The Hindu Business Line : ‘Aerobic method to raise paddy can provide benefits’

Coimbatore, Aug. 22 Raising paddy in aerobic or dry condition against the normal practice of growing it in flood condition) is seen as one of the methods of cultivation that can take the pressure off on environment and at the same time, ensure better yield.

The aerobic method of cultivation requires just 50 per cent of the water consumed by the paddy grown through conventional methods. This method will not result in emission of methane gases as seen in the flooded rice crops, according to Dr P. G. Chengappa, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore.

Cultivation through the aerobic method also results in saving labour cost.

Dr Chengappa advocated the aerobic method of cultivation during his speech at the inauguration of the three-day national conference on “Impacts of climate change with particular reference to agriculture” organised under the aegis of the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University.

He also suggested that to facilitate spread of aerobic paddy growing, farmers should be helped out by scientific institutions, which could identify specific varieties suitable for such method of cultivation.

He also said farmers should be encouraged to grow bio-diesel crops such jatropha so as to meet out their own petrol and diesel needs which would also reduce the pressure on fossil fuel demands.

Dr Changappa favoured launching a “bio-fuel” revolution , akin to the “white revolution” that triggered higher milk productivity in the country years ago.

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