MISSION & VISION - PADDY FARMING WITH PEOPLE FOCUS, IMPROVEMENT

OF LIFE STANDARDS AND INTEGRATED CSR ACTIVITIES IN THE KINGDOM OF

CAMEROON

An Introduction to Rice Farming

Rice is considered the staple food for a large human population in the world. The rice planted
area in the world is 157,000,000 ha & Its production in the world is about 650,000,000
tonnes. It is estimated that rice is the third largest produced commodity after sugarcane and
maize. Rice plant is a grass belonging to the Oryza Sativa species. Rice is believed to be
cereal, monocot grain, which is grown as an annual plant. Some tropical regions cultivate
rice as a ratoon crop and it survives as a perennial plant. This plant is majorly cultivated in
countries where labour costs are low because cultivating rice or paddy is a labour-intensive
task and requires heavy rainfall conditions. Rice is native to Asia and parts of Africa. Rice
plants can be grown in different environments like lowlands, coastal wetlands and uplands
depending on the availability of water in the area. Two major varieties of rice cultivated
around the world are Oryza Sativa Indica and Oryza Sativa japonica.

This rice cultivation project report describes the farming methods and at the end of the
project, there is an estimation of investment required for farming and the profit obtained from
the Farm.
Scope and importance
Rice is considered as life for more than 50% population around the world. Products from rice
like the popped rice, puffed rice, rice flakes, canned rice and other fermented varieties are
also used in large quantities. Straw obtained from the rice plants is used as cattle feed, roof
thatching, for the preparation of huts, mats and litter material. Husk obtained from rice is
used as animal feed and for making paper. Rice bran serves as nutrition for cattle. The Oil
Obtained from the Rice Bran is used mostly for Human Consumption as edible Oil, Soap
Making Etc. Most of the rice produced is either rain-fed or by external irrigation methods.
Rice Plant and its properties
Each rice plant has many tillers, which are shoots that contain roots, stem and leaves. There
may or may not be a panicle on the tiller. These panicles bear spikelets, which form the
seeds. Generally, the spikelet has both the male and female reproductive organs and that is
the reason it is called hermaphrodite.

The seed of the plant is produced for further multiplication of the variety, whereas grain from
the plant is considered as the edible part. The grain of rice, which has matured completely
and is useful to grow new crops under favourable conditions is called a seed. Seedlings are
obtained from the Embryo of the Seed, which is covered by hard Cover called the Hull.
Reproduction in the plant happens through pollination and is followed by fertilization. It
takes Development of the egg which starts within 12 hours of fertilization and after 8 days
the endosperm of the growing seed turns milky white. The entire embryo develops in 10 days
and the endosperm gets to the soft dough stage 14 days after fertilization. Eventually, 7 days
later the dough gets harder and the matured seed is obtained in 25 to 30 days.

Why_good seed is required and how to select it?

Rice is the most important crop cultivated all around the world and has high demand
because of a large number of consumers. So, the quality and quantity of production are
expected to be very high to meet the demand of the population. The right choice of seed is
needed for the following reasons:

• Low seeding ratio because of high germination.

• Replanting is not needed.
• Uniform plants could be obtained so that harvesting is easy.
• Vigorous plant growth is obtained with better resistance to insects and pests.
• Early maturity could be expected.
• Good grain quality and higher yield.
• Higher milling because of fewer immature seeds.

To identify a good seed for rice cultivation, one must know that pure seed is full and uniform in
size. The seeds should be free from weed seeds, diseases, pathogens and other unwanted
matter. Seeds for rice cultivation could possibly be obtained from reliable sources or government
based agricultural offices.
Dressing the seed is highly important before sowing because the seeds obtained from the breeder
are costly and every effort should be made to ensure their survival after sowing.
Generally, the seeds are dressed with chemicals like Thiram.
Soil and climate requirements

Paddy Field.

There are four main ecosystems namely irrigated, upland, lowland rain-fed, and flood-prone
type of ecosystems. These ecosystems have developed owing to the fact that rice could be
cultivated in the varying condition of altitude and climate. This crop needs a hot and humid
climate and is exclusively suited for regions with prolonged sunshine and plenty of water.
Rice crop needs an average temperature of 21 to 37 0 C and can tolerate 40 to 42 C at the
maximum. It has been observed that each stage of the cultivation process demands a different
temperature range such as sprouting (10 0 C), flowering (23 0 C), blooming (26-29 0 C), grain
formation (21 0 C) and ripening (20-25 0 C).

Planting of rice seeds should be on time so as to produce a fast-growing crop that is uniform
and produces a high yield. Seeding rate is defined by many factors like plant ecosystem,
planting method, depth, seed quality and type.

Rice crops need uniform and timely nutrition for proper growth and quality grain
production. The application of fertilizer depends on the crop stage and the type of fertilizer
being used.

