Drain the water from the field 7–10 days before the expected harvest date; this hastens maturity and improves harvesting conditions. When 80% of the panicles turn straw colour, the crop is ready (the leaves of some varieties may still be green). Confirm by dehusking a few grains from the most mature tiller: if the rice is clear and firm (hard dough stage), harvest, thresh and winnow. Dry the grain to 12% moisture for storage.
Pending expert review
Source
Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Transplanted rice – Harvesting, p. 27
