Kasur’s paddy cultivation flourishes amidst challenges

Modern techniques, governmental support essential in thriving paddy cultivation

PATTOKI:

Paddy cultivation holds a pivotal position in the agricultural landscape of Kasur district, securing the third rank after wheat and maize.

With the implementation of modern farming methods and meticulous care, this crop yields abundant profits.

Success in achieving a fruitful harvest hinge on the selection of robust seedlings, a process that agricultural experts emphasize.

As per their counsel, the optimal timeframe for sowing paddy seedlings commences after May 20.

Seedlings grown via the submerged method are ready for transplantation within 25 to 30 days, while those cultivated using the dry method are primed for transplantation within 35 to 40 days.

Ensuring the seamless transplantation of seedlings entails pre-soaking the field a day or two before uprooting them. This approach maintains the soil's softness, minimizing the risk of damaging the delicate plants during the extraction process. Following harvest, immersing the seedlings in water mitigates wilting due to excessive heat.

During the transplantation phase, maintaining a water level of approximately one and a half inches on a leveled field is recommended.

For optimal growth, it's advised to place two seedlings in each hole during transplantation. Maintaining a 9-inch spacing between holes and incorporating 80,000 holes per acre translates to a plant count of 160,000 per acre. Falling short of this plant count significantly diminishes the overall yield. Basmati stands as a favored variety due to its exceptional taste and market demand. Successful paddy cultivation hinges on the precise application of balanced fertilizers and a keen focus on herbal remedies. Noteworthy paddy strains encompass Super Basmati, Kainat, Shaheen Basmati, Basmati 1509, and Kisan Basmati.

The maturation period for Super Basmati spans 140-145 days, yielding up to 65 min. For thicker strains like Arri-6 and Nayab Arri-9, productivity can rise further.

Chaudhry Yasin Virk, a dedicated paddy cultivator, underscores the annual nature of his efforts. He stresses that timely access to government-approved fertilizers at fair rates could significantly amplify paddy production. Nonetheless, due to the lack of standardized agricultural practices and prompt fertilization, paddy cultivation frequently grapples with losses. Virk urges governmental intervention to establish equitable pricing mechanisms, thereby fortifying the sector and supporting both farmers and the industry at large.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 7^th, 2023.