Department of Agriculture Economics, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru-560065, Karnataka
Online published on 5 December, 2018.
Rice is a major source of calories in the eastern and southern parts of the country. Traditionally, it is cultivated under submerged conditions that demands sizeable quantity of water and labour. The ever-increasing depletion of water resources in tropical and sub-tropical regions questions the sustainability of paddy production. One of the viable alternatives to overcome the problem is the aerobic rice technology. This study aims to quantify benefits of aerobic rice production compared to the puddle method of cultivation for the state of Karnataka, where this technology was first introduced. With 25% of rice producing area suitable for aerobic rice cultivation, the total economic surplus is estimated to be around Rs 3118 million a year. Apart from the benefits to consumers and producers, it will also contribute to the profits of seed producing companies. Furthermore, with proposed suitable area for aerobic rice production, it is possible to reduce methane and nitrous oxide emission to the tune of 67386 and 711 tonnes, respectively per season, hence improving the carbon foot printing status of the country.
