Rice requires more water than other plants. It is recommended to plant rice in lower parts of the field to reduce the drought risk and to target a higher yield.
However, even though it is called upland rice, it can perform well in lowlands. Do not plant it in flood areas.
Variety selection
There are several varieties of rice in Uganda. The overall yield depends on the amount of rainfall and practices.
Land preparation
For upland rice, fine soils are recommended, rough soils bring poor yields. If lowland rice is planted in water, a bund with 30-60cm and leveling is recommended for a higher yield.
Bunds enable you to control the water and weeds. Leveling also contributes to uniform growth.
Seed preparation
Count 100 seeds and soak in water for 24 hours. Wrap the seeds in wet paper for 48 hours and thereafter count the number of seeds that have germinated.
If the germination rate is lower than 80%, use a higher seeding rate when planting. It is advisable to carry out seed selection using the flotation method by putting the seeds in a basin of water and using only the seeds that sink and leave those that float.
Sowing
Line planting or spot planting is recommended for optimum seeding depth, plant population and easier weed control.
For line planting, leave 30cm between the lines while for spot planting, create 30cmx12.5cm with seven seeds per hole. 20kg per acre is the optimum seeding rate. It is recommended that upland rice is planted at a depth of 2-4cm.
Deeper planting causes low germination and delayed maturity. While shallow planting has risks of drought and bird damage.
Weeding
Weeds prevent rice from receiving sunshine, soil nutrients and water. Weeds also attract insects, rats and diseases. Weeding must be done at least two times at three and six weeks after germination either by hand or hoe.
Diseases
Look out for rice blasts which can be controlled by planting resistant varieties and avoid excessive application of nitrogen fertilisers.
Harvesting
The stems of the rice are cut close to the ground using serrated sickles. This method of harvesting is faster than harvesting panicles using a knife.
Harvesting should be done when 80-85% of the grains are yellow-coloured and the grains of the lower part of the panicle are in the hard stage.
