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- A Report -

November, 2006

PEOPLES’ SCIENCE INSTITUTE 252/I, VASANT VIHAR

DEHRA DOON, UTTARANCHAL


I. INTRODUCTION

The Centre for Participatory Watershed Development (CPWD) at Peoples’ Science Institute (PSI) was established in October 1996 following CAPART’s recognition to PSI as a Training and Support Voluntary Organisation (TSVO) for its Watershed Conservation and Development (WCD) Programme. Since then, CPWD has been extending training, development, research and communication support to government and non-government organizations engaged in watershed/natural resource management projects in the states of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh. The Centre has also implemented integrated watershed development projects in Hamirpur district (H.P.) and Pauri Garhwal district (Uttarakhand) with grants from the respective District Rural Development Agencies (DRDA). It conducts several other training and orientation workshops every year. "Resolving the Himalayan Dilemma" is one of the Institute’s most ambitious ongoing programme which is being implemented in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh with the financial support of Sir Ratan Tata Trust (SRTT) under the latter's “Himmothan Pariyojana”.

The Centre has four units: Training Unit, Development Support Unit, Communication Unit and the Research Unit. The scientific research at CPWD is aimed at filling up gaps in knowledge for enhancing effectiveness of watershed development programmes. Its scientists and engineers study and suggest practical solutions to particular problems encountered during fieldwork by the PIAs. The Centre’s research unit has developed computerised formats for preparation of estimates of soil and water conservation works and biomass estimation. It has established thumb rules for estimating consumption patterns for water, fuel wood, fodder and food grains across the districts of Uttarakhand. The Centre has undertaken few research activities in selected micro-watersheds of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. These include: (i) hydrological and water quality monitoring of streams in selected micro-watersheds, (ii) development and study of performance of low cost hydrams for mountain micro-watersheds, (iii) establishment of ten agricultural demonstration centres for different ecological zones and (iv) impact assessment study of selected micro-watersheds of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

The Technology Development, Training & Research Centre (TDTRC) of CPWD is based at the Institute's premises in Dehra Doon, and undertakes various demonstrative activities including raising of off-season vegetables in experimental greenhouses; compost preparation through NADEP, vermi-compost and vermi-wash; cultivation of medicinal plants, and roof rainwater harvesting through LDPE tank. The TDTRC has also installed demonstration units of hydraulic ram pumps, drip irrigation, micro-sprinklers and pedal pump for demonstrating their utility to the grass root level workers and rural communities.

II. BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The System of Rice Intensification (SRI) method of paddy cultivation is gaining popularity among rice farmers in several states of the country in recent times for its potential to save water and increase yields. SRI is more than a package of practices and is a paradigm shift in the way the crop production is understood and practiced. In different states, for the last few seasons, many farmers have begun adopting SRI method to cultivate rice. There seem to be a wide range of experiences ranging from bad to good among farmers and scientists.

Watershed Support Services And Activities Network (WASSAN), a Secunderabad-based organization is providing support to partners in SRI method of paddy cultivation through WWF


Dialogue Project. The partners include NGOs, NGO networks, M andala M ahila Samakhyas and Cluster Level Livelihood Resource Centers (CLRC). The support is basically in the form of trainings; f ield demonstrations and regular field follow up.

In May 2006, as part of its research activities, CPWD initiated the SRI method of paddy cultivation in selected areas of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh through its partner organisations with technical support from WASSAN. It supported eight NGOs in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh for SRI promotion. These NGOs executed field trials of SRI covering 25 villages and 40 farmers with an area of 6 hectares. Efforts were made to initiate SRI as an activity in the watershed development programmes. The partners took up this initiative in the villages where they already had a presence by initially organising meetings with paddy farmers to motivate them to take up SRI cultivation. Discussions based on resource material and video shows were used as tools of communication on SRI cultivation. WASSAN and PSI provided the resource persons in the training cum demonstration programme organised by the NGOs. In this, the farmers and resource persons of the partners were trained on bed preparation and transplantation. Communication material on SRI cultivation and preparation of organic solutions Amruthajalam, Panchagavya was also distributed to the partners. The resource persons from CPWD gave regular field support to the farmers during the crop period. In these areas, paddy crops cultivated by SRI method have shown encouraging trends and farmers who followed this method have expressed immense satisfaction at the results. In September 2006, WASSAN requested PSI along with financial support, to conduct a series of experience sharing workshops for popularization and extension of SRI method of paddy cultivation in the two Himalayan states.

