Influence of sowing dates, organic nutrient sources, and varietal performance on yield and yield attributes of rice (Oryza sativa L.) in Eastern India

A field experiment was conducted during the kharif seasons of 2019 and 2020 at the University Research Farm, Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Pundibari, Cooch Behar, to assess the influence of sowing dates, organic nutrient sources, and varieties on rice productivity. The trial was laid out in a split-plot design with three replications, comprising five sowing dates (D1–D5), two organic nutrient sources [F1: farmyard manure (FYM), F2: vermicompost], and two varieties (V1: Tulipanji, V2=Kalonunia). Significant differences were observed in panicle length, panicle number m⁻², filled grains panicle⁻¹, test weight, grain yield, and straw yield. Among sowing dates, D3 produced the maximum grain yield (2.71 and 2.54 t ha⁻¹ in 2019 and 2020, respectively), recording ~18% higher productivity compared to D5. Vermicompost (F2) increased grain yield by about 13% over FYM (F1). Variety V1 consistently outperformed V2, producing 14–18% higher grain yield. The study emphasizes that timely sowing (D3), vermicompost application, and cultivation of variety V1 together can substantially enhance rice productivity under the agro-climatic conditions of eastern India.