System Of Rice Intensification Research Articles

Rice-based Climate Resilient Farming Practices Influencing the Soil Physical Parameters, Carbon Dynamics and System Productivity in Inceptisols under Coastal Agro-ecosystem

A field experiment was carried out to assess the influence of different rice establishment technique {System of Rice Intensification (SRI) and Conventional method of transplanting (CMT)}, rice-based cropping sequence {rice-groundnut-fallow (RGF) and rice-toria-greengram (RTG)}, mulching practices {No mulching (WoM) and Crop residue mulch (CRM)} and nutrient management practices{100% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) and 75% RDF + 25% N through FYM (INM)} on the different physical properties of the soil under changing climate at the Central Research Station, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar in the East and South Eastern Coastal Plain Zone of Odisha, India. The field experiment was conducted in split-plot design replicated thrice. Considerable build-up of SOC by 5.2%, 10.3% and 13.9% was observed under RTG, CRM and INM over RGF, WoM and RDF, respectively. Both CRM and INM registered higher proportion of water stable micro (14.8 %and 15.7 %) and macro-aggregates (5.2 % and 9.2 %), respectively over WoM and RDF. The CRM and INM remarkably elevated the macro-aggregate carbon by 13.9 % and 15.7 %, respectively over the initial contents (10.2 g kg-1). Additionally, the RGF and CRM recorded significantly higher REY of 9.2 t ha-1 and 9 t ha-1 over RTG and WoM treatments, respectively. Thus, SRI system along with mulching rice straw in toria and toria biomass to green gram and INM practices has been identified as the most suitable climate resilient farming practice in the coastal agro-ecosystem of Odisha, India because of its significant impact in soil physical properties including carbon storage, and thus synergizing effects for favourable soil ecosystem functioning.

Estimating Impact of Conventional and System of Rice Intensification (SRI) Methods of Rice Production Management on Sustainable Livelihood Generation in the Context of Climate Change in Maharashtra, India: A Factor Analysis

The global agricultural community has been preparing to face the imminent threat posed by climate change as projections by scientific communities complement the fact that food production will be affected adversely in the near future. The Indian subcontinent has not been explicit about the effects of natural disasters like floods and cyclones caused due to climatic changes. The aberrant weather patterns along with the inconsistent output of monsoon create unprecedented challenges for the rice-dominated farming system to thrive. It directly impacts the livelihood of the farmers making them economically vulnerable. Thus, it has become necessary for the research community to explore different causal dimensions related to rice production and suggest remedies for the constantly changing agroecosystem. This study aimed to investigate different indicators of impact on sustainable livelihood generation through rice production management in light of climate change in both conventional as well as SRI methods of rice production. An ex post facto research design was adopted for conducting the study. Purposive sampling was used to select the state, district, and talukas keeping in view the backwardness and agricultural status of the area of the study. Using a simple random sampling method, two hundred (200) respondents were selected from two talukas of the Bhandara district of Maharashtra. In case of results found in conventional method of rice production, the variables, Water management, Farm size, Education, Irrigation index%, Selling% and Risk orientation have contributed 9.996 per cent of variance and clubbed into Factor 1. On the other hand, in the case of SRI method, Factor 1 has the following variables i.e., Farm size, Family income primary, Education, Primary occupation, Mass media exposure, Family education status and Sowing time which has contributed 9.54 per cent of variance and has been renamed as ‘Family capability’.

An analysis of the adoption of the “system of rice intensification” (SRI): why a homegrown technique has yet to take seed among rice farmers in Madagascar

An analysis of the adoption of the “system of rice intensification” (SRI): why a homegrown technique has yet to take seed among rice farmers in Madagascar

An analysis of environmental and economic impacts of the system of rice intensification : A case study in Thai Binh Province, Vietnam