As a first step towards sharing the experiences of SRI method with the stakeholders group as well as assist the voluntary organizations in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh develop professional capabilities in the field of SRI method of paddy cultivation, PS I organized a series of three workshops in the last week of October, 2006 in the two states. These experience-sharing workshops, organised with active support from WASSAN, coincided with the maturing of the paddy crop when it was ready for harvesting. The aim of holding these workshops was to share the experiences of SRI method with the stakeholders group as well as to help voluntary organizations sensitize farmers in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh to the need for developing professional capabilities in the field of SRI method of paddy cultivation as well as to formulate a plan for extension of the SRI method of paddy cultivation in the two states.

The objectives of the workshops were to:

¶ Share the experiences of SRI method of paddy cultivation with the stakeholder group comprising of paddy farmers, voluntary organizations and the government agencies

¶ Sensitize farmers in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh to the need for developing professional capabilities in the field of SRI method of paddy cultivation

¶ Formulate a realistic and practical strategy to make SRI technique popular and for extension of the SRI method of paddy cultivation in the two states.

III. WORKS HOPS ’ DETAILS

The workshops were organised at (i) CORD, Sidhbari, Dharamsala Block, Kangra district (H.P.) on October 25, 2006, (ii) ERA, Khundian, Dehra Gopipur Block, Kangra district (H.P.) on October 26, 2006, and (iii) PSI, Dehra Doon (Uttarakhand) on October 31, 2006. These workshops


were organised to coincide with the maturing of the SRI paddy crop when it was ready for harvesting. P SI's team members along with the partner NGOs met senior agriculture and administrative officials well before the programme to invite them along with their teams and the progressive farmers in these workshops. At the three workshops, farmers who had cultivated paddy by SRI method were encouraged to share their experiences with farmers from surrounding areas who were interested in SRI method, invited research scientists and government officials and discussed ways and means of evolving future strategies for an effective extension of this method in other areas of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.

Shri S.P. Chaturvedi of CPWD, a specialist in agricultural research and extension, was the main facilitator and the chief resource person in all the workshops, who explained the entire SRI process in detail for the benefit of the new farmers as well as also clarified doubts raised by the participants. In his Power Point presentation, he described the methodology/approach adopted under the programme to achieve the specified objectives. Using other audio-visual aids such as LCD/OHP, photo exhibition, posters and charts during his presentation, Shri Chaturvedi introduced the participants to SRI method of paddy cultivation and SRI management and practices. Discussing experiments carried out in India, he also discussed implications of SRI for the country. Stating that SRI method had helped raise yields signif icantly in areas where interventions were made in the just concluded Kharif season, he also gave details of PSI’s experiences in SRI paddy cultivation (See Annexure I for S.P. Chaturvedi's Presentation on SRI). As part of the workshops, SRI implements' exhibition was also organized.

In the first and third workshops, a field trip to SRI paddy fields was also organized in which the objectives were to exchange SRI field experiences during the season, to have a larger visibility of SRI cultivation in the mountain region and for promoting it amongst new farmers. The field day was organized in a SRI plot ready to be harvested. The farmers who had practiced SRI shared their experiences on various issues such as ‘what was easy and what was difficult, what are the advantages and disadvantages vis-à-vis traditional methods, what changes need to be done in practices, what support is needed, etc’. In the field, farmers constituted into separate groups counted the number of tillers in a unit area (sq. m) in SRI paddy field and compared it with the one obtained by the conventional method of cultivation. The farmers then counted and compared the number of effective tillers and grains per panicle and also weighed 1000 grains weight for comparison with non-SRI paddy.

Around 128 farmers from 30 villages, along with 21 representatives from NGOs and 28 government officials and scientists of the two states participated in these workshops. The details of each workshop are given in the sections below.

III.A October 25, 2006: CORD, Sidhbari, Dharamsala Block, Kangra district (H.P.)

The first one-day Experience Sharing Workshop was organized on October 25, 2006, in the Assembly Hall of CORD, Sidhbari, Dharamsala Block, Kangra district (H.P.) (Refer Appendix I A for Workshop Schedule). The Workshop was attended by a diverse group of participants including farmers (109), VO representatives (9), state government officials (5) and agricultural experts (6). Refer Appendix II A for participants’ list.

In the inaugural session, Shri S.P. Chaturvedi, of CPWD at Peoples’ Science Institute, welcomed the participants to the Workshop and introduced the theme and purpose of the Workshop. He gave details of PSI’s experience in SRI method of paddy cultivation and gave a


short description of the Sharing Workshop programme and its objectives. This was followed by a brief introduction of the participants.

In his presentation, Shri Chaturvedi not only apprised the participants about the SRI method but also gave details of the comparative results of paddy cultivation through conventional and SRI method, obtained from fields of 12 progressive farmers in Dharamsala block of Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh.

