Paraquat is Transforming rice planting in India

Field demonstration programs in West Bengal prove that using paraquat and no-tillDescription Also known as conservation tillage or zero tillage is a way of growing crops from year to year without disturbing the soil through tillage ie cultivating the soil usually with tractor-drawn implements. Authoritative On-line References and Resources http://www.no-till.com/index.htm A portal for on-line information about no-till farming./thrown seedling technology in irrigated rice is enhancing rice paddy production in India. First response from farmers was extremely skeptical, but seeing is believing…and response from government officials has been extremely positive.

Paraquat and no-tillage are providing a solution that minimizes the cost and number of days required for rice cultivation for paddy farmers in West Bengal.

“Minimizing costs includes the cost of plowing, which is about Rs. 2250 to 3000,” commented Mr. Tapas Kundu, District Plant Protection Officer, North 24 Parganas, for the Goverment of West Bengal’s Department of Agriculture.

He goes on to explain, “Normal practice to transplant rice seedlings requires 12 to 14 days for land preparation, including one or two days of plowing and eight to 10 days of stoppage to allow the weeds to decompose before the farmer gives the field a final plow and levels the field for rice transplanting. By using paraquat, a farmer can manage his main field to make transplant in just four days. So, he can save an average of 10 days using this method and can use this time for his next crop, like early potato, tomato, and other vegetables, which fetch an attractive market price.”

Mr. Kundu’s comment followed a field visit, on July 30, 2005, to a demonstration plot established by a leading manufacturer and marketer of the active ingredient paraquat.

No-till/thrown seedling technology goes against traditional but time-consuming hand planting practices for paddy cultivation in West Bengal, India. Local farmers observing the West Bengal plot preparation, which included pre-treatment with paraquat, were extremely skeptical.

However, seven days later, a field visit that included local farmers and government officials quickly dispelled those doubts. All seedlings that were thrown on the demonstration plot had established themselves and stood at 90-degree angles. The seedlings in these no-tillage plots also demonstrated more root growth and improved coloration compared to plots planted using conventional till methods.

Local farmers who witnessed the results of the demonstration plot referred to the approach as revolutionary.

"We never thought that rice planted by dropping can establish so well. Now we are confident in this new technology," commented farmers Abdul Rahup Molla, Abdur Rahim, and Abdul Karim Molla.

The outstanding results also prompted immediate reaction from Government officials who committed 21 farmer-owned plots in Boro to create their own model demonstration plots featuring paraquat and no-tillage techniques. Similar demonstration plots are being established in other West Bengal territories too.