Researched Step To Step Preparation Of Rice Farm

Rice is an important crop and consumed all over the world. Therefore producing a grain is of high economic value and gives good income. They following steps will help you start an incoming flowing Rice Farm.

STEP 1: SITE SELECTION

One important step in setting up a rice farm is selecting a gently sloping to flat land, with good water retention capacity. Also in selecting a Rice Farm consider a clay loam soil, rich in organic manure and not prone to periodic flood.

STEP 2: FARM MEASUREMENT

It is necessary to measure farm size in rice farm due to the following reasons;

Helps to determine cost of land preparation

Inputs requirements

Bunding requirements

Labor costs

Type of equipments for land preparation

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STEP 3: LAND PREPARATION

First the land should be prepared  and ploughed, and then harrow the ploughed land after  2weeks before planting begins.

STEP 4: SEED SOURCING

Rice seeds can be sourced through the following ways;

Certified local seed producers.

Seed companies.

Agro Input dealers.

ADPS in states

STEP 5: SOWING DENSITY FOR RICE SEED

In order to obtain vigorous seedlings , it is recommended to sow approximately  0.2kg  of seed per M²  to reach approximate density.  A 2500M² field contain seedlings from a 50M²  nursery which is Five 10M² beds which will require 10kg of seeds.

To obtain great result :

Make sure that good quality seeds are used.

Install the nursery on appropriate soil, well ploughed and well leveled.

When sowing, it is important to throw the grains with force into the sowing bed to fix them in mud, thus preventing them from being carried away by irrigation water.

Make sure that irrigation is well managed and protect the beds from birds, animals and any other predator.

STEP 6: PLANTING OF RICE SEEDLINGS

In Southern Nigeria, Rice seedling should be planted between May-June while in the Northern part it should be done between June-July , While with irrigated systems planting could start between March-April.

TYPES OF PLANTING PRACTISES

Broadcasting

Direct seeding

Transplanting

Direct plant seeder

Gap filling

Preferences should be given to transplanting and direct seeding using direct seed planter, this is to ensure appropriate plant population necessary for optimum productivity.

RICE PLANTING SPACING

The recommended spacing for rice field 20cm*20cm between plant and row, this enables farmer’s  to buy 1 small granules of urea between 4 rice plants.

NOTE:  Gap filling of empty spaces should be done with seedlings within 7-10days after planting using left over seedlings from the nursery.

STEP 7: FERTILIZER APPLICATION

Application of fertilizers can be done using the following types of fertilizers;

Organic Fertilizers

Cattle or poultry manure, composts, Rice residues from last year.

Application of organic manure on rice Farming

Use one bucket per square meter.

If fresh, incorporate in the soil two months before planting your rice seedlings.

Always incorporate organic fertilizer.

Inorganic/chemical fertilizer

NPK 20:20:10, NPK 15:15:15, urea super granules

Application Quatity;

NPK 200kg, Urea 100kg or 100kg each for NPK  and urea respectively in nutrient rich soil.

Timing:

Apply NPK as basal fertilizer not more than one month after planting. Top dress with urea 6weeks after planting.

STEP 8: RICE WATER MANAGEMENT

Rice is a  water loving plant, so control of water is critical. Always maintain the water level in the field up to 5cm from One week after planting until grain matures. Drain water, a week before harvesting and cracks should not be seen on field. Bunding is imperative for proper  water  management.

STEP 9: WEED CONTROL IN RICE FARMING

This can be done in Two Ways:

Hand Weeding:  This should be done after 14-20days after planting; First drain water from the field. Another weeding should be done around 30-48days.

Chemical weeding: If chemical weeding should be done be applied identify if weed is Broad-leaf or grass.

In broad-leaf: Use 2-4D  Herbicide

In grass: Use Basagram, Ronster or Orioles at recommended rates of 3kg  for solid or 4-6litres fro liquid  per hectare after 2-3weeks after planting.

STEP 10: HARVESTING

Harvesting of rice is done within 3-5months of maturity depending on rice specie, this is usually done when the grains are hard and have turned yellow/brown in colour.

Cut the stems with sickle about  10-15cm above the ground.

After harvesting rice crops , place in upright position for drying before threshing begins.

Hope You Enjoyed Our Article.

Stay Tuned For More On Rice Farming like;

 Nursery Practices of Rice Framing

 Rice Varieties and Characteristics

Rice Pest and Diseases

 Processing of Rice grains

For More Info Call/Whatsapp Mr Ekex @ +2347039482540 or Email @ ekexgroup@gmail.com