Attention Paddy Farmers! Negligence During Harvest Can Cause Heavy Losses — Learn the Right Way

Krishi Dunia

• 08 Oct, 2025 01:39 PM IST ,
• Updated Wed, 08 Oct 2025 05:19 PM

As the monsoon gradually withdraws across India, farmers are facing one of the biggest challenges of the season. Sudden rainfall or cloudy weather can undo months of hard work. The paddy crop, the most important Kharif harvest, is now ripening, and most farmers are preparing for harvest. However, carelessness at this stage can ruin the standing crop. It is crucial for farmers to know the right time to harvest paddy and avoid common mistakes that lead to losses.

Right Time for Paddy Harvest

The timing of harvest directly affects yield and grain quality. Harvesting too early or too late can reduce production significantly. Farmers should observe the following signs:

• Check the leaves: When paddy leaves start turning yellow, it indicates that the crop is maturing.
• Inspect the grains: Break a few panicles and check the grains. If they are firm, hard, and fully mature without any milky content, the crop is ready for harvest.
• Wait if grains are milky: If grains still contain a milky substance, wait for 3–4 more days. Early harvesting can leave grains underdeveloped, affecting overall yield and quality.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Several errors during harvest can cause heavy losses:

1. Ignoring unseasonal rain: Many states are experiencing unexpected rainfall. If the crop is ripe and rain is forecasted, do not delay harvesting. Rain can damage standing crops and cause moisture-related losses during storage.
2. Leaving harvested crop in the open: Never leave harvested paddy in the field or open areas. Immediately move it to a safe storage facility or warehouse. If rain is expected, cover the crop with tarpaulin in advance.
3. Over-ripening the crop: Some farmers wait for the crop to ripen further to improve grain quality. However, over-ripening can cause grains to fall off the panicles, reducing overall yield.

Field Preparation and Post-Harvest Care

Ensuring safety and proper management during and after harvest is essential:

• Ensure proper water drainage: After harvesting, cut field bunds to allow water to drain and prevent waterlogging in case of rain.
• Dry the paddy thoroughly: Sun-dry the harvested crop for several days to remove excess moisture. Moisture can lead to fungal growth and spoilage during storage.
• Clean storage areas: Clean warehouses or granaries thoroughly before storing paddy to prevent damage from insects and pests.

Keep an Eye on Weather

After the paddy crop ripens, unseasonal rainfall and strong winds pose the greatest threat. Farmers should regularly monitor weather forecasts. Timely harvesting and safe storage not only protect crops from damage but also ensure that high-quality paddy reaches the market.

Conclusion

Farmers invest months of hard work in growing paddy. A single mistake during harvest can undo all that effort. Therefore, it is critical to harvest at the right time, protect the crop from rain, and store it safely. Following these practices ensures not only crop safety but also better yield and higher profits.