Irrigation and Other Needs

Rice crop needs about 1500 litres of water to produce 1 kg of paddy. Water supply largely
affects the yield of the crop and should be above the evaporation level. Water is allowed to
stand in the field at a depth of 2 to 5 cm after transplanting so as to facilitate seedling
establishment. Until the crop attains the dough stage, a water depth of 5 cm is maintained and
water is drained before harvesting to facilitate quick and uniform maturity of the grain. To
increase the water use efficiency the following is done:

Bunds are maintained.

Fields are Levelled.

Puddle the fields when required.

 Using direct seeding methods.
Using short duration varieties.
Timely harvest.

Maintenance of bunds and field cleaning at regular intervals (seasons).

Use of clean and resistant varieties of crops (mostly certified varieties).
All the rice farming fields (neighbouring) should plant rice seeds at the same time to avoid
the risk of insects, pests and rodents on individual farms.

Harvesting and yield of Paddy

Ready to Harvest Paddy

Timely harvest is extremely important for maintaining the quality and yield otherwise there
could be a possibility of unfilled and immature grains or loss of grains through shattering and
bird attacks. The rice crops could be harvested when the grain moisture is in between 20 to
22% (obtained after 30 days of flowering), the grains have turned into straw colour, the
grains have turned hard in the lower part of the panicle, squeezing the grain from the teeth is
easy. It is essential to maximize the grain quality after harvest and the following is done to
maintain quality:

• Ensure that the panicles don't lay on the ground or in water.

• Thresh the cut panicles within 24 hours.
• Dry the grains immediately after threshing.
• Sun drying grains should be stirred every one hour for uniform drying.
• Clean drying pads or tarpaulins could be used.
• Grain layer should be 3 to 5 cm thick for drying.
• Protect the grains from too hot climate and rain.
• Winnow the grains thoroughly after drying.
• Store the grains in a cool, dry and clean area sealed properly in a bag.

There are two common methods for harvesting rice crops manually (traditional methods)
such as a panicle reaping and long stalk cutting by sickle; both these methods require 240
labour hours and 80-180 labour hours per hectare respectively. It is observed that one
hectare of land produces approximately 30-50 quintals of rice grains depending on the
facilities provided and management techniques used.

Post harvest management of Paddy

Threshing is separating the kernel from the panicle by rubbing, impact or stripping. Threshing can be
done either manually or mechanically. Rice grains are generally harvested with 21 to 26% of
moisture and to avoid the grain being susceptible to insect attacks.
Paddy seeds need a minimum temperature of 43 o c for drying in the shade and paddy as food grain
needs a temperature of not more than 54 0 C for drying. Drying at minimum temperature ranges
preserves the aroma of the grains.
Paddy cleaning is an essential post harvest task which involves removal of unwanted weed seeds,
straw, chaff, panicle stems, empty grains, damaged grains, sand, rocks, stone, dust, plastic, any
metal substances etc. from the harvest and threshed rice grains. This process of cleaning is done
immediately after threshing and drying.
Finally, the storage of the rice grains is required to protect them from extreme heat, cold and
moisture. Lack of adequate storage space for grains obtained from large or medium farms results in
either damage of the grains by insects or rodents or is sold to companies and traders immediately
after harvest at a lower rate. Storage loss occurs due to insects, rodents, birds, moisture content,
theft and pilferage. The seeds could be preferably stored in containers made of wood, metal,
concrete or they could be stored in the hermetic (sealed) storage bags which have the capacity to
control the moisture content while storing.

Mission & Vision for the Kingdom of Cameroon

Short Term ( To start immediately)

 Employment opportunities for People living in Surrounding Villages

 Youth Empowerment

 Advanced Technical Training with State of the Art Facilties for Both Men
& Women for Mechanisation in Agriculture

Long Term
  CSR – Power, Water, Education & Health Care

 Village Adoptions – For Improving Life Standards

 Hospital with Ultra Modern Facilities

 Education @ International Standards

SCOPE OF WORK AND EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

South Western Region of Cameroon is suitable for Low Land Paddy Cultivation

The entire Scope of Work is Listed below and utilisation of Men, Women & Youth for all Operational
and Field Work will create immense Employment opportunities for People in Villages, around the
Area where Paddy Cultivation is Proposed.

