In a significant innovative push to rice crop in Uttarakhand, Savannah Seeds has introduced a new solution that will benefit thousands of rice farmers of India and help push yields. Terming the new technology as game changer and futuristic, the company said it offers a holistic approach, reducing groundwater usage by up to 30%, saving Rs 3000-4000 per acre in labor costs, increasing yields, and cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 25-30%. To empower farmers with scientific inputs and solutions, a special app was also launched on the occasion.
Ajai Rana, Asia Pacific Business Head and CEO, Savannah Seeds, said, "The FullPage cropping solution and the FullPage App will bring about a revolution in rice cultivation by addressing the critical issue of weed management. It not only enhances farmers' income but also conserves water, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, thus safeguarding our environment for future generations."
The cutting-edge FullPage solution offers a comprehensive four-pronged advantage specifically engineered for Direct Seeded Rice (DSR). It integrates smart genetics for optimized crop performance and ensures uniform germination and robust growth with its SQUAD seed treatment, eliminating phytotoxicity risks for maximum yield.
Traditional DSR methods often face weed management issues and inconsistent germination, leading to lower yields. FullPage addresses these with ADAMA's Vezir herbicide, providing reliable control of weeds like weedy/red/feral rice and barnyard grass in Imazethapyr-tolerant hybrid rice.
Manoj Singh, head of Fullpage, emphasized the correct application of Fullpage by stating, "It is essential to use 7 kg of seeds per acre. Apply 400 ML of Vezir weedicide when weeds are at their second to third leaf stage, which typically occurs 10 to 15 days after sowing. Ensure the fields are not irrigated for 24 hours after spraying, and avoid using Vezir on other crops."
Leading the charge are two pioneering rice hybrids: Sava 134 and Sava 127, tailored to excel in key regions such as Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Chattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh, catering to early to medium maturity segments.
FullPage is a comprehensive rice cropping system backed by expert technical support, aiding farmers in adopting this innovative solution and optimizing Vezir herbicide use. The Savannah team has conducted nearly 500 demonstrations over three years, reaching over 17,000 farmers. Farmers have favored direct seeding over transplanting, recognizing the system's benefits in addressing water scarcity, reducing labor, and improving weed management, thereby promoting sustainable farming practices.
“Through dedicated effort and extensive farmer collaboration, we're bringing cutting-edge technology to address critical agricultural challenges in India, from water management to weed control. FullPage holds the promise of enhancing livelihoods and ensuring a sustainable future for farmers and the environment. This launch marks a significant step towards our vision of fostering sustainable rice agriculture that delivers lasting value for farmers, consumers, and the planet,” added Rana.
Farmers are optimistic. Sukhvinder Singh from Uttarakhand highlights that FullPage's innovative technologies make farming easier, more profitable, and eco-friendly. "With worsening water situations, tech interventions like FullPage are essential," Singh said. Jagbir Malik, another rice grower from Kichha, Uttarakhand, noted that rising rice cultivation costs can be reduced with newer, greener technologies. "FullPage will greatly benefit rice growers across the country," he added.
Speaking on the occasion, company officials including Chief Financial Officer Sameer; Manoj Mahuli, Director Sales; Ravish, Marketing Lead; and Smita, HR Head; were also present among others.
FullPage enables higher yields with reduced environmental impact, revolutionizing rice cultivation for resilience and sustainability.
About Savannah Seeds
Savannah Seeds, a subsidiary of RiceTec (Visit: https://www.ricetec.com/ ) is a leading technology-based rice company committed to developing SmartRice® with high yields and value-added traits. With a vision for sustainable rice agriculture that benefits farmers, consumers, and the planet, Savannah Seeds aims to lead innovation in the sector.