SRI Final Report for 2008

Abstract

2008 was the second year of trials and the 6 participating farmers received much better yields than in 2007. Local government staff were involved in SRI exposure trips to the fields of SRI farmers and now these officials from the local government are supporting and promoting SRI in the region. The SRI method saves time because seedlings are transplanted 8-13 days after seed planting compared to 35-40 days for conventional rice cropping. Thus, the SRI rice plants produce stronger and healthier roots when compared to conventionally planted rice plants. In 2008 the SRI yields were essentially double compared to conventional methods. All the SRI volunteer farmers and neighboring farmers were happy with the SRI results and would like to extend SRI next year.