The “Paddy Cultivation Field Day” commenced at the Bathalagoda yesterday. Rice Research and Development Institute, aiming to increase the yield per unit area of paddy cultivation in Sri Lanka and educate farmers on adopting new technological equipment for paddy farming. This event, held concurrently with the Ministry of Agriculture’s national program “Eka Mitata – Govi Bimata” (Together for the Farm), was inaugurated by Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Namal Karunaratne. The event will continue for two days, on the 17th and 18th.
During his address, the Deputy Minister emphasized the need to activate research institutions, including the Bathalagoda Rice Research Institute. He further stated that methods to achieve higher yields from smaller land areas should be adopted.
““Vidu nanin Sarukethak” at Bathalagoda Rice Research and Development Institute”
The main objective of the “Vidu Nanen Saru Kethak” (Fertile Field with Knowledge) Field Day is to present new paddy varieties and cultivation technologies developed by the Bathalagoda Rice Research and Development Institute, considered the “home” of paddy cultivation, to the farming community.
Attendees can observe demonstrations on the evolution of paddy varieties, the process of developing new paddy varieties, and research demonstrations showcasing the resilience of currently recommended paddy varieties to adverse environmental conditions (flooding, salinity, iron toxicity, high temperatures). There will also be demonstrations of new methods to accelerate the paddy processing surplus.
The grain quality section will showcase the characteristics of various paddy varieties (traditional and improved), value-added food products made from rice (biscuits, yogurt, cakes, porridge, hoppers, pittu), and offer tasting opportunities. Studies on the antioxidant properties and glycemic index of paddy varieties will also be presented. Farmers can gain knowledge on good agricultural practices to achieve higher yields and the correct application of technology at various stages, from land preparation to harvesting.
This field day also offers an opportunity to study new research on identifying paddy varieties resistant to various stresses posed by climate change in the future, and new technological practices to minimize harvest losses.
Furthermore, the soil science division will provide detailed information on integrated soil nutrient management, the efficiency of new fertilizer types, enhancing fertilizer efficiency using the leaf color chart and soil nutrient kit, and studying the response of various paddy varieties to organic fertilizers.
Information on the quantitative determination of methane emissions from paddy fields and studies on minimizing greenhouse gas production will also be available. Visitors can observe research on developing paddy varieties resistant to adverse environmental conditions and pests/diseases through biotechnology, and the use of biotechnology in paddy breeding.
The entomology division will showcase research on treating nematode damage, increasing natural enemy populations for pest control through yellow flower cultivation, predicting future pest damage by monitoring pest populations using insect traps, and studying the resistance of new paddy varieties to gall midge and brown planthopper.
The agronomy division will present practical studies on various nursery methods, the use of drone technology as a new field establishment method, the use of plant growth hormones, national-level studies on paddy variety adaptability, how different establishment methods affect yield, and the design of drainage systems.
The weed science division will provide information on paddy weed types, the biological control of water hyacinth, inter-seasonal cropping to minimize weed seed banks, integrated methods for controlling wild rice, trials of new herbicides, and studies on the effects of herbicides on paddy plants.
Finally, the pathology division will offer technical information on suitable fungicides for grain discoloration and blast disease, the response of new paddy varieties to bacterial leaf blight, and methods for controlling paddy diseases.
