Transforming India Through Agriculture

About Paddy Cultivation

Paddy (Oryza sativa) cultivation is one of the most vital agricultural activities in India, essential not only for food security but also for livelihoods. Rice plays a significant role in the country’s diet, economy, employment, culture, and history. India is among the world’s leading producers of rice and brown rice, contributing to 20% of global rice production. The crop is cultivated in almost every state, with West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Chhattisgarh being the major rice-producing regions. As a tropical plant, paddy thrives in hot and humid climates and is predominantly grown in rain-fed areas with heavy annual rainfall, making it a key kharif crop in India. However, it is also cultivated through irrigation in regions with comparatively lower rainfall.

Problems Faced by Farmers

Weeds, insects, and diseases pose significant threats to rice crops, leading to an estimated average loss of 37% of the harvest each year. Alongside effective crop management, timely and accurate diagnosis of these pests and diseases, coupled with proper chemical management, can greatly reduce these losses.