The current research investigates the environmental and economic impacts of the system of rice intensification. Rice, a fundamental staple in our diets, is paradoxically a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, fueling global warming and climate change. A promising solution to this is the System of Rice Intensification (SRI). Embraced in Vietnam's National Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement, SRI aims to boost rice yields while curbing greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional farming practices. This study focuses on Thai Binh, a key rice-producing province in the Red River Delta. Our objective is to assess the economic, environmental, and broader societal impacts of SRI versus conventional farming. We conducted a comprehensive analysis, utilizing tools such as Cost and Benefit (CBA) evaluations, Marginal Abatement Cost (MAC) calculations, and the Linkert scale to gauge the effects. Data from 175 farmers in Phu Luong commune, Dong Hung district, Thai Binh province, formed the basis of our study. The results highlight the advantages of adopting SRI. Implementing SRI not only leads to a substantial increase of approximately 12 million Vietnamese Dong (VND) in revenue but also showcases a remarkably favorable cost of -2.7 VND for reducing 1 ton of CO2eq/ha during the transition from conventional farming. This highlights the financial and environmental benefits of SRI. Furthermore, our assessment demonstrates that SRI consistently outperforms conventional farming across economic, environmental, and societal dimensions. In essence, our findings strongly advocate for the adoption of SRI over conventional rice cultivation, as it not only mitigates environmental harm but also enhances farmers' profitability and well-being, aligning with sustainable agriculture practices and climate change mitigation efforts.

Exploring the Impact of Alternate Wetting and Drying and the System of Rice Intensification on Greenhouse Gas Emissions: A Review of Rice Cultivation Practices

Rice provides ~20% of human dietary energy and, for many people, a similar share of their protein. Rice cultivation, however, produces significant greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, comparable to those from the aviation sector. The main GHG from rice production is methane, mostly a result of conventional rice cultivation (CRC) keeping rice fields continuously flooded during the crop cycle. There is extensive evidence that alternate wetting and drying (AWD) of rice fields substantially reduces methane emissions. AWD is one component of the System of Rice Intensification (SRI), an agroecological approach to the management of plants, water, soil, and nutrients. This article reviews field studies measuring GHG emissions associated with the adoption of AWD and SRI. The review confirms that both AWD and SRI offer substantial reductions in methane emissions per hectare compared with CRC. These benefits are, however, partly offset by increases in emissions of nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide. The studies also show that SRI (but not AWD) improves yield and therefore further reduces GHG emissions per kg of rice. The review concludes that while both AWD and SRI substantially reduce emissions per hectare and per kilogram of rice, SRI can simultaneously contribute to food security while addressing the drivers of climate change. Further investigation of carbon emissions and sequestration under different rice cultivation methods is needed to strengthen the evidence base.

Root Growth, Nutrient Uptake and Soil Enzyme Activity Influenced by Aerobic, System of Rice Intensification and Conventional Method of Irrigation in Rice

Background: The plant roots pay a vital role in the uptake of water and nutrients. This experiment evaluated the changes in root growth and soil enzyme activity with respect to different rice cultivation methods. Methods: The study was carried out during Kuruvai (July-November) 2022 at Wetlands farm, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. Experiments were carried out with five treatments viz., T1- 100% Saturation under drip irrigation, T2- 150% Saturation under drip irrigation T3- 200% Saturation under drip irrigation, T4- System of Rice Intensification (SRI), T5- Conventional method. Result: The result of the experiment shows that higher root growth, enzyme activity was observed in SRI method of rice cultivation. Higher grain yields were recorded in SRI method. It can be concluded that most favourable method of rice production.

The Effects of Substituting Straw Compost for NPK Fertilizer On Field Rice Growth and Yield Using The SRI (System of Rice Intensification) Method

