An analysis on the performance of System of Rice Intensification (SRI) in 13 states of India- A paper in Economic and Political Weekly

 SRI is a new method of paddy cultivation, which uses local/traditional seed and organic compost to increase production.

SRI has spread to nearly 50 countries in Asia, Africa, and South America. This progress has attracted attention in academic and policy circles. However data on the actual levels of its adoption and its impact is not available. The available data shows adoption to this technique has given positive results. However what is missing is an insight into actual levels of adoption in different regions of the country, and whether adoption can be encouraged by promoting the core components of SRI as a package or only some of the components with modifications. In this backdrop this paper in Economic and Political Weekly tries to address the following:

• the yield, income and cost advantage of SRI over non-SRI practices
• the level of adoption of different components of SRI by farmers
• the drivers of SRI adoption
• the constraints faced by farmers in the adoption of SRI

The paper first elaborates on the methodology followed by the authors. The study was carried out in 2010-11, it surveyed 2,234 sample farmers with SRI and non-SRI fields in 13 states: Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh and Assam. The data collected from the survey were on: adoption of SRI core components, costs, returns, and constraints. For this purpose farmer, extension officers, non-governmental organizations and scientists were interviewed. The paper then goes on to elaborate on the components of the cultivation practice. Following this is an analysis of SRI yield, income and adoption level- its constraints are provided. A brief note on the views of scientists and agricultural extension officers is given.

The paper concludes with the following:

• There is significant yield benefit in most of the regions
• Modifications in SRI practices are mainly due to problems related to surface and groundwater supply, soil types, droughts/floods, crop seasons (kharif/rabi), and the availability of skilled labour.
• Major constraints are in the application of this techniques are: lack of skilled manpower available in time for planting operations, poor water control in the fields, and unsuitable soils.

Key recommendations proposed by the authors are as follows:

• Focus should be given to specific components of SRI.
• Encourage farmers to practise SRI in their own way to would enhance the rice yield compared to older practices.
• Use GIS mapping, to identify areas suitable for SRI (hot spots) where it can popularised.
• Use machine transplanting.
• Impart training to farmers
• Carry out long-term field experimentation with different SRI practices so that concrete conclusions can be drawn about their sustainability.
• Drivers of SRI adoption can be examined and incorporated in agricultural development programmes such as the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana.