Effect of Sprinkler Irrigation Levels on the Performance of Rice Genotypes under Aerobic Condition

Abstract

Rice is the staple food for 65% population in India. It occupies an area of 45 m.ha with an average production of 105 m.t. in India. Tamil Nadu is one of the biggest producers of rice in India. Demand for rice is growing every year and it is estimated that in 2025 AD the requirement would be 140 m.t. Rice cultivation requires large quantity of water and for producing one kg of rice, about 3000 – 5000 litres of water is required depending on the method of rice cultivation. Because of the increasing demand for food with the increasing population growth and scarcity of water, rice producers face three major challenges: i) To face water scarcity, ii) To increase productivity, iii) To produce more rice with less water. Hence, it is necessary to develop an alternative rice production system that requires less water and increases water productivity. Micro irrigation techniques is one such tool that can reduce water use and at the same time increase yield. Drip and International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 7 Number 03 (2018) Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas.com