Economics of baled fermented rice straw over conventional method of baling system

The farmers of Indo Gangetic Plains of India follows rice-wheat cropping system on large area. In Punjab, Paddy cultivation is practiced on around 3.06 mha in Punjab, generating more than 20 MT of paddy straw. Some farmers burn the paddy residue in the fields for clearing the fields for sowing of wheat due to short window period between harvesting of paddy and sowing of wheat. The loose paddy residue can be managed if the loose paddy residue coming out from conventional combine harvester is managed successfully. The fermentation of paddy residue is one of the alternatives for managing paddy residue. The fermented paddy straw has more nutritive value than untreated paddy straw for feeding the milch animals. The comparative cost analysis of natural fermentation of rice straw in bales over conventional method of baling system was worked out. The total profit under conventional and fermentation baling system was Rs. 5865/haand Rs. 6519/ha respectively.