As the monsoon season approaches, farmers across India gear up for the annual ritual of sowing paddy. Paddy, also known as rice, is a staple food crop that is grown in most parts of India. There are many traditional paddy varieties that are grown in different regions, and the sowing season varies depending on the variety and the region.
In the northern states of India, such as Punjab and Haryana, the traditional paddy varieties are sown in June-July when the monsoon sets in. These are long-duration varieties that take around 150-180 days to mature. Some of the popular traditional paddy varieties in this region are Basmati 370, Pusa Basmati 1, and Taraori Basmati.
In the eastern states of India, such as West Bengal and Odisha, the traditional paddy varieties are sown in May-June before the onset of the monsoon. These are short-duration varieties that take around 110-120 days to mature. Some of the popular traditional paddy varieties in this region are Swarna, Satabdi, and IR 64.
In the southern states of India, such as Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, the traditional paddy varieties are sown in July-August when the monsoon is in full swing. These are medium-duration varieties that take around 130-140 days to mature. Some of the popular traditional paddy varieties in this region are Sona Masuri, Kurnool, and Kattuyanam.
The sowing of traditional paddy varieties is a labor-intensive process that involves preparing the field, transplanting the seedlings, and maintaining the crop until harvest. Many farmers still follow traditional methods, such as using bullocks for plowing and transplanting, and hand-weeding the fields.
However, with the advent of modern technologies such as hybrid varieties, mechanized farming, and chemical fertilizers, many farmers are switching to these new methods for higher yields and profitability. This has led to the decline in the cultivation of traditional paddy varieties, which are considered more flavorful and nutritious than their modern counterparts.
In conclusion, the sowing season for traditional paddy varieties varies depending on the region and the variety. While the cultivation of traditional paddy varieties is declining in India due to the adoption of modern methods, it is important to preserve these varieties for their unique qualities and for sustaining the livelihoods of millions of farmers who depend on rice cultivation for their livelihoods.