System of Rice Intensification: Meaning, Working Principle & Benefits

The System of Rice Intensification (SRI) involves cultivating rice with abundant organic manure. It begins with planting young seedlings individually at wider spacing in a square pattern. Intermittent irrigation is applied to maintain moist soil without inundation. Frequent inter-cultivation with a weeder actively aerates the soil. SRI is not a fixed technological method; it's a set of ideas for managing resources comprehensively. It alters the approach to using land, seeds, water, nutrients, and labor to enhance productivity. Father de Laulanié noted that SRI amalgamates multiple beneficial practices.

This article on System of Rice Intensification UPSC, delves into the intricacies of the System of Rice Intensification in relation to the IAS Exam. It comes under the geography section of General Studies Paper -1.

What is System of Rice Intensification?

The System of Rice Intensification, or SRI, is an innovative approach to the improvement in an agricultural methodology that aims at an increase in the yields of rice produced within the farmers' area. This approach emphasizes changing the management of rice plants, soil, water, and nutrients as opposed to relying on the genetic improvement of rice varieties. The main practices include planting fewer but younger seedlings at greater spacing, keeping the soil aeration aerobic through intermittent irrigation, and using organic compost instead of chemical fertilizers. Originating from Madagascar, SRI has been adapted and applied all over the world to enhance rice productivity under different agroecological conditions.

Working Principle of System of Rice Intensification

A significant part of the UPSC preparation for the system of rice intensification involves understanding its working principle. Essentially, SRI is a shift in rice production techniques where rice plants are given ample space to grow healthily. This allows the rice plant shoots, or tillers, to yield a heavy load of panicle grains. The land where the tillers are placed is densely populated, and the seedlings are kept in closely packed nurseries.

Notably, Tajikistan is renowned for strictly adhering to this rice cultivation principle. The rich aerobic soils in the region yield broader and deeper root systems, resulting in healthier plants. These SRI fields in Tajikistan are known for their high production, resistance to pest attacks, and resilience against extreme weather conditions like droughts and storms.

Read more about aerobic rice cultivation!

Benefits of System of Rice Intensification

The SRI presents several important advantages.

• It usually leads to increased yields; rice productivity may increase by 20-50% in case of production by an SRI-compatible method, without any need to have new rice varieties.
• This productivity increase is associated with decreases in seed consumption and water use; the water consumption may reduce by 30-50% due to intermittent irrigation practices used in an SRI method of farming.
• It promotes better soil health by encouraging the use of organic compost, reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
• It not only helps cut input costs for farmers but also fosters farming that is more sustainable and environmentally friendly.
• It increases the root growth and stronger plant resistance against drought and pests. New cultivation techniques will be accompanied by improved grain quality, bringing market values and nutrition values up.
• As such, SRI is the only reasonable route to food security and resource efficiency along with the achievements of sustainable agriculture.

Read about various environmental issues here.

Economic Viability of the System of Rice Intensification

The economic viability of SRI has been globally acknowledged and tested by both government and non-governmental bodies. Its success has sparked the adaptation of this cultivation technique for other crops, including wheat and sugarcane. This method has been particularly well-received by marginal farmers with small land holdings due to its promise of high productivity. It is projected that by 2030, SRI will achieve its maximum potential in terms of output and global coverage.

Various governments have introduced new policies to promote SRI among poor farmers in rainfed areas. Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) are spearheading these initiatives, acknowledging the significant changes SRI has already brought to the agricultural sector and its potential for further development.

Read about EPA (1986) here.

Kadiramangalam System of Rice Intensification in India

The Kadiramangalam System of Rice Intensification in India has been developed based on SRI ideas and practices, tailored to suit the specific conditions of the Cauvery Delta region.

Farmers using the SRI planting method have expressed concerns about very young seedlings being desiccated by intense sun and continuous wind. A potential solution involves transplanting these young seedlings in clumps of five during their initial two weeks from the nursery, providing protection. Re-transplanting them individually after two weeks ensures stronger plants that can grow vigorously with minimal mortality.

A drawback of this method is the additional labor required for the second transplanting. However, farmers believe that the increased yield will offset the additional labor cost. The outcome of this system shows an average yield of 7.5 t/ha.

Read more about Bamboo Cultivation in India!

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