Aerobic rice
Aerobic
rice production technology involves growing rice in non-puddled and non-flooded
conditions. The irrigation water is given intermittently when the soil
moisture content reaches a lower threshold at tensiometer reading in between 20 and 30 kPa. However, a thin film
of water (1-2 cm) should be maintained after panicle initiation. Being both
water and energy-smart technology, this method could save about 37-60% of water as compared to the conventional
flooded system. There could be a yield loss to the extent of 20-40%, which
however could be minimized through improved crop management practices and
selection of suitable short duration varieties like, Shabhagi Dhan, CR Dhan 200
(Pyari), CR Dhan 202, CR Dhan 203, CR Dhan 205, CR Dhan 206, CR Dhan 207
(Srimati), CR Dhan 209 (Priya), Apo and MTU 1010. Aerobic rice production
system reduces continuous seepage, percolation losses, enhances water
productivity, reduces the labour requirement, energy requirement, and GHG
emission. However, aerobic rice is not suitable for high rainfall areas where
water can't be controlled.