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The SYSTEM of
RICE INTENSIFICATION

known as SRI -- le Systéme de Riziculture Intensive in French and la Sistema Intensivo de Cultivo Arrocero (SICA) in Spanish -- is a methodology for increasing the productivity of irrigated rice by changing the management of plants, soil, water and nutrients. These practices contribute to both healthier soil and plants supported by greater root growth and the nurturing of soil microbial abundance and diversity. It is based on a number of agroecological principles with good scientific foundations. SRI concepts and practices have also been successfully adapted to upland rice.

SRI does not require the purchase of new seeds or the use of new high-yielding varieties, although some of the highest yields with SRI have been obtained from improved varieties. Neither does SRI require the application of chemical fertilizer or pesticides. Increased weeding is required, because rice fields are not kept continuously flooded. But farmers report that with SRI methods, their rice plants are better able to resist damage from pests and diseases, making agrochemicals usually unnecessary. Compost gives even better results than does fertilizer with SRI methods. With SRI there can be water savings of around 50%.

SRI does require skillful management of the factors of production and, at least initially, additional labor input -- between 25 and 50%, particularly for careful transplanting and for weeding. But since yield increases are 50 to 100%, and possibly by two or three times present levels, returns to labor are very great since no purchased inputs are needed and profitability of rice production is increased. As farmers gain skill and confidence in SRI methods, labor input decreases and can eventually become the same or even less compared with conventional rice-growing methods.

Improvements in SRI are continually being made, including better implements and techniques, which farmers are encouraged to consider and further improve upon. Additional information on SRI benefits can be found in the 2005 Uphoff article: Features of the System of Rice Intensification apart from Increases in Yield.