Drip Irrigation Configurations for Rice: A Study on Yield and Economic Returns

The study was conducted to address the issue of water scarcity and enhance the water use efficiency in rice cultivation through advanced methods of irrigation. The effectiveness of drip irrigation systems and the potential for increased productivity and water use efficiency are determined by the selection of dripper spacing, dripper discharge rate, suitable crop variety, and crop geometry. The study found that using a 90 cm lateral spacing and 60 cm dripper spacing with a 4 lph discharge rate is optimal for rice cultivation in direct-seeded raised beds with a medium-duration variety. This setup, with a spacing of 20x40x10 cm (paired row), resulted in a higher grain yield of 7075 kg ha-1, a net return of Rs. 82526/ha, a benefit-cost ratio (BCR) of 2.76, and a water use efficiency of 7.69 kg/ha-mm during the rabi season. Direct seeding in raised beds with a medium-duration variety spaced at 20x40x10 cm, combined with other agronomic practices, is the most effective method for achieving higher yield parameters, increased yield, greater net return, and improved water use efficiency and water productivity in drip-irrigated rice cultivation during the Samba (Rabi) season.