DAATTC, Tornala organized a training cum awareness programme on “Direct seeding in rice” on 08-06-2021

Training cum awareness programme was organized on the direct seeding in rice by DAATTC, Tornala on 08.06.2021 at Gurralagondi (V) and Jakkapur (V), Narayanraopet mandal of Siddipet district. Sri. J. Vijay, discussed about the direct seeding in rice by broadcasting under wet condition and drum seeding in paddy. Transplanting after repeated puddling is the conventional method of rice growing which is not only intensive water user but also cumbersome and laborious. Different problems like lowering water table, scarcity of labour during peak periods, deteriorating soil health demands some alternative establishment method to sustain productivity of rice as well as natural resources. Direct seeded rice (DSR), probably the oldest method of crop establishment, is gaining popularity because of its low-input demand. It offers 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 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. Farmer Mahinder from Lingareddypalli discussed his practical experience about direct seeding in rice.Later, Smt. Ch. Pallavi, discussed to grow the redgram WRGE-93 variety available at ARS, Tornala for sale as intercrop in maize and cotton rather than sole crop along with management practices to be followed. Further, minikits (WGL-1119, WGL-1246 and WGL-1289) were distributed to farmers for evaluation at their fields. MPPs, Sarpanches, Mandal Coordinators from both villages of Narayanraopet mandal, Agriculture Departmental officials Sri. Vidhyakar Reddy (Mandal Agriculture Officer), AEOs Ch. Mounika and Meenakshi along with 60 farmers from two villages have participated in the training programme.