Comparative Study of Dry Direct Seeded and Transplanted Rice in the Eastern Part of Uttar Pradesh, India

The study was aimed at comparing dry direct seeding and transplanted systems of rice cultivation with the participation of farmers concerning rice growth, yield, water productivity, and economic returns. The study was carried out by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Malhana, Deoria, Uttar Pradesh, under the administrative control of ICAR-IIVR, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India during Kharif 2023 and 2024. A total of 33 FLDs conducted in 2023 and 30 FLDs during 2024 at Deoria District as well as the KVK farm under dry direct seeding conditions with the Pusa Sambha 1850 paddy variety seeded in the midweek of June and harvested in the first to midweek of November. The rice grain yields of 11-12 percent were higher under DDSR during both the demonstration periods. Results of this study indicated that higher grain yield with dry direct seeding rice can be achieved by using rice cultivars that can produce more productive tillers and longer panicles. The 8003 Rs and 7988 Rs/ha cost of cultivation were saved under the dry direct seeding of rice than the transplanted rice during study period. Therefore the net return was 17387 and 20178 Rs. higher under DDSR than TPR during study periods. The benefit cost ratio 39.56 and 43. 37 percent higher compared with the transplanted rice in the demonstrated years. The dry-direct seeded of rice is more suitable, more the water saving, labor saving as well as the saving of the environment and more economical for paddy cultivation in eastern part of India. Furthermore, we require more demonstrations at various locations in this region.