In the session following the presentations, participants were encouraged to share and discuss their experiences in SRI paddy cultivation with other Workshop participants. Shri Chaturvedi invited each participant one by one to share his or her experience in SRI method of paddy cultivation in an open forum. During this session, participants gave a brief presentation on their personal experiences in handling SRI paddy cultivation. Some participants, who admitted to having a limited exposure to SRI, also raised questions related to different stages of the SRI process. These participants said that even though they have not grown paddy by SRI method in 2006, they would surely do so in the next Kharif sowing season.

Discussions

In her opening presentation on experience sharing, Sunita Devi, a progressive farmer from Indora village of Kangra district said that she counted a maximum of as many as 45 tillers in rice plants in her field. She along with other farmers in this mountain district has attended a SRI

training in the past and had urged her husband to follow this method of paddy cultivation. Another farmer Tilak Raj of Bhagayada village, also in Kangra district, said that he had also counted a maximum of as many as 45 tillers in rice plants in his paddy field. He said that he had almost given in to his wife’s reluctance to grow paddy using SRI method. He said that his wife and other people who earlier laughed and scoffed at him for having “ruined the fields and the cropping season” now acknowledge the potential of SRI method in raising rice yields.

He said that farmers who made a joke of him themselves suffered a loss of face due to low yields by con ventional method.

In response to a query by Piyar Chand of Bhagayada village, on the need to add salt to water for segregating healthy paddy seeds, Shri Chaturvedi laid stress on preparing a right mix of salt and water for discarding paddy seeds with low germination potential. Pratap Chand Bhandari,


a retired principal from village Kachal Bhandariya of Kangra district said that the SRI method sounds innovative and promised that next year he would grow paddy by SRI method in his 15 kanal (26.2 kanal = 1 ha) land. Omkar Singh Kalotra of the same village said that experiments in SRI method in his farm had shown positive results and the farm output had shown an increase of 100 per cent. He said the only problem he faced was regarding draining off extra water from his fields. He said that a similar method should also be found for cultivating wheat.

Dharam Chand of Pathiar village in Kangra district said that following a training workshop, he had sown paddy by SRI method in two of his fields. He said that paddy cultivated by this method has shown to be more in weight than paddy grown by the traditional method. He said that if every farmer in the country would use SRI method, it would result in saving of seeds as well as increased production. He said that he would see that in the next season at least ten farmers in his area practiced SRI paddy cultivation in two kanals each.

Vidya Devi of Jadarangle said that though paddy cultivation by SRI method showed good results in her fields, there was a slight decrease in the production levels due to the weeds. Regular use of weeder could have resulted in higher production. A cross section of the speakers, however, highlighted the issue of high input of labour in SRI processes such as selection and segregation of healthy rice seeds and transplanting.

In the course of detailed discussions during the session, some important points emerged that pertained to availability of resources for SRI method. Indu Devi of Rait block of Kangra

district said that non-availability of marker and rotating weeder posed a major problem. She, however, suggested that following a cooperative approach could solve the problem. Shri Chaturvedi suggested that training could be provided to the village blacksmith for preparing the implement. He said that nails fixed to a bamboo frame could also serve as markers. Kaushalya Devi, a farmer from Sidhbari village said that even though her fields

were heavily infested by rodents, she could secure high yields, thanks to the SRI method. She said that the SRI method was gaining popularity throughout the state and more and more people were now coming forward for practicing this innovative method.

Field Visit

A field visit was also conducted for the sake of the workshop participants during, which the facilitators helped them in weighing and measuring paddy productionsattained from the SRI paddy (local variety) field of Tilak Raj of Bhagayada village in Kangra district. The field is in the


neighbourhood of his village situated at an altitude of 1020 meters. The total area under paddy cultivation is 2900 sq.m of which 300 sq.m. is under SRI.

Key parameters such as number of tillers, plant height, numbers of ears per plant, ear length, grains per plant and yield per hectare were measured. These parameters were then compared with the results from the conventional paddy fields (For details, see Table 1). The process began with the counting of the number of tillers in randomly selected plants of SRI and non-SRI paddy, which were uprooted by the workshop participants for computing additional details such as ear length and grains per plant etc. The number of tillers in S RI paddy ranged between 17 and 37

as compared to 2 to 8 in non-SRI paddy from Tilak Raj's own fields. The plant height in the case of S RI was 118 cm as compared to just 84 cm in the case of non-S RI paddy. In all, there were 21 ears per plant in S RI paddy as compared to 4-5 in the non-S RI paddy. There was not much of a variation in the ear length, which ranged between 20-21 in both the cases. There was, however, a major difference in the number of grains per plant, which in case of S RI paddy was 161 grains as compared to 105 grains per ear in non-S RI paddy. Predictably, a quantified assessment of potential yield calculated on the basis of grain weight showed a remarkable difference between the SRI and the non-SRI paddy yields. While S RI estimates stood close to 75 quintals per hectares, the non-SRI yields were projected at a dismal 30 quintals per hectare.The results are summarized in the following table.

