Early Cropping in Areas of Deepwter Rice Production

Abstract

A four month interval between the commencement of the monsoon rains and inundation of deepwater rice production areas in the Central Plains Region, provides the potential for preceeding the rice crop with early maturing field crops. Yields and returns from these field crops are determined by periodic drought, occasional flooding and, crop and variety characteristics. Crops which have shown greatest potential in the Central Plains flooding and, crop and variety characteristics. crops which have shown greatest potential in the Central Plains Region include sesame, mungbean and sunflower. Apart from using the most appropriate crop cultivars, a number of modified cultural practices need to be foolowed to maximise the crop yield potential; included among these are land preparation should be done not later than the end of April and deepwater rice sown not later than the end of July. Production of early maturing field crops has no effect on the subsequent yield of deepwater rice.