🌾 Introduction
Rice (paddy) farming in India is a cornerstone of Indian agriculture and a staple food for millions. India is the second-largest rice producer in the world, and paddy cultivation plays a crucial role in the rural economy. Whether you’re a traditional farmer or a new-age agri-entrepreneur, this complete paddy farming guide will take you through all steps—from seed selection to harvesting, using SEO-rich content to help boost your visibility online.
🌱 Major Paddy-Growing States in India
West Bengal
Uttar Pradesh
Punjab
Bihar
Chhattisgarh
Andhra Pradesh
Odisha
📍 Ideal Climate and Soil for Paddy Cultivation
Climate: Hot and humid, with temperatures between 20°C to 38°C
Rainfall: 100–200 cm annually or sufficient irrigation
Soil: Fertile, loamy, or clayey soil with good water retention
pH level: 5.5 to 7.5
🔬 Selecting the Right Paddy Seeds
✔ Popular High-Yielding Rice Varieties:
IR64
Swarna
BPT-5204
MTU-1010
Pusa Basmati 1121
Choose disease-resistant and high-yielding varieties suited to your region and season.
🌾 Paddy Sowing Seasons in India
Kharif (Main season) – June to November (Rainfed)
Rabi (Winter) – November to February (Irrigated)
Zaid (Summer) – March to June (Limited areas)
🔁 Paddy Cultivation Methods
Broadcasting – Scattering seeds directly in the field
Transplanting – Raising nursery seedlings and transplanting
Drum Seeder / Direct Seeding – Semi-mechanized sowing technique
Transplanting is the most popular and yields better results.
🚜 Land Preparation
Level the field and puddle using tractors or ploughs
Maintain water stagnation (5–7 cm depth) for effective transplanting
Apply organic compost or FYM (20–25 tons per hectare)
💧 Irrigation and Water Management
Maintain standing water during growth stages
Key irrigation stages:
Tillering stage
Panicle initiation
Grain filling
Use alternate wetting and drying (AWD) to save water without reducing yield.
🌿 Fertilizer and Nutrient Management
Recommended NPK: 100:50:50 kg/ha (depends on soil testing)
Apply 25% Nitrogen at transplanting
Rest in two split doses at active tillering and panicle initiation
Supplement with Zinc, Iron, and Sulfur if micronutrient deficiency is found.
🐛 Pest and Disease Management
Common Pests:
Stem borer
Brown planthopper
Leaf folder
Common Diseases:
Blast
Bacterial leaf blight
Sheath blight
Control Measures:
Seed treatment with fungicides
Use biopesticides or insecticides as per recommendation
Practice crop rotation and maintain proper spacing
🔥 Weed Control
First weeding: 20–25 days after transplanting
Use manual weeding or pre-emergence herbicides like Butachlor or Pretilachlor
Mechanical weeders can reduce labor cost
🌾 Harvesting the Paddy Crop
Harvest when 80–85% grains turn golden yellow
Delay can lead to grain shattering and yield loss
Use sickles, combine harvesters, or reapers for harvesting
🧺 Post-Harvest Processing
Threshing to separate grains
Drying under sun to reduce moisture below 14%
Store in jute or HDPE bags in moisture-free rooms
📈 Average Yield and Profit Potential
Traditional methods: 2–3 tons/ha
Modern varieties with proper practices: 5–6 tons/ha or more
Market rate: ₹18–35/kg (varies by region and season)
With good management, net profit from 1 acre of paddy can range from ₹30,000 to ₹70,000.
📝 Government Support for Paddy Farmers
PM-KISAN Yojana – ₹6,000/year income support
MSP (Minimum Support Price) for rice procurement
Subsidies on seeds, irrigation, fertilizers, and machinery
Apply through local Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) or State Agri Dept
✅ Conclusion
Paddy farming in India is a time-tested and sustainable occupation. By adopting modern techniques, using high-yielding seeds, and following scientific practices, farmers can significantly increase their rice productivity and income. With growing demand and government support, the future of rice cultivation in India remains strong and profitable.