SRI method gives better returns

Expressbuzz, Dec 19, 2009
BHAWANIPATNA: Despite erratic monsoon and adverse weather conditions affecting paddy crops in non-irrigated pockets of Kalahandi, the farmers who had adopted the SRI (system of rice intensification) method in cultivating paddy are still hopeful of a better yield.During last kharif season, 4000 acres of land in Kalahandi were covered under SRI method both in irrigated and non-irrigated pockets.The National Consultant of National Food Security Mission Ravinder Singh Saini along with State Consultant of the Mission Bijaya Kumar Harichandan and Deputy Director Agriculture Prabasi Sethi visited the lands to ascertain status of SRI method of paddy cultivation and its adoptability by farmers.They also reviewed various activities of Nation Food Security Mission in progress in Kalahandi.The team visited Santpur village, interacted with farmers and elected gram panchayat members besides participating in the cutting of crops cultivated by SRI method.In the crop cutting process in the farm of one Dilip Sa, the total output was recorded at 74 quintal per hectare. He had raised paddy by SRI method in six acres for the first time and the yield he got, is four times more than what he got by traditional method from the adjacent fields.