Determining the optimal date for harvesting is one of the most important factor in rice productivity, as mistakes could lead to high losses and affect the quality of paddy.
Harvesting too early means that ahigh percentage of grains will be immature: the yield will be reduced, and grains will break easily.
Harvesting late favors lodging, and exposes the crop to birds, rats and insects. The yield will be reduced and the quality of paddy will be lower with high rates of broken rice and low processing yeilds.
The factors indicating the most appropriate moment for harvesting are the following:
- 80% of the panicles are yellow.
- 20% at least of the lower panicles have reached the dough (hard) stage.
- if the husk is peeled off, the grain is light colored and hard.