Ears of rice grown in an SRI (GIZ, Lea Klarmann)
This can be achieved when rice plants are provided with sufficient air and space for their ripening process. Irrigation water supply requirements are lower, which means the approach can be deployed in low-rainfall areas or the rice growing areas can be extended using the same quantity of water (climate change adaptation). The technique requires less seed and fertiliser.
SRI optimises the soil-water-plant relationship. It increases the plants’ potential for production by correcting disadvantageous practices. In practical terms, this involves growing rice on lowlands and plains using fewer seeds (with the rice variety selected according to the water regime) and less fertiliser.
The system of rice intensification proves that rice is not strictly speaking an aquatic crop. Rice growing simply requires a very humid environment. The water level is maintained considerably lower down the rice stalk than it is in traditional rice paddies, where water levels range from 10 to 25 centimetres.
SRI makes it possible to increase yields by around 35% compared to average yields. It has been possible to cut costs given the shorter growing season (90 days). Growers reduce seed use by 8 to 10 kilograms per hectare. Water use drops by around 35%, given that the rice is not constantly submerged and water levels in the paddy are low.
Implementation: Firstly, the growers are sensitised and informed about the principles and benefits of SRI in terms of yields and production costs, and are given the opportunity to sign up for technical training in SRI. IICEM takes charge of monitoring the proper application of the SRI methods over the
growing season. Seedlings are planted out individually to ensure each plant has sufficient space to grow. The rice plants are grown individually in rows, which reduces the number of seeds required and makes weeding easier.
Operation: 1) Selecting the most appropriate rice varieties according to the water regime of the area in question (rainfed rice and lowland rice). SRI rice crops adapt well to flood and recession waters, meaning rising and falling water source levels can be managed. 2) Respecting the irrigation cycles developed with the planner: An irrigation cycle is drawn up with a planner. Training is then provided to the growers managing the irrigation system to ensure they adhere strictly to the cycle. It is important for growers in the same hydraulic area to plant out at the same time so their irrigation supply needs correspond. This ensures that the water requirements of the rice crops are met and reduces pumping costs.
Roles of the actors involved: IICEM delivers training to raise awareness about SRI and provide the relevant skills. Conscious of the need to increase yields, IICEM ensures that this learning is applied in the field. Sometimes local NGOs are tasked with providing training and monitoring. Growers apply the SRI approach and monitor inputs and yields so that operations can be effectively evaluated.
The practice was rolled out in the Mopti, Timbuktu and Gao regions of northern Mali and in Sikasso in the south. Two very small-scale rice fields were installed: one in Deibata in Youwarou Circle and one in Mopti. Farmer organisations supported by IICEM are benefiting from the technique. The practice has been carried out since 2009 by IICEM. It was deployed in Madagascar prior to its introduction in Mali.
Lugar: Mopti, Timbuktu, Gao, Sikasso, Mali, Mali
No. de sitios de Tecnología analizados:
Difusión de la Tecnología: distribuida parejamente sobre un área (approx. 0.1-1 km2)
¿En un área de protección permanente?:
Fecha de la implementación: 10-50 años atrás
Tipo de introducción
reduced demand for seeds and fertilizer, shorter growing season
SRI makes it possible to increase yields by around 35% compared to average yields. It has been possible to cut costs given the shorter growing season (90 days).
