A slow start to this year's monsoon has left paddy farmers in Bhojpur worried, but agriculture experts say there is no reason to panic. Choosing the right rice variety at the right time can still deliver a bumper harvest, they say, as long as farmers rework their nursery and sowing plans now.
Why farmers need a new sowing strategy this year
Farmers typically rely on long duration paddy varieties when the monsoon is expected to arrive on schedule, but when the rains are delayed, those same varieties push back transplanting and eventually dent output. Agriculture experts say medium duration paddy varieties are a far safer bet in such conditions, since they mature quickly enough to adjust to a late monsoon without throwing off the entire farming calendar.
Five varieties experts are recommending, from Rajendra Shweta to Sampoorna
The varieties experts have flagged as the best fit are Rajendra Shweta, Swarna Shreya, Swarna Samriddhi, B.P.T. 5204 and Sampoorna. Farmers are being advised to keep nurseries of these five varieties ready so that transplanting can begin the moment the rains arrive, without losing precious time. That keeps fields from lying idle even while the monsoon's timing stays unpredictable, and keeps the overall sowing schedule on track.
Nurseries ready in just 70 to 75 days
The biggest advantage of these varieties is that their nurseries are ready in around 70 to 75 days. That means even if the monsoon arrives a few weeks later than usual, farmers won't see their planting math thrown off, and the hit to production will be far smaller. Because the nursery period is shorter, farmers get more flexibility in fixing their transplanting dates, something experts say matters a great deal during years of erratic rainfall.
Seed treatment and irrigation deserve close attention during nursery preparation
Experts recommend treating seeds properly while preparing the nursery, using fertiliser and manure in balanced quantities, and keeping up with regular irrigation and weed control. Following these steps keeps young plants healthy and strong from the start, which shows up later as stronger growth across the field once transplanting is done.
Check with your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra before buying seed
Agriculture experts are urging farmers to pick their seed only after consulting the local agriculture department or Krishi Vigyan Kendra, based on the soil and climate of their specific area. Using certified seed improves both the quality of the crop and the final yield. By preparing fields on time, managing water properly, and adopting scientific farming methods, farmers can substantially cushion the impact of a delayed monsoon and still walk away with a good harvest.
