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Using SRI, India, Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam, and the Philippines have all recorded increases in rice yields from 60% to over 170%. Photo by Jacob  |
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In today’s world of climate changes, competition for water, dwindling food reserves for nations in need and need for food security, we face the challenge of how to effectively and consistently feed our
world's expanding population. The System of Rice Intensification (SRI), a set of innovative agricultural practices, is attracting international attention because its methods increase the productivity of land and water, resulting in higher yields than those grown using traditional methods. First developed in the 1980s by Henri de Laulanie, a French priest and farming practitioner living in Madagascar, and furthered in the 1990s by enthusiastic farmers, scientists and researchers, the practice of SRI is increasingly showing farmers that they can more than double their paddy yields while using fewer farm inputs, especially irrigation water, resulting in farm income increases.
Six key elements distinguish SRI farming practices from traditional rice growing methods. They are
- transplanting seedlings much earlier than in conventional methods,
- planting only one seedling per hill, rather than a handful,
- spacing plants wider apart than in conventional methods and arranging them in a square pattern,
- applying water intermittently instead of continuous flood irrigation,
- using rotary weeding to control weeds and promote soil aeration and
- applying organic fertilizers to enhance soil fertility and yield.
These practices work because wider spacing and single planting increase plants’ exposure to sunlight, air and nutrients, which in turn produce stronger stalks, more tillers, healthier plants and larger and deeper root systems. Intermittent irrigation, which causes soil cracks, also promotes soil aeration, nutrient growth and root elongation, because soil that isn’t kept flooded forces roots to grow larger and deeper to remain healthy, making them more resistant to drought. SRI also reduces production costs, especially for seeds, fertilizers and energy needed for pump irrigation.
Implemented in nearly 30 countries around the world, these innovative farming methods have produced impressive results. Sichuan, China has increased their rice yields by 40%. Andhra Pradesh, India has reduced its seed requirements by 90% and used 50% less water while increasing yields of up to two tons per hectare on average. In Mindanao, the Philippines, the average yield per hectare reached 10 tons, twice the amount yielded under conventional practices, while reporting an 80–90% reduction in seed use. Indonesia not only experienced improved yields while reducing fertilizer input by 50% and lowering production costs by 20%, but obtained 30–80% higher market prices compared with traditionally grown rice because of its better flavor and quality.
Results vs. Traditional Roots
However, despite these proven advantages, barriers to implementing SRI still exist. One principle barrier is convincing farmers to abandon traditional farming customs in favor of SRI. In some cultures, rice cultivation has been practiced for thousands of years, and adopting SRI practices goes against the conventional wisdom of greater input equaling greater output. Another barrier is the implementation of good on-farm water management. Farmers need government support and technical assistance with an irrigation infrastructure that is reliable, functioning and well maintained to increase their confidence in adopting this new way of growing an important crop like rice.
Fear of increased labor requirements is yet another barrier. SRI does require more weeding, on-farm water control and organic fertilizer application, but the extra effort invested proves worthwhile because of the increased yield. Field practices have shown that labor has increased for some and decreased for others. In the SRI area of the Philippines, farmers reported a 20% increase in labor input, while SRI farmers in Sichuan, China and India cited labor savings. In Indonesia, a study encompassing over 9,000 hectares showed that labor increased during the learning stages but then gradually decreased as farmers gained confidence and experience.
Proof Is in the Results
Still, because seeing is believing is often the best way to show skeptics that more can come from less, pilot and demonstration farms have been set up to show farmers SRI results first hand. Farmer Felipe B. Gabriel from the Tarlac province in the Philippines has said, “When I first heard about SRI practices and its effects, I could not believe (it). I wonder if it is possible, since the SRI practices are far from our traditional practices. But when I saw the result of (a) demo-farm in nearby Barangay, where paddy yields have increased by 50%, I was convinced that it can work and can increase our income. Therefore, I decided to start the method in my field this year.”
Over all, the benefits of SRI cannot be discounted. Thanks to higher yields and continued reductions in production costs, farmers can make higher incomes, which in turn can help economies and reduce poverty. India, Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam, and the Philippines have all recorded increases from 60% to over 170%. Also, in a world that needs to and is becoming more environmentally aware, SRI practices benefit the environment. That land and water productivity are increased while reducing the use of water, seeds and chemical fertilizers is monumental. The hope is that more farmers, economies, and the environment benefit by the implementation of SRI, with the support of governments and organizations. Let’s work together to improve our world.
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