1448. Publication of “Green Asia Report Series: Rice Ratooning for Low-Input Rice Cultivation”

A report entitled “Rice Ratooning for Low-Input Rice Cultivation” has been published as part of the Green Asia Report Series, which aims to support the transformation of food systems in the Asia-Monsoon region by presenting foundational agricultural technologies that are scalable and transferable across diverse production environments. It is intended as a reference for a broad range of stakeholders, including policymakers, researchers, extension personnel, producers, and private-sector actors. The fifth issue focuses on the potential of ratoon rice cultivation as an approach to addressing labor shortages and environmental challenges in the Asia-Monsoon region.

Rural areas across the Asia-Monsoon region are facing increasing constraints associated with population aging, declining agricultural labor availability, and reductions in yield and grain quality driven by climate change and environmental degradation. Under these conditions, there is a need for production systems that sustain rice output while optimizing the use of limited labor and resources and minimizing environmental impacts. Ratoon rice cultivation exploits the regrowth of tillers (ratoons) from basal stubble after harvest, thereby eliminating the need for operations such as nursery raising and transplanting and reducing both labor and input requirements. Ratoon-based double cropping is therefore increasingly regarded as a viable option for achieving more sustainable and resource-efficient rice production under changing climatic and socioeconomic conditions.

In conventional rice systems, labor demand is highly concentrated at the beginning of the cropping cycle, particularly for seedling production and transplanting. Consequently, securing sufficient labor and managing rising production costs pose significant challenges for double-cropping systems. In contrast, ratoon rice cultivation eliminates the need for puddling and seedling preparation, thereby reducing labor requirements and associated costs. Furthermore, because the stubble from the main crop is reused, the duration of the cropping cycle is shortened, and inputs such as fertilizer and irrigation water can be reduced, contributing to lower environmental burdens and potential reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. However, the performance of ratoon rice is context-dependent; variations in climate, cultivar, and management practices can result in yield instability or reduction. Despite these limitations, ratoon-based double cropping offers clear advantages over conventional systems in terms of labor productivity, cost efficiency, water use, and environmental performance.

This report provides a detailed account of the characteristics and agronomic potential of ratoon rice cultivation, together with key technical considerations for its implementation. It also examines strategies for wider dissemination and identifies priorities for future research and development. Although ratoon rice cultivation is not universally applicable, it represents a promising option for improving farm management and supporting the transition toward more sustainable rice production systems when applied under suitable conditions. The report is expected to serve as a foundational resource for stakeholders considering its adoption and to contribute to the advancement of rice-based agriculture in the Asia-Monsoon region.

Green Asia Report Series:　https://www.jircas.go.jp/en/greenasia/report　
Green Asia HP: https://www.jircas.go.jp/en/greenasia　
 

Contributor: SHIRAKI Shutaro, Rural Development Division