Status and Prospects of Spring Rice in Nepal: A Review

Abstract

Spring rice as an alternative to the main season rice has been under major priority of Nepal Government for its huge potential in self-reliance in grain food production and food security in Nepal. Though having higher production and productivity, it was found that its production area had not been scaled up as anticipated. Sowing time is adjusted considering cold stress and pre-monsoon rainfall. Seedlings are generally raised in wet bed and dry bed nurseries based on availability of spring water and 30-40 days seedlings are transplanted in the Nepali month of Chaitra (Mar/Apr). Water being crucial during the growth stages of rice plant, water level of 2-5 cm is found to have better yield and performance. Whereas mainly 16 elements including both micro and macro elements have been required for proper growth and development of rice which were mainly supplied through FYM, compost, urea and DAP. Various cultural, mechanical and chemical methods are found for management of weeds. Similarly, IPM approach as well as modern approaches like gene manipulation, resistant varietal development have been evolving instead of solely pesticides application for better protection of spring rice crop in the present context.

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