Performance results are in for the center pivot in Pakistan. This field was planted with Basmati which in general does not have as high of yields as other rice. Under the center pivot the field average for the transplanted area was 2.5 mt/ha while the adjacent flooded fields ranged from 3.0 to 4.1 mt/ha. There is no question that the blast seriously limited yields. The water use though was 60% less than estimated for the adjacent flood fields. This center pivot attracted much local interest and has several asking about the possibilities for 2010. We own much thanks to Mr. Farid Noon and the team from Valley Irrigation Pakistan for making this possible.
In the US, we have completed a series of webinars for the Valley dealers to update them on producing rice under center pivots and linears detailing results from 2008 and 2009 and plans for 2010.
Michelle Stolte was at the USA Rice Conference in New Orleans, LA, USA, and enjoyed visiting with a number of producers, rice industry suppliers, and university personnel. Much interest was expressed in the idea of reducing water use for rice but then there are those who are skeptical about using center pivots and linears.
Dr. Concenco presented an update report on the Valley Rice Project in New Delhi, India, at the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID) meeting. He also visited a rice producing area of India and discussed production techniques.
The crop in Brazil continues to develop. Soil moisture monitoring indicates the fields are staying in the range of 10 to 20% depleted.
The Valley Rice Team looks forward to hearing your comments and ideas!
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