Seedling Broadcasting

How do we perform seedling broadcasting?

• Insted of seeds used in direct sowing, planting material used for this method is seedlings.
• 12 days old seedlings are broadcasted evenly in the field.
• For such broadcasting seedlings should have a considerable weight, which is supported by a ball of mud associated with roots.
• To facilitate this, seeds are initially raised in seedling trays (known as parachute trays).
• After seedlings are grown for 12 days, they are removed from trays along with the mud-ball and broadcasted.
• Seedling density is maintained as 35-40/m² for a maximum yield.

Advantages

• Seed paddy requirement is very low – 20-30 kg/ha.
• Labor cost is 50% than that of in transplanting.
• Root system of the seedlings will not be damaged as they contain mud-balls.
• Therefore, seedlings will not experience a transplanting shock.
• Seedlings get established in the field very quickly.
• Plants produce high number of tillers
• Harvest could be obtained 7-8 days earlier than other methods.