RN Desk: With the arrival of Falgun, the king of seasons—spring—nature is renewed with fresh leaves and vibrant colors. Leaving behind the cold and foggy days of winter, Falgun brings new energy, fragrance, and life to the environment. This seasonal change also inspires agricultural activities. Therefore, at the beginning of Falgun, farmers should prepare properly for Boro and Aus rice cultivation.

Boro Rice

• Apply the final installment of urea fertilizer when seedlings are 50–55 days old or 5–7 days before panicle initiation (booting stage).
• Remove weeds and drain water from the field before applying fertilizer.
• Follow the alternate wetting and drying (AWD) irrigation method.
• Repair and maintain irrigation canals.
• Ensure uninterrupted electricity supply at night and operate irrigation pumps during nighttime if necessary.
• Maintain 3–4 inches of standing water in the field from panicle initiation to the milking stage.
• Regularly inspect fields for pests and apply Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices, such as:
  • Setting light traps
  • Using insect-catching nets
  • Destroying egg masses of harmful insects
  • Conserving beneficial insects
  • Installing bird perches in the field

Common Diseases During This Time

1. Ufara (Rice Hispa or related pest attack):
   Apply an appropriate insecticide containing Emamectin Benzoate (e.g., Sanmectin or Miena) if infestation appears.
2. Blast Disease:
   Temporarily stop urea top-dressing. Apply 160 grams per acre of fungicides such as Trooper, Zil, or Nativo twice at 10–15 day intervals.
3. Leaf Blight (Leaf Burn):
   Apply an additional 5 kg of potash fertilizer per bigha as top-dressing. Drain the field and irrigate again after 7–10 days.
4. Tungro Disease:
   Control the green leafhopper, which transmits the disease.

Aus Rice

• From the second week of Falgun, prepare seedbeds for high-yielding (HYV) Aus varieties.
• Carefully examine and select preserved seeds before sowing.
• If necessary, sun-dry the seeds once, cool them, and then store them properly in seed containers.

Proper planning and timely management during Falgun can significantly improve the yield and health of both Boro and Aus rice crops.