Dry Seeding: The Secret of Growing Rice with Less Water 

Few months without rains leaves a deep crash on rice farmer’s livelihood. The absence of irrigation poses another problem. Since we rely heavily on rainwater and without rain, there is no way that we can plant. We missed the third cropping season and pray for the early rain.

With the coming of rainy season, farmers are hoping to begin planting as soon as possible, however, the rain are not enough to recharge wells, falls, and other water sources despite of the government of agriculture’s effort of doing cloud seeding to helps resolve the water problem. Many rice farmers had started cultivating their rice fields and started planting using dry seeding. With this method, the farmer can plant rice without flooding the fields with water. Unlike wet seeding method that requires adequate amount of water and labor in land preparation, with the dry seeding, farmers plant the rice directly into the dry soil.  It also reduces methane emissions, contributing to more sustainable rice production.

However, this method requires precise weeds and pest management. With the absence of water that will drown the weeds, weed competition increases.  To have greater yield and success, a good soil preparation, seed treatment, and the use of pre-emergent herbicide is necessary.  

Overall, dry seeding is an efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional rice cultivation, particularly suited for season and regions with limited water supply and resources.