Irrigation schedule in producing quality basmati rice (Oryza sativa)

Schedule of irrigation application after 2 days of infiltration of ponded water produced significantly higher grain yield over that of 4 days after infiltration of ponded water. The irrigation scheduled at 2 days after infiltration of water though having higher water expense resulted in greater water expense efficiency. Significantly improved rice (Oryza sativa L.) recovery and protein content of polished kernels and lowering of alkali splitting score were observed under the treatment of frequent irrigation application. Withdrawal of irrigation at 21 days after 50% flowering had significantly higher grain yield, water expense efficiency, hulled, milled and head rice recoveries and protein content of basmati rice than at withdrawal of irrigation at 7 or 14 days after 50% flowering.