Double transplanting of rice as a contingency approach to escape climate change impacts

Abstract Rice cultivation is highly affected in many parts of the world due to climate change impacts such as unwanted heavy rains, delays in the onset of the rainy season as well as any other means. DuringBoro(November–December to May–June) season also, due to the late vacation of the main field by the winter crop, seedling transplanting is often delayed. The establishment of overaged seedlings is a great challenge faced by small and marginal rice growers in lowland areas resulting in high yield loss. To counter the challenge as well as to get yield advantage, the traditional double transplanting method is gaining popularity again as a contingency approach to mitigate climate change effects. This method allows flexibility in transplanting date as well as produces tall, robust, and healthy seedlings which get established well in the main field as compared to single transplanting of same-aged seedlings. Various research indicated the benefits of double transplanting under unsuitable situations for single transplanting. Still, there are some gaps regarding its wide-scale acceptance. High labor cost involvement, lack of land for nursery preparation, long crop growth period, etc. sometimes make this method difficult to be implemented practically. However, considering the yield advantage and economic profitability provided by this method, it can address the climate change issue and help small and marginal farmers in rice cultivation. Further research works for standardization of agro-techniques and development and section of suitable varieties specific to agro-climatic region can make this method highly sustainable.