With an agroecological philosophy, the SRI (System of Rice Intensification) technique is a rice production technology approach that prioritizes soil, plant, and water management through local expertise and group empowerment based on environmentally beneficial activities. The purpose of this study is to investigate lowland rice growth and yield by using composted straw instead of NPK fertilizer. Implemented in Tara-Tara II village, West Tomohon sub-district for 5 (five) months with one factor treatment, namely the ratio of NPK fertilizer dose and straw compost dose: 100% NPK + straw compost 0% straw compost (P0), 75% NPK + 25% straw compost (P1), 50% NPK + 50% straw compost (P2), 25% NPK + 75% straw compost (P3), and 0% NPK + 100% straw compost (P4). The variables observed included: plant height, number of fodder, number of panicles/clumps, weight of 100 harvested dry grains, number of grains/panicles, percentage of smooth grains/clumps and harvested dry grain yield. Substitution of NPK fertilizer with compost straw has no effect on the height of lowland rice plants using the SRI (System of Rice Intensification) method, but does affect the number of productive tillers. The highest number of productive tillers was found in P2 (50% NPK + 50% straw compost), P3 (25% NPK + 75% straw compost) and P4 (0% NPK + 100% straw compost), with an average value of 31, respectively. 27; 28.20 and 27.53 tillers, while treatment P3 (25% NPK + 75% straw compost) and lower values in treatments P0 (100% NPK + 0% straw compost) and P1 (75% NPK + 25% straw compost ) with an average value of 25.83; and 25.67 offspring.
  
 Keywords: System of Rice Intensification (SRI), rice, straw compost.

Evaluation of weed management approaches on weed dynamics, yield and economics of puddled rice under different plant techniques

A field experiment was conducted in January to May, 2022 (Navarai) to find out the effective weed management practices in puddled rice. The experiment was carried out in a split-plot design, which included two planting techniques viz., drum seeded rice and system of rice intensification (SRI) in main plot, as well as eight weed management practices viz., hand weeding, cono weeding, pretilachlor, bispyribac sodium and fenoxaprop - p - ethyl as pre and post emergence application in sub plot. The results of the experiment demonstrated that among the planting techniques and weed management practices tested, the system of rice intensification and sequential application of pretilachlor @ 0.5 kg a.i ha-1 fb bispyribac sodium @ 20 g a.i ha-1 has revealed lowest weed density (39.67, 71.25 and 17.02, 33.97 no m-2) and highest weed control efficiency (55.89, 65.78 and 84.99, 82.33 %) grain yield (4.55 and 5.47 t ha-1), gross and net income (Rs. 12116 and Rs. 64336 ha-1). However, drum seeded rice resulted higher return-1 rupee invested due to lower cost of cultivation. Hence, the SRI planting method with sequential application of pretilachlor @ 0.5 kg a.i ha-1 followed by bispyribac sodium @ 20 g a.i ha-1 has proven to be effective in controlling weeds and achieving higher grain yield and net income.

IMPACT OF FRONTLINE DEMONSTRATION OF SRI METHOD IN RICE ON PRODUCTIVITY AND PROFITABILITY

Gujarat Vidyapith, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK)-Valsad conducted an impact study during the year 2020-21 to 2022-23 with the 120 frontline demonstrations (FLDs) on system of rice intensification (SRI) technique in paddy crop on farmer`s field in six villages of Valsad district with improved variety “Sardar” release from Navsari Agricultural University, Gujarat. Result of study showed SRI method of rice cultivation, increased overall, 23.62 percent in mean grain yield as compared to farmer practice, recorded mean of technology gap was 910 kg ha-1 whereas extension gap and technology index were observed 780 kg ha-1 and 18.2 % respectively. High mean gross return (61,350 Rs.ha-1) and mean net return (27,637 Rs.ha-1) as well as BC ratio (1.82) were found higher under demonstration plots. The results of FLDs revealed that SRI technique is far better than conventional technique of rice cultivation. SRI can be a way to enhance sustain productivity and profitability of rice growers of Valsad district of Gujarat.

