ABSTRACT
This project explores the comprehensive process of rice production with a focus on its
importance in agricultural trade. Beginning with an introduction that highlights rice as a
staple food and economic crop, the study dives into the origin and historical development of
rice cultivation. It the outlines essential land preparation practices emphasizing proper soil
tillage and water management to create optimal growing conditions. The various planting
stages of rice are selection of seeds, spacing and lining to ensure high production of rice to
the farmers. Crop management practices including weeding, fertilization, pest and disease
control are analyzed to ensure healthy growth and high yields. Harvesting phase covers
methods of maturity detection, culling and post-harvesting handling.
Finally, the project examines market strategies, value addition and trade channels that
connect farmers to local and international markets. Overall the study underscores the role of
efficient rice production in enhancing food security and boosting economic growth through
agricultural trade.
CHAPTER ONE
Introduction
Rice is one of the most important staple foods in the world, feeding more than half of the
global population. It plays a vital role in food security, economic development and cultural
practices across many regions especially in Asia, where approximately 10% of the worlds
rice is produced and consumed.
It is also edible seed of a type of grass called aryza sativa (Asian rice) or oryza glaberrrimatic
(African rice.
Rice originated from south eastern Asia and spread to the other parts of the world.
OBJECTIVES.
To monitor pest and disease control strategies.
To assess post-harvest practices and market access.
To understand and apply the recommended agronomic practices in rice cultivation.
To estimate yield and conduct economic evaluation of rice farming.
To increase rice productivity.
To enhance farmer income.
To improve food security
To gain hands-on skills in land preparation, transplanting, weeding, irrigation, and
harvesting.
Scope of the project
Target group
Value chain coverage
Geographical scope
Addressing the above challenges requires a multifaceted approach, including the
development of climate-resilient rice varieties, improved irrigation techniques, better pest
and disease management, access to financial services, and enhanced post-harvest handling
practices. By tackling these issues, rice production can be made more sustainable,
ensuring food security for millions of people worldwide.
Limitations of the project
Policy limitation
Marketing volality
Resistance to change
Inadequate infrastructure
Limiting funds
Importance
Job creation
Food security Empowerment
Economic growth
Statement of the problem
Rice is a staple food for over half of the global population, yet its production faces numerous
challenges that threaten food security, especially in developing regions. In countries like
Kenya, where rice is a vital crop, these challenges are particularly pronounced.
2.0 CHAPTER TWO
2.1 SITE SELECTION
Lowland sites
Upland sites i.e Non-flooded field
Deep-water or flood prone sites
Factors considered when choosing a site
1. Soil Fertility:
Clay soils are ideal due to their water retention and suitability for puddling.
Drainage: Soils should have good drainage to prevent waterlogging.
2. Topography:
Flat or gently sloping land is preferred to facilitate water management.
3. Climate Conditions:
Rainfall: Adequate rainfall is necessary, but excessive rainfall can lead to
flooding.
Sunlight: Unobstructed sunlight is essential for photosynthesis.
Wind: Gentle winds are beneficial; strong winds can cause damage.
4. Water Availability:
Irrigation: Access to reliable water sources is vital for consistent crop growth.
Water Quality: Water should be free from contaminants that could harm the
crop.
5. Accessibility and Infrastructure:
o Proximity to roads facilitates the movement of inputs and harvested crops.
Operational Stages
1. Land Clearing: Involves removal of vegetation, trees to prepare land for cultivation
Tools used are hoes and cutlasses
2. Primary cultivation: Initial tillage to break up compacted soil
Tools used are ploughs and tractors
3. Secondary cultivation: Finner tillage to break soil clots to level the land.
Tools used are harrows rotavators levelers.
4. Tertiary cultivation: Final stage including pudding and seed-bed formation
Importance of land preparation stages:
Land Clearing:
o Reduce weed pressure and uproots perennial pests
o Control disease reservoirs
o Opens the field for planting
Primary cultivation:
o Removes and buries weeds
o Improves water infiltration
o Exposes pests and diseases
Secondary cultivation:
o Levels the field
o Break up the soil clots
o Incorporate manure
Tertiary cultivation:
o Allow uniform water depth
o Improve seed-soil compact
o Breaks deeper compact layers
3.0 CHAPTER THREE
3.1 Crop Establishment
This is the process to ensure that rice seedling are properly positioned and rooted on the field
to ensure uniform growth and maximum growth.
Varieties of crop establishment
o Long grain rice- Basmati
o Aromatic rice
o Short-grain rice- Often less preferred
Ecological conditions needed
o Soil moisture-Moist soil but flat water
o Lagged upland then flooded
o Wind-Low moderate wind
o Rainfall- at least 1000mm annually
o Sunlight- 6-8hrs daily
Methods of planting
o Direct planting-Seeds are sown directly into the soil by using machinery
o Transplanting-By growing rice seedling in a nursery for 14-21days
o Seedling-Where seeds are sown on raised beds.
Factors to consider when choosing planting materials.
Pest and disease control- By choosing resistant varieties
Maturity- Short, long and medium duration
Yield potential- Varieties with high potential
Post harvest quality- Good milling recovery
Spacing
Plant 2–3 seedlings per hill with spacing of 20 cm × 15 cm for short-duration and 20 cm × 20
cm for long-duration varieties.
Plant population
Number of plants per unit area
4.0 CHAPTER FOUR
4.1 CROP MANAGEMENT
Refers to the practices and techniques used during the growth of a crop to ensure healthy
development, maximize yield and reduces losses due to pest, disease, weeds and poor
nutrition.
Various types of management