 LAND PREPARATION
 SEED PREPARATION
 SEEDBED PREPARATION
 SOIL MANAGEMENT
 FERTILISING
 PLANT PROTECTION
 HARVEST
 POST HARVEST
 PADDY PROCESSING
 PACKING & BAGGING
 TRANSPORTATION

The table below illustrates Requirement of Local Manpower For 1000

Hectares

Youth Empowerment – Future Lies with Young Minds

Profitable Agri Business under a Changing Climate will Create Decent and
Competitive Employment Opportunities for Youth

 Agribusiness provides jobs for Young People

 Way forward for a Healthy and Prosperous Living
 Sustainable Development through Training on Climate and Terrain Smart
Agricultural Practices
 Skill Development & Learning New Technology
 Gender Equality
 Empowerment through Creation of Business Opportunities to market
end Products
 Advanced Technical Training with State of the Art Facilties for Both Men
& Women for Mechanisation in Agriculture

Inclusive Social & Life Standard Development – Long Term & Ongoing
Activity

Two Major Needs are Critical for Development of Living Standards, Power &
Clean Drinking Water. Villages Surrounding the Area of Agricultural
Operations will be Part of the Development Initiative aimed at Social and
Economic Improvement along with Decent Standards of Living. A Long-term
Sustainable Plan consisting of initiatives is Listed Below:

 Village Adoptions – Green Global Villages

 Power Generation Resources to cater Essential Needs in Green Global
Villages
 Safe Drinking Water Management
 Centralised Health Care Centre for Emergency Needs
 Primary Level Education Centre for Children in Adopted Global Villages

Requirement & Budget – 2000 Hectares

For Successful Implementation and Profitability, Time and Period Management
of the Crops is of Paramount Importance. To Aid this, Experienced and
Knowledgeable Workforce along with Suitable Machineries for optimisation of
Work, Proper and Safe Dwelling of Employees is Required.

Following is the Investment Requirement to run the Project Smoothly and

Successfully – Details in Table Below
 TOTAL TOTAL
TOTAL
HEAD COST COST
UNITS
(Rupees) (USD $)
SECURITY & DWELLING    
PRECAST HOUSES (INCLUDES - 240000
CABINS, DORMITORIES, CANTEEN
& ITEMS) 1 20000000
WATER PUMPS 150 15000000 180000
GENSETS 6 28000000
Sub Total 1   63000000
LAND PREPARATION    
CULTIVATORS 40 4000000
ROTARY TILLERS 50 15000000
55 HP TRACTORS 30 30000000
Sub Total 2   49000000
SOWING, HARVESTING &
MAINTENANCE    
PLANTERS 30 42000000
WEEDERS 30 6000000
SPRAYERS 30 6000000
HARVESTORS 30 105000000
Sub Total 3   159000000
POST HARVESTING    
BALERS 5 7500000
HAY RAKES 5 675000
BALE HANDLERS 5 500000
Sub Total 4   8675000
     
PROCESSING    
RICE MILL INCLUDES -
PROCESSOR, DRYER, SILOS &
PACKING EQUIPMENT 100 TPD 400000000
     
TRANSPORTATION    
FUEL (ALL AGRI MACHINERIES
FOR ONE CROP)   10000000
GENSET (400L/HR X 10HRS X 3
MONTHS)   12000000
RICE MILL   400000
LABOUR (TOTAL COST/CROP)   2000000
    24400000
     
GRAND TOTAL   704075000
TOTAL COST
HEAD TOTAL UNITS TOTAL COST (Rupees)
(USD $)
SECURITY & DWELLING      
PRECAST HOUSES (INCLUDES - CABINS,
1 20000000 240000
DORMITORIES, CANTEEN & ITEMS)
WATER PUMPS 150 15000000 180000
GENSETS 6 28000000 336000
Sub Total 1   63000000 756000
LAND PREPARATION      
CULTIVATORS 40 4000000 48000
ROTARY TILLERS 50 15000000 180000
55 HP TRACTORS 30 30000000 360000
Sub Total 2   49000000 588000
SOWING, HARVESTING & MAINTENANCE      
PLANTERS 30 42000000 504000
WEEDERS 30 6000000 72000
SPRAYERS 30 6000000 72000
HARVESTORS 30 105000000 1260000
Sub Total 3   159000000 1908000
POST HARVESTING      
BALERS 5 7500000 90000
HAY RAKES 5 675000 8100
BALE HANDLERS 5 500000 6000
Sub Total 4   8675000 104100
       
PROCESSING      
RICE MILL INCLUDES - PROCESSOR,
100 TPD 400000000 4800000
DRYER, SILOS & PACKING EQUIPMENT
       
TRANSPORTATION      
FUEL (ALL AGRI MACHINERIES FOR ONE
  10000000 120000
CROP)
GENSET (400L/HR X 10HRS X 3 MONTHS)   12000000 144000
RICE MILL   400000 4800
LABOUR (TOTAL COST/CROP)   2000000 24000
    24400000 292800
       
GRAND TOTAL   704075000 8448900
 Leo Edward Muthukrishnan Paul Ezekiel Sampath

Prasanna
Kathiravan Sunil Kumar Sachin Haribabu Box 1 Box 2 Box 1 Box 2
kumar