New Hope for Indian Food Security? The System of Rice Intensification

Abstract

"This paper describes the potential of an innovative rice cultivation practice—-the system of rice intensification (SRI)—-for allowing Indian rice farmers to not only enhance rice production and their net incomes, but also to solve the water crisis. Discovered through an unconventional agricultural development initiative in Madagascar in the 1920s, SRI is now known to rice farmers in 40 countries. SRI is a whole package of agronomic approaches which together exploit the genetic potential of rice plants; create a better growing environment (both above and below ground); enhance soil health; and reduce inputs (seeds, water, labour)."