Bhutan activities - the System of Rice Intensification (SRI)

The System of Rice Intensification
- SRI -

A collaborative effort of Association Tefy Saina and CIIFAD

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Progress and Activities

• Evaluations Continuing in College of Natural Resources
Karma Lhendup, lecturer in the faculty of agriculture of the Royal University of Bhutan's College of Natural Resources at Lobesa in western Bhutan, has reported on a second season of evaluations in 2007. With replicated trials, the advantage of SRI methods have been seen for a second year, although the increased in yield are not as high as in many other countries, possibly because of soil or climatic conditions. The reduction in input requirements has been of particular interest to farmers who have come to field days organized by Lhendup. Mamta Chhetri, research officer at the nearby agricultural research station at Yusipang, has done some initial trials in 2007 at Khachadrapchu, although not of all SRI methods. The value of younger seedlings was seen to be significant. In 2008, trials are expanding with attention among other things to whether SRI methods of non-flooded water management can curb a weed that is making rice production difficult. An illustrated, two-page field manual for extension workers (in English) has been prepared by Lhendup for introducing SRI in other parts of Bhutan. This could be used with appropriate pictures and modifications of text in other countries.

• Bhutan is 28th Country to Report SRI Benefits
Karma Lhendup, Sherubtse College of the Royal University of Bhutan, has conducted a set of replicated trials of SRI methods at three locations in Kanglung district (1800m elevation). A report of his 2006 results (825 kb) is also available without pictures (for a smaller file size - 451 kb). Only some of the SRI methods were used in these initial trials -- young seedlings (3-leaf stage), single seedlings, wide spacing (30x30 cm gave better performance than 20x20 cm), and reduced water application (non-flooding). There was no introduction and evaluation of organic soil fertilization (standard chemical fertilizer applications were made), and there was no active soil aeration (only hand weeding, not using a rotary hoe). The average yield increase comparing replicated plot results was 0.65 t/ha, significant at the .05 level of confidence. Profuse increases in tillering were observed, and farmers were impressed with both the plant growth and the cost-saving opportunities.

•SRI Presented at National Exposition
Karma Lhendup and two of his students at Sherubtse College in Kanglung participated in and presented a poster on SRI at a national expo organized by the Renewable Natural Resources Sector of the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) in December, 2006. Two thousand five hundred participants -- including the Minister of Agriculture and 1,500 farmers attended. The poster communicated SRI results from the first season of trials at four locations. Much interest was expressed from farmers and agricultural professionals, including the Minister (see report). It is expected that there will be a network for communication and experience-sharing on SRI in Bhutan before the next season, when trials and demonstrations will be conducted in many other locations.

On October 26, 2006, Lhendup organized a field day to demonstrate SRI results to farmers, monks, local officials and agricultural professionals in the districts around Kanglung.

Workshops/Trainings