Back to solutions
2 Jan 2020 | NEPCAT technologies

System of Rice Intensification (SRI)

1 min Read

70% Complete

A method for increasing the productivity of rice by changing the management of plants, soil, water, and nutrients

The System of Rice Intensifi cation (SRI) was developed in Madagascar by Henri de Laulanie, in the 1980s. He worked with Malagasy farmers and colleagues to improve the possibilities of rice production. The practice contributes to both healthier soil and healthier plants, supported by greater root growth and the nurturing of soil microbial abundance and diversity. It is based on a number of well-founded agroecological principles. SRI concepts and practices have also been successfully adapted to upland rice.

SRI involves transplanting very young rice seedlings (usually 8-12 days old with just two small leaves) carefully and quickly so as to cause minimum disturbance to the roots. The seedlings are planted individually, in contrast to the traditional method where clumps of 3-4 are planted together, minimising root competition between the seedlings. The seedlings are kept widely spaced to allow better root and canopy growth, in a square grid pattern at a spacing of at least 25 x 25 cm. Planting can be done even wider at 30 x 30 or 40 x 40 cm and even up to 50 x 50 cm in the best quality soils.

light green: districts in 2007

WOCAT database reference: QT NEP15

Location: Panchkhal, Hokse, Bhimsensthan, Baluwa, and Patalekhet VDCs in the Jhikhu Khola watershed, Kabhrepalanchok district, Nepal

Technology area: ~ 0.1 km2

SWC measure: Management

Land use: Annual cropping

Climate: Humid subtropical

Related approach: Evaluation of SRI through participatory research and development approach, QA NEP15

Compiled by: Madhav Dhakal, ICIMOD

Date: June 2006, updated November 2006

Download PDF

1 Jan 2020 NEPCAT technologies
Hedgerow technology

A technology that uses hedgerows to help establish terraces on sloping land; farmers learn improved methods to manage a cultivation ...

2 Jan 2020 NEPCAT technologies
Riverbed farming

Riverbed farming can be used to increase household income and to improve the food security of landless and land-poor households ...

1 Jan 2020 NEPCAT technologies
Improved terraces

Hillside forward-sloping terracing and stabilisation using structural and vegetative measures This technology addresses the soil erosion and water runoff problems associated ...

2 Jan 2020 NEPCAT technologies
Urine application through drip irrigation for bitter gourd production

Application of cattle urine through drip irrigation technology to provide constant fl ow of fertiliser to bitter gourd Bitter gourd vegetables ...

1 Jan 2020 NEPCAT technologies
Better quality farmyard manure through improved decomposition

Collection and proper storage of farmyard manure in heaps or pits Farmyard manure – a varying mixture of animal manure, urine, ...

2 Jan 2020 NEPCAT technologies
Traditional irrigated rice terraces

Level bench terraces with risers protected by fodder grasses, used for the irrigated production of rice, potatoes and wheat The level ...

1 Jan 2020 NEPCAT technologies
Landslip and stream bank stabilisation

Integration of vegetative and structural measures for landslip, stream bank and gully stabilisation on hillsides A combination of measures were implemented ...

1 Jan 2020 NEPCAT technologies
Low cost micro-sprinkler irrigation

An irrigation system that delivers small-sized water droplets through a rotating head allowing longer watering time with less runoff Micro-sprinkler irrigation ...