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 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:
Key recommendations proposed by the authors are as follows: