Crop Insurance Agricultural

rice provision) Nos. demonstration of Area under

farmers own efforts

SRI (ha) 80.00 93.20 60.00 2030.00

(Ton/ha) tillers crops Yield (t/ha)

Tillers (Nos.) 40-60

11. 12. 13.

Nalbari Sonitpur Tinsukia Total

N.C. Hills Total c. IPM/IDM

Man days Expenditure (Rs.)

200 1000 400 3400

Winnowing, storage Miscellenous

Requirement demand by availability/ (000t) State supplied

Government (000t) (000t) 2.5 50 125 2 2 1.60

Seed production (qtl.)

Certification Agency 2106

priority technology section mission 1342 1472 5386 62

Tractor Power tiller Power Thresher STW

21434 70450 15183 5089 6280 -

207533 12386 15005

LLPs Small implement kid

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