Climate Smart Irrigation Practices for Improving Water Productivity in India: A Comprehensive Review

India, supporting 17% of the global population, from limited land (2.4% of the world's total) and freshwater resources (4%), faces severe water scarcity issues. The country experiences heightened challenges due to a monsoon climate leading to floods and droughts. Irrigation efficiency in India is 35-40% and irrigated area ~48.9%. To meet the demands of a large or growing population in limited land and water resources, climate-smart irrigation practices (CSIPs) are imperative. These practices not only increase yield but also precisely supply water, reduce water application volume, and enhance soil health under changing climate conditions.  Precision water management technologies includes; advanced agro-techniques, micro-irrigation, conservation agriculture, crop diversification, integrated farming systems, and water harvesting. Micro-irrigation, encompassing drip and sprinkler systems, emerges as a critical solution for efficient water use. Techniques like Surface Drip Irrigation and Sub-surface Drip Irrigation (SSDI) not only save water but also enhance nutrient transport and reduce labor costs. The automation of micro-irrigation through sensors and wireless communication revolutionizes traditional practices, ensuring precise water management and boosting agricultural productivity. In addition, advanced agro-techniques, including laser land leveling, furrow-irrigated raised beds, aerobic rice cultivation, system of rice intensification, ground cover cum rice production system and Saguna rice technique have good potential to save water and improve water productivity. Implementing these advanced agro-techniques not only conserves water but also contributes to sustainable agriculture by improving overall water productivity, reducing environmental impact, and enhancing crop productivity. The integration of conservation agriculture (minimum soil disturbance, crop residue cover and crop diversification), integrated farming systems (combine diverse agricultural activities synergistically), and water harvesting is imperative for sustainable water management. This review paper systematically compiles climate-smart irrigation practices, including precision water management, combined with conservation agriculture, crop diversification, integrated farming systems, and water harvesting. This review paper offers researchers a comprehensive understanding of different CSIPs, assessing their impact on water conservation, increased crop and water productivity, and sustainability amid climate change. Farmers can gain practical understandings of CSIPs, while policymakers obtain essential information for addressing national water mission goals.

Utilizing the Genetic Potentials of Traditional Rice Varieties and Conserving Rice Biodiversity with System of Rice Intensification Management

The genetic potentials of rice cultivars will need to be expressed to their fullest if global rice production is to be expanded enough by 2050 to meet the increased demand of the expanding population while the availability of land and water per capita dwindles. New and ‘improved’ rice varieties have contributed greatly to increased production over the past 50 years, but the rate of rice yield increase based on genetic changes has declined in recent decades compared with the early years of the Green Revolution. In fact, many rice consumers continue to prefer to consume ‘traditional’ rice varieties (referred to also as local, native, unimproved, or indigenous varieties) because of their taste, aroma, texture, and other qualities. Furthermore, many farmers prefer to cultivate these varieties because of their better adaptation to local climatic and soil conditions and their evolved resistance to endemic stresses. The practices that comprise the System of Rice Intensification (SRI), including transplanting rice seedlings at a young age, wide spacing between plants, keeping the soil well aerated rather than inundated, and enhancing soil organic matter, provide traditional rice varieties with micro-environments that are more favorable for the expression of their genetic and agronomic potentials. Interactions among rice plants, soil characteristics, water, energy, and other inputs improve the phenotypic and physiological performance of rice plants. This paper considers how the cultivation of traditional rice varieties with SRI methods can raise yields, reduce farmers’ costs of production, and generate higher incomes while contributing to the conservation of rice biodiversity.

The Future of Rice Farming: A Review of Natural and Eco-Friendly Practices

Recognizing rice as a staple for a significant global population, the review underscores the environmental challenges posed by traditional and conventional rice farming methods. It emphasizes the promise of sustainable rice cultivation, focusing on innovations like the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) and climate-friendly techniques that mitigate environmental impacts. Furthermore, it delves into the benefits of crop rotation, sustainable water management, soil health preservation through mycorrhizal associations, companion planting, and the role of precision agriculture empowered by artificial intelligence. The abstract discusses the challenges, including climate change, water scarcity, soil health, and labor shortages, and proposes prospects involving innovation, sustainable practices, policy support, and collaborative partnerships. It highlights real-world successes in eco-friendly rice farming, such as initiatives, and emphasizes the importance of empowering farmers through education and training in eco-friendly methods. Ultimately, role of eco-friendly practices in ensuring the sustainability, productivity, and food security of global rice farming.

