1. Standing Rice crop in the field
Introduction
Rice is the staple food for 60 % of world population. In India rice is grown on 45 million ha land.
Rice is grown in all the states in India. West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh have highest production where as Punjab have highest rice productivity.
Standing Rice crop in the field

2. Climatic Requirements
Rice is grown in various climatic conditions and it extends from as low as at sea level to as high as 3000 meter above mean sea level.
Rice crop ideally belongs to hot and humid climate and best suited to regions with high humidity, prolonged sunshine, and an assured irrigation water.
Temperatures: The temperature required for rice seedling growth under nursery condition ranges from C. Post transplantation stages require higher temperatures.

3. Climatic Requirements
Photoperiod: Photo periodically rice is short day plant. However, there are some varieties which are non sensitive to photoperiodic conditions.
Relative Humidity: The relative humidity during growing season should be 85-95% to prevent excessive water loss from the plant through transpiration.
Season: Rice growing seasons vary in different parts of India, depending on temperature, rainfall, and other climatic conditions. There are three seasons for growing rice in India, namely, Monsoon, Winter and summer .

4. Climatic Requirements
Crop Season
Local Name
Sowing time
Harvest time
Monsoon(Kharif)
Aus (W.B., Bihar)
May- June
Sept.- Oct.
Winter (Rabi)
Aman or Aghani
June- July
Nov.- Dec.
Summer (Spring)
Dalua (Orissa)
Boro (Bengal)
March- April

5. Soil Requirement
In India rice is grown under diverse soil conditions from acidic to alkaline soils. Soils with good water retention capacity and with good amount of clay and organic matter are ideal for raising rice nursery.
Clay or clay loam soils are most suited for rice cultivation. Such soils are capable of holding water for long time and helps sustain crop and crop production.
Rice is semi aquatic crop, grows best under submerged and partially submerged conditions, rice crop is mainly grown under low land conditions.

6. Different types of soils used to raise rice nursery
Soil Requirement
Rice plant is able to tolerate wide range of soil reactions, however is well suited to acidic soils having a pH from 5.5 and 6.5. It can be grown on alkali soils after treatment with gypsum or pyrite.
Different types of soils used to raise rice nursery