ICAR-IIAB Ranchi organized a Field Day on "Direct Seeded and Transplanted Rice" under the Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) on October 29, 2024. The event aimed to raise awareness among farmers about direct-seeded rice and improved rice cultivars. It also focused on disseminating information regarding the use of early-duration rice varieties to optimize the utilization of fallow land during the rabi season and enhance cropping intensity.
Dr. Sujay Rakhsit, Director of ICAR-IIAB Ranchi, urged farmers to grow high-yielding, drought-tolerant rice varieties to improve their livelihoods and increase their income. He emphasized the importance of using quality seeds and adopting integrated farming systems for optimal resource utilization. He also noted that scientists are working diligently to develop high-yielding rice varieties suitable for direct seeding conditions.
Earlier, Dr Vijai Pal Bhadana, Joint Director (Research), ICAR-IIAB Ranchi, addressed the farmers, highlighting that direct-seeded rice is a valuable tool to mitigate challenges arising from climate change. He encouraged farmers to carefully observe segregating materials and select suitable lines based on their experiences. He also explained the importance of participatory plant breeding.
Over 100 tribal farmers from nearby villages participated in the program, which was coordinated by Dr Avinash Pandey, Dr Sudhir Kumar, Dr Jayanta Layek, and Dr Khela Ram Soren from ICAR-IIAB in Ranchi.