Implications of Various Establishment Methods and Nutrient Management Practices on the Growth and Yield of Rice in the North Western Himalayan Region

Aim: For more than half of the world's population, rice is the primary staple food. The traditional method of producing rice uses a lot of water, requires a lot of labor, and is bad for the health of the soil and the environment. Additionally, an unbalanced nutrient supply causes plants to grow and develop slowly, the soil to deteriorate, and the environment to suffer. To know the effect of rice establishment and nutrient management on rice a field study was conducted at SKUAST-Jammu. Methodology: In a split plot design with three replications, the field experiment was carried out with the rice variety Pusa-1121 using 3 establishment methods (system of rice intensification, conventional, and mechanical) and 6 nutrient management practices (100% RDF inorganic, 75% RDF inorganic, 125% RDF inorganic, 50% inorganic + 50% organic, 75% inorganic + 25% organic, and 100% organic manures with FYM). Results: Among the nutrient management, 125% RDF gives the highest yield and B:C ratio of the rice crop during both years, according to the results. The highest yield was found in SRI crop establishment method, which also has the highest B:C ratio among all crop establishment methods. Conclusion: In terms of productivity, soil studies and profitability, the es­tablishment of rice by the system of rice intensification (SRI) technique in combination with 125% RDF inorganic approach was found to be superior to the other treatments.

Unlocking the Energy-Water-Carbon Nexus in Rice Cultivation: A Comprehensive Review

Rice cultivation, as a cornerstone of global food security, holds significant environmental implications due to its carbon, water, and energy footprints. Energy, carbon and water footprint assessments can be powerful tools to guide sustainable food production systems. Due to higher water losses in conventional rice culture, the irrigation water footprint associated with rice cultivation increases, thereby elevating the energy and carbon footprint. Improper use of resources like fertilizers, pesticides, labour and fuel may lead to higher energy consumption. Several alternative rice production systems like Direct Seeded Rice (DSR), Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD), System of Rice Intensification (SRI) as well as better nutrient management practices have been developed and refined to reduce energy, carbon and water footprint associated with rice cultivation. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of the intricate interplay between these footprints, highlighting potential trade-offs and synergies that warrant attention within the context of rice cultivation. Moreover, this review discusses in detail the significance of selecting appropriate rice cultivation techniques, such as direct seeded rice, SRI and alternate wetting and drying suitable for different ecologies in comparison to transplanted method of rice cultivation.

A Best-Bet System of Rice Intensification and Poverty Alleviation in Zamfara State, Nigeria: A Mixed Method Analysis

CONTEXTZamfara State is impoverished due to low agricultural productivity, inadequate infrastructure, and insecurity. Research has explored System of Rice Intensification (SRI)’s agronomic benefits but not its monetary and non-monetary advantages for rural households in the State. OBJECTIVEThe study investigates the effectiveness of a best-bet SRI (BB-SRI) as a poverty alleviation strategy in Zamfara State by utilizing Bakolori Irrigation Scheme as a case study. The study's anticipated outcome is to provide insights that inform policies and practices in the agricultural sector. METHODA mixed-method approach, including survey and field experiment, was used to gather quantitative and qualitative data from 300 rice farming households, consisting of both users and non-users of BB-SRI in the BIS, Zamfara State. Foster-Greer-Thorbecke method with two poverty lines and a three-dimensional poverty index with three poverty cutoffs were used to analyze monetary and non-monetary poverty, respectively, while three impact parameters were estimated using two selection models. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONAgriculture is a critical sector in the BIS area of Zamfara State, Nigeria, but limited electricity and large household sizes pose challenges for productivity and food security. The BB-SRI farming method, which is costlier but yields more rice, has been found to increase revenue and profitability for farmers. Poverty incidence varies significantly depending on the production method used, with BB-SRI users experiencing lower poverty rates than traditional farming methods. BB-SRI reduces non-monetary poverty by 52% among its users in BIS and has the potential to decrease poverty by 16% if adopted by all rice farming households in the region. However, the monetary benefits mainly go to those near the upper monetary poverty line, with the poorest sector benefiting the least. While BB-SRI reduces monetary poverty incidence by 83% among its users, there is a 10% increase in extreme monetary poverty. The poverty alleviation impact of BB-SRI varies across different sectors, with some showing larger reductions than others. Overall, if all farmers used BB-SRI, monetary poverty incidence would decrease by 25%, with an actual reduction of 52% among its users. SIGNIFICANCETargeted policies can ensure disadvantaged communities benefit from SRI adoption, balancing trade-offs between increased yields and reduced off-farm work earnings. Poverty alleviation policies are needed to support vulnerable populations, as SRI adoption can improve food security and livelihoods. This research on SRI's impact on poverty reduction in Zamfara State and northern Nigeria contributes to sustainable agriculture literature and policy development.

