Experiment with SRI

I do address Srikanth as 'Sri' but this SRI is different. It stands for System of Rice Intensification (SRI). Here is the experiment where we have adopted the SRI method in paddy cultivation.

Farmer Field School in session. Its participatory-experiential adult pedagogy, promoted by FAO.The farmers meet here before going to their farm, usually early in the morning, or sometimes late in the evening, to discuss about farming and other farm related matters. It emphasizes learning through experiments and observations. This is our group in Tumkur.

One of the FFS members volunteered to give 2 acres of land for SRI experimentation in paddy cultivation.This was necessary for the farmers to see and observe the result of both the method of paddy cultivation, SRI as well as the conservative method.

 The volunteer (he can be seen in the last photograph)faced  fierce opposition from his family members who stopped talking to him, until they saw the results. Later on they were so happy that they not only went on to advise other farmers to adopt this method but  also adopted the SRI method for Ragi Cultivation.

Less water consumption, less no of seeds for sowing, and higher yield than the conservative method are some of  the key observations.

Ready for transplant

Transplantation in progress

Plants finally stand 'rooted' to the spot :-)

The plant on the right: robust feeder roots ,owing to distancing of the seedling to seedling and row to row to 10 X 10 inches,the roots get a comfortable space to absorb the organic nutrients. In this particular field we used panchagavya.

Observing and recording the findings- 1. On the left plot is paddy under conservative method. The farmer and his family had their share of misgivings initially

.... observations and recording

A sight to behold.

The robust seeds. The volunteer relieved at long last.. his family is slowly relenting on the pros of SRI method. Observe the Panicles

Azolla initiated /inoculated into the puddle...it is a nitrogen fixator. Since Azolla spreads rapidly into the water it suppresses weed formation

The Milk grains

Sri (Srikanth) and SRI

Ready for Harvest. TOUCHWOOD -hey i am NOT Superstitious :-) The yield was 25 -30% higher than the conservative method adopted in the same field

A 'field' day!!

Successful experimentation with Ragi (fingermillet)using SRI principles. Hebbal sir fondly calls it the 'wonder millet' :-)

Farmer- Our Annadata (provider of food).

These experiments were conducted at Kunigal, Tumkur under IDF-Sujeevan programme. 'Sri method of paddy cultivation' in google/yahoo search will give you further details about such experiments conducted elsewhere in India. Shortly we will be experimenting with Sugarcane with our groups in Belgaum

Photo: MS Govindarajan, and Niharika Shenoy
:-)