Rice is one of the most consumed foods in India and in several other countries as well. Its cultivation is widespread in India, and famous varieties like basmati are exported to international markets. But rice cultivation requires a large amount of water and sowing techniques. With decreasing water availability and unpredictable weather conditions, traditional paddy cultivation methods are being challenged. To tackle this issue, SRI – System of Rice Intensification comes to the rescue.

The SRI method of cultivating rice uses less water, fewer seeds, and minimal chemicals, while producing higher yields. This method does not rely on new technology, but rather modifies traditional cultivation practises to make them more resource-efficient and environmentally friendly.

SRI techniques focus on conserving water, seeds, soil health, nutrients, and human labour. In this blog, we will explore the principles of SRI, its benefits, step-by-step cultivation practises, and high-yielding rice varieties best suited to Indian conditions.

What is SRI?

SRI – System of Rice Intensification is a modern method of growing rice first developed in Madagascar in the 1980s.From there, it spread globally, including India, due to its proven ability to boost productivity and sustainability.

Principles of SRI:

Transplanting young seedlings (8 – 14 days old).
Wider spacing between plants (usually 25 x 25 cm).
Uses of less water (moist, not flooded fields).
Use of organic manure instead of synthetic fertilisers.
Frequent weeding and soil aeration using a weeder.

Check the mandi price of rice in your city mandi. Check the mandi rate of Hisar, Gangapur city mandi rate, Khurai mandi rate, and Bina mandi rate.

SRI methods of rice cultivation

Seed selection and sapling preparation

Initially, it is necessary to prepare the ground and choose the best quality seeds for a good start. Disease-free seeds of high-yielding or local varieties are used. Seeds are soaked in water for 24 hours and pre-germinated for another 24 hours. These seeds are raised in a well-levelled, organic-rich bed. Then these seedlings are transplanted when they are 8 to 14 days old with just 2-3 leaves.

Field Preparation and Transplantation

The field is prepared with fine tilth with making it even for uniform water distribution. Organic compost or vermicompost is applied, and water is maintained; do not flood, just to maintain moisture. The seedlings are carefully planted at 25 x 25 cm spacing in a square pattern. Plants are transplanted in a way to keep the roots in the soil

Water and nutrient management

Water is used carefully to keep the soil moist, not submerged in water. Alternate wetting and drying (AWD) is preferred. This saves water and avoids continuous flooding. Organic manures like FYM farmyard manure, vermicompost, or green manure are used. Mulching is practised, which retains moisture and suppresses weeds.

Weed control/ pest and disease management

To control weeds, cano weeder and rotary weeder are used every 10 – 12 days after transplanting. This also aerates the soil, promoting better root and plant growth. Healthier SRI plants resist pests better, but regular monitoring is important. Natural pesticides like neem oil spray, cow dung – cow urine mixes, and others are used if required.

Harvesting

Mature grains are harvested when the straw turns golden yellow. Grains are dried properly to avoid moisture-related damage.

Varieties and the SRI advantage:

With the unique methods of SRI for effective yield, choosing the right variety of rice is also important for best results. These varieties are hybrid and have storing tillering capacity and deep root systems, which are well suited for SRI.

The varieties are:

Swarna: A popular high-yielding variety responds well to SRI methods of rice cultivation.

MTU 1010: It is known for its strong tillering and short duration.

IR 64: A globally recognised high-yielding variety thrives best in the SRI system.

Poornima & Danteshwari: Localised varieties that have shown promising results in various states.

KRH – 2: High-yielding hybrid, medium duration.
RH – 10 (Pusa): It is semi dwarf and resistant to lodging. Cultivated in Punjab, Haryana. Also check, the low risk and high profit crops to grow in Haryana.
DRRH – 3: Hybrid and good-quality grain mainly grows in Telangana and Odisha.
Kullakar: This is a traditional variety, short-grain and drought-tolerant.
Navara: Medicinal rice, indigenous to India, ideal for organic SRI.
Kalajeera: Aromatic, indigenous variety, with fine and black grain.
Joha: scented traditional variety of India cultivated in Assam.
Pokhali: Salt-tolerant variety indigenous to India, best for coastal regions

Also read: How to use e-NAM for better prices.

Conclusion:

With the advancement of technology in farming, scientists aim to increase the production and resilient crops that can be produced in adverse climatic conditions and produce high yields in less space. To achieve this goal, SRI is one of the methods for rice cultivation introduced in Madagarcar to overcome the need for water to cultivate the rice. With SRI, rice can be grown in 40 – 50% less water, seed, and nutrients, making it an optimistic approach for the present and future.

Be up to date with the state mandi price of crops like wheat, rice, fruits and vegetables. Check the mandi rates of Bihar, mandi rates of Chattisgarh, mandi rates of Goa, and mandi rates of Gujarat.

FAQs:

1. What is the SRI method of rice cultivation?

The System of Rice Intensification SRI is an innovative method of growing rice that enhances productivity while reducing the use of water, seeds, and chemical inputs.

2. What is the principle of SRI?

The main principles of SRI are:
– Transplanting young seedlings (8 – 14 old)
– Planting seedlings in proper space
– Maintaining soil aeration
– Applying organis inputs
– Using water sparingly

3. How is SRI helping rice cultivation?

SRI methods of rice cultivation are increasing rice cultivation with fewer resources. This method increases productivity and reduces water usage. It uses lower seed requirements by nearly 80 – 90 per cent and enhances plant health and minimises the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides.

4. What are the challenges in rice cultivation in India?

The main challenges that India is facing in rice farming are water scarcity, climate change, high input costs to use expensive seeds, fertilisers, and pesticides, labour shortage, soil degradation, post-harvest losses and lack of awareness.