On farm experiments on direct seeded rice were conducted in Devakottai, Sakkottai, Thirupathur, Kalayarkoil and Thirupuvanam block of Sivaganga district during Kharif 2013 and Summer 2014 seasons to enhance productivity and net income of rice farmers and these direct seeded rice (DSR) using seed drill demonstration were compared with traditional practices puddle transplanted rice (PTR), machine transplanted rice (MTR), manual broadcasting followed by tractor harrowing, manual broadcasting followed by country plough harrowing and system of rice intensification (SRI). The results of the experiments revealed that the highest yield of 7.42 kg/ha was recorded under DSR method of crop establishment as compared to conventional (manual broad casting (5.94 kg/ha) and PTR (5.7 kg/ha) and other improved practices like machine transplanted rice (6.4kg/ha) and SRI (7.6 kg/ha). The highest net return of Rs. 77,110/ha and benefit cost ratio of 4.98 were observed under DSR method of crop establishment besides minimizing cost of cultivation (Rs.8200/ha, labour saving and crop matured 7 days earlier than PTR.
Direct seeded rice, seed drill, weed, pre monsoon seeding
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