[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]SRI/SCI PROGRAMME
(Promoting System of Rice/Crop Intensification in Mountain Farms of Uttarakhand)
BACKGROUND OF THE PROJECT
The System of Rice/Crop Intensification (SRI/SCI) has come a great boon to farmers who would apply lesser water to the water-intensive crops and get better yields. Rice yields increase in the range of 7 to 15 tons per hectare, depending upon the region. The SRI achieves improvements in yields and factor productivity by changing some of the plant, soil, water and nutrient management practices. It promotes greater root growth that is easily verifiable and more soil biological activity. Interestingly, the System of Rice Intensification does not depend upon purchased external inputs like chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Instead, it increase the productivity of the land, labour, water and capital devoted to irrigated rice production by capitalizing on existing genetic potential and by biological processes, particularly in the soil. There is a notion that higher yields in rice come with high investments on seed, irrigation, high doses of fertilizers and pesticides. Contrary to this popular view, SRI method of cultivation produces higher yields with less seed and less water. SRI emphasizes on the need to shift from chemical fertilizers to organic manures.
This method of cultivation of rice has already helped millions of farmers to at least double their yields. SRI is not a new variety or a hybrid. It is only a new method of cultivation. SRI is showing promising results in all rice varieties- local or improved. SRI method is emerging as a potential alternative to traditional way of flooded rice cultivation and is showing great promise to address the problems of water scarcity. In the state of Uttarakhand, the Kharif crop is cultivated in major part under paddy cultivation. Hence rice is a major crop here. If the SRI method is adapted by farmers for paddy cultivation in Uttarakhand, not only this will potentially cut water requirement for paddy cultivation by 50% but also boost the rice production by 50%.
OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT
- To enable Mountain farmers of Uttarakhand to enhance food and livelihood security through adoption of the SRI/SCI technique.
- To undertake capacity building of farmers to adopt the SRI/SCI technique for paddy cultivation.
- To built the capacity of Voluntary Organizations by creating a talent pool of master trainers for promoting SRI/SCI.
COMPONENTS OF THE PROJECT
- Selection of basin.
- Selection of villages and farmers.
- Selection and training of master trainers.
- Orientation workshop and training of farmers.
- Field support activities.
- Preparation of manual.
- Extension and policy advocacy.
- Research & development activities.
- Programme monitoring and evaluation.
TARGET AREA AND TARGET GROUPS OF THE PROJECT
The target area of the project is Chamba Block in District Tehri Garhwal of Uttarakhand. Small and marginal farmers are identified as target groups for the project.
FUNDING AGENCY
The project is funded by People’s Science Institute (PSI), Dehradun and Sir Dorabji Tata Trust, Mumbai.
COST OF THE PROJECT
The project was sanctioned by PSI during the year 2008. Total cost of the project is as under:
| Year | Cost of the Project
(Rs.) |
PSI Contribution
(Rs.) |
HIFEED Contribution
(Rs.) |
Farmer’s Contribution
(Rs.) |
| 2008-09 | 4,17,520.00 | 2,58,400.00 | 12,720.00 | 1,46,400.00 |
| 2009-10 | 5,60,020.00 | 1,64,700.00 | 18,870.00 | 3,76,450.00 |
| 2009-10 | 77,830.00 | 41,100.00 | 9,105.00 | 27,625.00 |
| Total | 10,55,370.00 | 4,64,200.00 | 40,695.00 | 5,50,475.00 |
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