We have registered some small rains over the two first weeks of October which helped the river to recover a bit and served as well for the development of the seeds in the 1st block sowed end of August (Block G). Meanwhile, as the river is low, we had to adjust optimal irrigation level of the fields already in growing stage by pump water from our reservoir. So, any rainwater helps to refill the reservoir.
The intense uniform green colour of the crop shows that water is well distributed, and that the nitrogen applied is being well used by the plants.
Paddy crop is strongly influenced by water supply and water should be kept standing in the field throughout the growth period. Continuous flooding helps ensure sufficient water (elimination of moisture stress and favourable micro-climate to crop production) with greater availability of nutrients such as phosphorus, iron and manganese and control weeds.
2nd stage surface (430 ha of paddy rice) will start to be irrigated by mid-October. You can see some emerging seeds taking benefit from the natural irrigation supplied by some rainwater.
Last week of October, we are going to sow another block of around 240 ha. (Block E – stage 3). Then, block D and C are going to be sowed at final stage, subject to water availability (level of the river) as all the other fields will require water at the same time but not with the same distribution, and pumping has a cost. So, we should have a 4 stages sowing.
We have also finished to refresh the master house. The roof was particularly affected by the torrential rains registered in May in the country (please see post Mayo 2019).