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Rice (Dhan) is one of India’s most important food crops, feeding more than half of the population. For farmers, Dhan ki kheti is not just a traditional practice but also a profitable farming opportunity when done with the right techniques. This guide explains everything soil, climate, seed selection, nursery preparation, irrigation, weed control, diseases, harvesting, and profit tips using simple and practical language.

1. Suitable Climate for Dhan Ki Kheti

Rice grows best in warm and humid conditions.

• Temperature: 20°C to 35°C
• Rainfall: 150–200 cm
• Humidity: More than 60%
• Water availability: Essential throughout crop duration

Areas with continuous water supply and monsoon support are ideal for rice cultivation.

2. Best Soil for Paddy Farming

Rice grows well in clay loam and silty soil because these soils hold water for longer periods.

• Soil pH: 5.5 to 7.5
• fields should be level for uniform water distribution
• Organic matter boosts soil fertility and crop growth

3. High-Yield Rice Varieties

Choosing the right seed variety is the first step for higher production. Some popular high-yield types include:

• Swarna
• IR-64
• Basmati varieties (Pusa 1121, Pusa 1509)
• MTU-1010
• Hybrid rice (KRH-2, PHB-71)

Hybrid varieties provide 15–20% higher yield compared to normal seeds

4. Field Preparation

Proper land preparation is essential for a healthy crop.

• First plough the field 2–3 times.
• Maintain good water level during puddling.
• Add FYM (Farmyard Manure) or compost for soil fertility.
• Level the field using laser land leveller for uniform water flow.

5. Nursery Preparation and Seedling Care

Most farmers follow transplanting method for more yield.

Steps:

1. Soak seeds for 24 hours in clean water.
2. Dry the seeds for another 24 hours before sowing.
3. Prepare the nursery bed with compost and proper moisture.
4. Apply light irrigation daily.
5. Seedlings become ready for transplanting in 20–25 days.

6. Transplanting of Seedlings

Transplanting is done when seedlings reach the height of 15–20 cm.

• Keep 20×10 cm spacing for normal varieties
• Keep 25×15 cm spacing for hybrid varieties
• Avoid deep planting; 2–3 cm depth is ideal
• Maintain water level of 2–3 cm initially

This ensures quick establishment and better tillering.

7. Irrigation Management

Rice requires continuous water throughout the crop cycle.

Water recommendations:

• Maintain 3–5 cm standing water till flowering
• Reduce water before harvesting
• Use alternate wetting and drying (AWD) method to save water
• Ensure bunds are strong to prevent water loss

8. Fertilizer Management

Rice needs balanced nutrients for higher yield.

Recommended fertilizers (per acre):

• Urea: 40–45 kg
• DAP: 25 kg
• Potash: 10–15 kg
• Zinc Sulphate: 5–10 kg (to prevent khaira disease)

Split application of nitrogen gives better productivity.

9. Weed Control

Weeds reduce yield up to 40% if not controlled on time.

Methods:

• Manual weeding at 20–30 days
• Cono weeder in SRI method
• Pre-emergence herbicides like Butachlor
• Post-emergence herbicides like Bispyribac-sodium

10. Pests & Diseases Management

Common pests:

• Stem borer
• Leaf folder
• Brown planthopper

Common diseases:

• Blast
• Bacterial leaf blight
• Sheath blight

Use preventive sprays and resistant varieties.

11. Harvesting & Post-Harvest Management

Harvest when:

• Grains turn golden-yellow
• Moisture level reduces to 20–22%

Methods:

• Manual cutting with sickle
• Combine harvester for quick harvesting

After harvesting:

• Dry grains under sunlight to reduce moisture
• Store in dry, ventilated godowns to avoid fungus

12. Profitability in Dhan Ki Kheti

Rice farming is highly profitable when resource management is efficient.

Cost components:

• Seeds
• Fertilizers
• Labor
• Irrigation
• Harvesting & threshing

Profit tips:

• Use high-yield hybrid seeds
• Adopt SRI method to save water
• Follow organic manure for soil health
• Sell directly through FPOs for better price
• Use government schemes and subsidies

Farmers can easily earn ₹35,000–₹60,000 per acre, depending on the variety and farming methods.

Conclusion

Dhan ki kheti plays a crucial role in India’s food security and rural economy. With modern cultivation techniques, improved seeds, water-saving methods, and efficient pest control, farmers can achieve higher production and better profits. Rice farming is not only a traditional practice but a growing opportunity for sustainable and profitable agriculture.