Question

Why does paddy cultivation need standing water in the field?

Answer 1

Answer:

Explanation:

The soil should have soil particles, air and moisture in equal proportions. The paddy plant can survive even when there is standing water. But, for a healthy paddy plant water should not be in stagnated situation in the field. When irrigation is provided intermittently the roots are aerated and grow healthily.

Answer 2

Explanation:

4,000 - 5,000 litres of water per kg of grain produced. But it is no aquatic crop: it has great ability to tolerate submergence. Water creates unfavourable conditions for weeds, by cutting off sunlight and aeration to the ground. So, rice farmers adopted the practice of submerging rice in water to check weeds. Over the years, it has almost become a prerequisite for rice cultivation.

But today rice productivity has stagnated. The crop does not adequately respond to higher doses of inputs. Growing water scarcity and marginal increases in yield potential makes one believe there is little hope to meet growing demand. Here, an innovative method developed in the African country Madagascar offers a way out.