27-06-2025
Research institute favours climate-friendly non-puddled rice cultivation for kuruvai crop in delta districts
The Tamil Nadu Rice Research Institute (TRRI), Aduthurai, has reaffirmed the potential of non-puddled machine transplanting (NPMTR) as a climate-smart, cost-efficient alternative to conventional puddled rice cultivation — reducing water, fuel, energy, and labour use by nearly 50% without compromising on yields.
In a five-year field study conducted from 2016 to 2020, researchers compared NPMTR with puddled machine transplanting (PMTR) across the clay-dominant delta soil of Thanjavur. While yields remained comparable — 4.82 tonnes per hectare under NPMTR versus 5.06 tonnes per hectare under PMTR — the resource efficiency of NPMTR stood out. Fuel use decreased by 61.9%, energy by 50.6%, and water by 21%. Simplified field preparation, requiring just three tillage operations, reduced cultivation cost by ₹5,880 a hectare.
TRRI director and co-author of the study K. Subrahmaniyan described NPMTR as a 'proven water-saving technology.' He said although the method was included in the TNAU Crop Production Guide, its broader adoption remained limited.
'This is a proven, soil-friendly method that aligns with Tamil Nadu's climate realities. The need now is to popularise it further, especially for kuruvai and summer paddy,' he said. 'Many farmers still use the puddled method, which is no longer sustainable in the face of erratic rainfall and rising input costs.'
Puddling — the traditional method involving repeated tilling of flooded soil to create an impermeable layer — uses 250 mm to 300 mm of water, accounting for up to 30% of irrigation requirements. It degrades soil structure, reduces machinery efficiency, and contributes to methane emissions, Mr. Subrahmaniyan said.
S. Elamathi, lead author of the study and Associate Professor specialising in farming systems, highlighted the practical benefits of NPMTR.
'In regions facing labour shortage and delayed water release, farmers need quick, less labour-intensive transplanting options. NPMTR fits well, especially for kuruvai and summer paddy,' he said.
He explained that traditional puddling leads to soil compaction, restricts root growth in subsequent crops, and exacerbates greenhouse gas emissions. With rainfall becoming increasingly erratic, NPMTR offers a viable, climate-resilient alternative.
Unlike puddling, the non-puddled method involves light irrigation followed by transplanting under alternative wetting and drying (AWD) conditions. It avoids deep tillage, reduces energy consumption, and supports sustainability across varied soil types.