Compatibility between Conservation Agriculture and the System of Rice Intensification

Conservation Agriculture (CA) and the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) are both agroecologically-oriented production systems that support more productive, sustainable, and resource-conserving farming, with synergies arising from their respective assemblages of reinforcing agronomic methods. This review article examines the compatibility between CA and SRI, considering examples of their being utilized in complementary ways. The application of CA principles enhances the growth, yield, and performance of the crops grown under the cropping system as well as the health and resilience of the whole ecosystem. SRI practices create more favorable conditions for the development of crop plants below- and above-ground, including conditions that can be enhanced by CA management. SRI practices such as reduced plant density m−2 can elicit a better phenotypic expression of the genetic potentials of crops grown with CA. For these two agronomic systems to converge at the field level, some of their respective practices for plant, soil, water, and nutrient management need to be modified or aligned. One such adaptation is to practice SRI in CA systems on permanent, no-till, mulch-covered raised beds, with rainfall or irrigation water in the furrows between the beds furnishing and controlling water and providing weed suppression and improved nutrient recycling. SRI rice cropping can benefit from the CA practices of no-tillage, mulch soil cover, and diversified cropping, both in paddies and on raised beds. Several examples have shown that this convergence of cropping systems is feasible for smallholding farmers as well as for larger-scale producers and also that SRI practices within a CA system are amenable to considerable mechanization. Further research and experimentation are needed to identify and assess appropriate practices for capitalizing upon their synergies.

Differential Response of Rhizosphere Microbial Diversity and Activities to System of Rice Intensification and Conventional Cultivation

Rice holds a vital position among staple crops worldwide, serving as a primary source of essential nutrition for a significant portion of the global population. Rice production is currently plagued by several problems causing a decline in crop yields. System of Rice Intensification (SRI) is a set of farming practices designed to improve the productivity and sustainability of rice cultivation. One of the reasons for the sustainability of SRI has been attributed to enhanced below-ground soil microbial processes around the SRI plant root system. This study assessed the effect of SRI and Normal Transplanting (NTP) cultivation methods on rhizospheric soil microbial populations, phyto-hormones, soil enzyme activities under four different nitrogen (N) treatments under a station trial and in on-farms experiments farmer’s. Rhizosphere soils and root samples of SRI exhibited significantly higher microbial population, microbial diversity, phyto - hormone production, enzyme activities in station trail. Among different levels of nitrogen fertilizer applications, treatments receiving 50% organic + 50% inorganic N forms possessed significantly higher microbiota and their activities. On farm trials also exhibited similar trends as the station trial. In conclusion, the study highlights the positive effects of SRI cultivation combined with a balanced organic and inorganic nitrogen treatment on soil microbial populations and phyto-hormone production and soil enzyme activities which could have an influence of system sustainability.

