A field study was conducted at Agricultural Research Station, Kampasagar, Nalgonda district of Andhra Pradesh during the kharif season of 2008–09 to evaluate the different planting methods of rice under Nagarjuna Sagar Project Left Canal Command Area (Sri Lai Bahadur Shastri Canal) of Nalgonda district. The experiment was laid out in large plots with seven methods of establishment (Yangi eight row transplanter, semi-dry rice cultivation (sowing of dry seed behind small plough, sowing of dry seed with gorru and sowing of dry seed with national seed drill), system of rice intensification, puddled direct seeded rice and random transplanting (farmer practice). Out of which, sowing of dry seed behind the small plough recorded highest grain yield (6475 kg/ha) than other methods. Sowing of dry seed with national seed drill produced almost equal grain yield to that of sowing of dry seed behind small plough (6416 kg/ha). Transplanting with Yangi eight row transplanter recorded grain yield of 5600 kg/ha when compared to random transplanting (5250 kg/ha). The water productivity was higher in semi-dry rice sown behind small plough (5.39 kg/ha-mm) followed by semi-dry rice sown with national seed drill (5.03 kg/ha-mm). Highest gross and net returns were obtained in semi-dry rice sown behind small plough (Rs. 84175 and 62900) followed by semi-dry rice sowing with national seed drill (Rs. 83408 and 62058). Though higher investment for cultivation in Yangi eight row transplanter (Rs. 36950), higher gross returns were obtained (Rs. 72800) as compared to random transplanting (Rs. 68250).
Gorru, National seed drill, Semi-dry rice, Small plough, System of rice intensification, Yangi eight row transplanter
