Harvesting and Seed Preservation of rice crops in Bangladesh

Harvesting and Seed Preservation of rice crops in Bangladesh

Rice should be harvested at proper ripening stage. If 80% grains in a panicle turn

yellow, it is ready for harvesting. Threshing should be completed immediately to

preserve quality of grains. Concrete threshing floor is better, but if is not available

then use thin jute/bamboo mat or polyethylene on top of soil. Rice should be sun

dried for 4-5 days followed by winnowing and storage.

Seed preservation

Preservation of good quality seed is the prime requirement for better harvest in the

coming season. Rice field having no weed infestation, no disease and insect pest

attack and free from off types is the right choice for seed collection. Harvest rice at

the proper ripening stage, thrash, dry, winnow and store at right relative humidity and

temperature. Consider following points during seed storage-

• Dry seed to reduce seed moisture content below 12%.

• Sort out fully filled grains while winnowing.

• Preserve seed in air sealed container.

• If earthen pot is used, coal tar may be used to coat outer surface of the container.

• Thick polyethylene bag can be used for seed storage.

• Sun dried seeds should be put into container in full after cooling in shadow place.

• Make the container air tight and keep it above ground.

• Use dried leaves of Azadiracta indica @ 3.25 kg/ton rice seed for preventing insect attack.