Field day cum awareness programme was organized on the wet direct seeding in rice condition and paddy minikits (WGL 1537 & WGL 1246) by DAATTC, Tornala on 06.04.2024

Field day cum awareness programme was organized on the wet direct seeding in rice condition and paddy minikits (WGL 1537 & WGL 1246) by DAATTC, Tornala on 06.04.2024 at Mundrai, Nangunur mandal of Siddipet district. Sri. Shiva Prasad, District Agriculture Officer, Siddipet attended as chief guest to the programme and addressed the farmers about wet direct seeded rice (wet DSR), probably the oldest method of crop establishment, is gaining popularity because of its low-input demand. In our Siddipet around 18,800 acres of wet DSR is being cultivated at present. Farmers should prefer University varieties which are released with based on local problems expressed by the farmers. Sri. J. Vijay (Coordinator) has explained the certain advantages viz., it saves labour, requires less water, less drudgery, early crop maturity, low production cost, better soil physical conditions for following crops and less methane emission, provides better option to be the best fit in different cropping systems. Comparative yields in wet DSR can be obtained by adopting various cultural practices viz., selection of suitable cultivars, proper sowing time, optimum seed rate, proper weed and water management. Later, Dr. V. Venkanna, Principal Scientist, RARS, Warangal addressed the gathering on the different paddy varieties (bold & fine) available in the University. Dr. B. Sathish Chandra, Sr. Scientist, RARS, Warangal have explained about nutrient management in paddy field. Most of the farmers interacted with the Scientists of DAATTC, Tornala and RARS, Warangal scientists and clarified their doubts on stem borer, sulphide injury, deep ploughings, lower yields in paddy recently, green manuring etc., Sri. G. Rajaiah farmer, have explained to the house about the practices he followed in the minikit WGL- 1537 vs check (JGL- 24423) which is 130 days duration, the seed is bold and long like MTU 1010 when compared to JGL 24423 and followed by the field visit by all the farmers. He expressed that the filling of the panicle is complete from starting to end of panicle when compared to other varieties. Sri. N. Karunakar Reddy another farmer from same village has informed that he got 8-10 % higher yield in minikit WGL 1537 in Vanakalam, 2023-24 over check (JGL- 24423). Sri. J. Vijay (Coordinator), Dr. Ch. Pallavi, Scientist (CP), Smt. V. Geetha, Mandal Agriculture Officer (Nangunur), AEOs (A. Ashok, T. Prem Sagar, Ch. Shireesha, D. Meerabai, R. Varun Varma, A. Rekha, J. Sai Varma), 40 farmers have participated in the programme. Another minikit WGL 1246 which is in 3rd year of minikit was also visited by around 20 farmers along with Scientists of RARS, Warangal & DAATTC, Tornala, Smt. Vineela, AEO in Sri. M. Ramulu field at Tornala (V), Siddipet (R) mandal. He is also expecting very good yields in this season and variety is good.