Eco-enzyme enhanced the growth of rice cultivars

Organic farming has been increasingly lately to support healthy food for consumers. Organic rice is already produced in Bali for local rice cultivars (red, white, and black color of rice) at Jatiluwih Village, Tabanan Regency using manure, compost and biopesticide. Nowadays, eco-enzyme can be applied as liquid organic fertilizer for increasing soil fertility. Eco-enzyme are produced by fermentation process from kitchen waste, such as rind of fruit and vegetables. The experiment was conducted to observed the used of eco-enzyme for rice growth using modification of SRI (System of Rice Intensification). The method initially started from seeds germination at media consist of soil, compost and manure (1:1:1). Three rice cultivars (Red Rice Jatiluwih, Red Rice Pulagan and White Rice ‘Mentik Susu’) seeds were growth using two solutions (commercial liquid organic fertilizer namely LOF (10%) and eco-enzyme (0.1%) for spraying with 5 replications. Seeds germinated almost 90-95% for both solution after four days. Red Rice from Jatiluwih showed significance increase using eco-enzyme on plant height about 25% higher than spraying by liquid organic fertilizer. Red Rice from Pulagan, Gianyar and White rice ‘Mentik Susu’ only enhanced 10% and 5%, higher using eco-enzyme respectively. Rice paddy that treated by eco-enzyme can be harvested (2-3 weeks) faster than using commercial liquid organic fertilizer. White rice ‘Mentik Susu’ showed positive response with eco-enzyme treatment because had more tillers to increase harvest product than other cultivars. The use of eco-enzyme can assist plant growth by enzyme activity in soil, therefore more availability of nutrients for root uptake.

Penerapan Metode System of Rice Intensification (SRI) dalam Upaya Peningkatan Produksi dan Peningkatan Kesejahteraan Petani Kecamatan Sakti

The System of Rice Intensification (SRI) method has become a popular approach in rice cultivation aimed at increasing rice crop productivity and farmers' welfare. This study aims to analyse the implementation of the SRI method in efforts to increase rice production and improve the welfare of the farmer in Subdistrict Sakti. The study employs a qualitative method. Data collection is conducted through in-depth interviews with rice farmers who apply the SRI method in Subdistrict Sakti. The results of the study show that the implementation of the SRI method in Subdistrict Sakti has a positive impact on rice production. The average rice production of farmers who apply the SRI method significantly increased compared to those using conventional methods. The SRI method is able to enhance crop productivity by utilizing efficient management related to the use of quality seeds, appropriate fertilization, effective water management, and good weed control. The income of farmers applying the SRI method has increased, directly contributing to their improved welfare. Furthermore, the SRI method also helps reduce farmers' dependency on external inputs such as chemical fertilizers, reducing production costs and positively impacting environmental sustainability. Therefore, it is recommended that local governments and relevant institutions provide policy support and technical assistance to farmers in widely implementing the SRI method.

Economics of Rice Irrigation Technologies in Kilombero Sub-Basin: A Case of Farming Households from Kilombero in Morogoro, Tanzania

The System of Rice Intensification (SRI) is strongly emphasized by the Ministry of Agriculture in Tanzania to replace traditional flooding. SRI technologies have been scientifically proven to be more efficient in water use than traditional flooding (TFIT). SRI irrigation is therefore a good solution to approach climate change impacts that leads to water stresses, particularly in the country's water basins where rice farming is largely taking place. However, the economics of these irrigation technologies has not been satisfactorily evaluated especially at the farming household level. The information on the economics of the two technologies is important in understanding why some farmers are still using TFIT. Kilombero sub-basin presents a compelling case for this study as 90% of irrigable land in the sub-basin is under TFIT. The study used Net-Revenue (NR) to evaluate profitability, and multiple linear regressions to evaluate factors influencing the profitability of the two irrigation technologies at household level. Results from the study show that an average of TZS 816,425 accrued by SRI irrigators, which is relatively higher than TZS 336,646 per acre accrued by TFIT irrigators. These benefits are obtained at different variable costs, for instance, SRI had an Average Variable Cost of TZS 471,572, which is relatively higher than TZS 248,939 per acre under TFIT. Also, results show that household head years in irrigation, years spent in education, access to extension services, application of fertilizers, and size of land allocated to rice production, are significant predictors of the profit of both technologies. For example, each incremental unit of fertilizer applied would cause an NR increase of TZS 534, 181 (in SRI plots), and TZS 5145 (in TFIT plots). The study thus recommends that subsidization of inorganic fertilizers could be adopted in an effort to increase rice productivity and profit accrued by farming households.