The methods of land preparation affect yields. Inefficient land preparation is one of the most important causes of poor yields. Rice does not strive in stagnant water, there must be constant movement of water under and above the soil. It is essential also that an appropriate height of water be maintained in relation to the stage of growth of the crop. The field should be level in order to have an even stand of water, to control weeds and to facilitate the complete drying out at harvest time to enable the use of machines. It is essential that the seed bed for paddy be thoroughly ploughed, preferably twice and allowed to weather, then disc harrowed several times, leveled and raked before seed is sown Routine Weed Control It is recommended that to effect weed control by using weed-free seeds and herbicides. Chemicals such as 2,4-D and Propanil effective in controlling weeds of rice. 2,4-D controls broad leaved weeds and sedges at a rare of 1.5 L/ha, and Propanil is used to control Muraina grass at a rate of 1.5 L/ha. For more information on weed control... Routine Pest and Disease Control Paddy bug is one of the major pests of rice in Guyana and Blast the main disease. The following are the symptoms and control measures. Paddy Bug
Blast Disease
Fertilizer recommendations for BR 444, BR 240, and F7-10. Coastal frontal clays.
Riverain clays and silts
Some cleaning devices used are winnowers, pre-cleaners and cleaner-separators.
Drying of the grain is done to lower the moisture content in order to guarantee conditions favourable for storage or for further processing of the product. Drying permits a reduction of losses during storage from causes such as:
Grain input must match drying capability, the miller should not take in more than the drying floor can hold. The aim of drying paddy is to bring its moisture down to a level so that its quality can be maintained for an appreciable length of time.
Dry paddy to remove 1-2% moisture in a single pass, except between 16% and 14% where no more than 1% moisture should be removed per hour. This is done in two steps.
Inspection and Preparation of Storage Area Efforts should be made to ensure that the warehouse/store is in good condition for storage of the grain. The fabric of the warehouse should therefore be inspected for faults which should be corrected. Warehouse/storage areas should be properly cleaned. All refuse should be removed and burnt. The internal surfaces should be treated with a surface protectant to get rid of residual infestation. Pallets to be used should be in good repair with no nails projecting which can tear bags . Areas around the warehouse/storage area should be cleaned with care taken to remove vegetation, refuse, and discarded machinery which only serve as breeding ground for rodents and insects. This should be done according to grade, moisture content, easy access and involves the following:
Monitoring of Rice for Deterioration, Infestation of Grain and Structural Faults Any treatment effected to control insect pests should be monitored, as soon as it is safe to do so, in order to determine its effectiveness. Checks should be made for rodent activity which can be identified by the presence of spilled gains under pallets, droppings and foot marks. Rodent bait stations should be put in place if these signs are observed. Physical checks should be made on a regular basis to ensue that the number of bags of paddy/rice in the warehouse corresponds with that of the stock record book. This will help to disclose any theft or loss. Each shipment of grain leaving the warehouse should be accompanied by delivery note which will be collected at the point where it is received. No paddy or rice should be allowed to leave the warehouse unless an issue order is given by the warehouse manager. This page was created and maintained by D. Tello, GRDB, 117 Cowan Street, Kingston, Georgetown, Guyana. If you have any questions or comments, please contact "grdb@gol.net.gy" |