Comparison of Results for SRI and Conventional method of Paddy for Farmers’ plot (10mx10m) at Kangra, H.P.

S.No. Particulars Tilak Raj (Conventional)

Tilak Raj (SRI)

Dharam Chand (Conventional)

Dharam Chand (SRI)

1 Variety China-4 China-4 Parmal Parmal 2 No. of hills 29 16 34 16 3 No. of total tillers 247 352 204 320 4 No. of

grains/panicle 105 161 120 155

5 Total weight (Grain+Straw) in kg

8.4 16.5 11.5 14.5

6 Total weight of grain (kg)

3.5 8 .0 4.5 7.5

7 Net weight of grain (kg)

3.0 7.5 4.0 7.0

8 Weight of Chaff (kg)

5.4 8.5 7.0 7.3

9 Height of Chaff (cm)

84.2 118.4 80 80


Recommendations

The important recommendation that emerged at the end of the day’s proceedings was identification of 50 master trainers at CORD Sidhbari (Kangra) for the forthcoming paddy season. Shri Chaturvedi agreed to conduct a detailed training programme on S RI for the master trainers between March to April 2007.

In addition, an important suggestion that was received during the course of discussions was that the SRI method should be popularised through the production and distribution of Hindi publications on SRI. The workshop participants including farmers and agricultural extension workers demanded that training and extension materials such as booklets, posters, and simple audio visual aids such as CDs be made available to serve as effective communication tools. In addition, participants laid importance on effective utilization of all available human and material resources and move towards self-reliance.

Concluding the day’s proceedings, Shri Chaturvedi said that from M arch 2007 onwards, PSI has planned a series of training workshops for preparing master trainers and farmers of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh so that they can develop professional capabilities and align themselves in terms of SRI method in the two states.

III.B October 26, 2006: ERA, Khundian, Dehra Gopipur Block, Kangra district (H.P.)

The second Experience Sharing Workshop was organized on October 26, 2006, in the M eeting Hall of ERA, Khundian, Dehra Gopipur Block, Kangra district (H.P.) (Refer Appendix I B for Workshop Schedule). The Workshop was attended by 14 farmers and 5 VO representatives along with one agricultural expert. Refer Appendix II B for participants’ list.

In the inaugural session, Shri Pradeep Sharma, Director ERA welcomed the participants to the Workshop and introduced the theme and purpose of the Workshop. He gave details of PSI’s experience in SRI method of paddy cultivation and gave a short description of the Sharing Workshop programme and its objectives. This was followed by a brief introduction of the participants.

In his presentation, Shri Chaturvedi apprised the participants about the SRI method through posters and photographs. He also gave details of the comparative results of paddy cultivation through conventional and SRI method, obtained from the fields of Chamru Ram, a progressive farmer in Lohargarh village of Dehra Gopipur block of Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh. The comparison clearly proved that the yields from SRI f ields of Chamru Ram was much higher that from his own non-SRI f ield. The number of tillers in randomly selected plants of S RI was 18 as compared to only 4 in the non-S RI paddy. There was no appreciable difference between the plant height, which was 95 in both the cases. There were a total of 21 ears per plant in SRI paddy as compared to 2-3 in the non-SRI paddy. The ear length in SRI paddy was 21 cm. as compared to about 18 cm. in non-SRI paddy. The number of grains per ear was much higher in SRI paddy (141) as compared to about 86 grains per ear in non-SRI paddy.Consequently , the estimated yield calculated on the basis of grain weight was 55 quintals per hectare in case of S RI paddy while it was just about 32 quintals per hectare in the case of non-S RI paddy. (For details, refer to Table 1).

Discussions


In this session, the participants shared and discussed their experiences in SRI paddy cultivation with other Workshop participants. Shri Sharma invited each participant one by one to share his or her experience in SRI method of paddy cultivation in an open forum. During this session, the two farmers i.e. Prakash Chand and Chamru Ram from Lohargarh village gave a brief presentation on their personal experiences in following SRI paddy cultivation. They praised PSI’s efforts at introducing SRI technique in their midst. They said the people were initially reluctant about the new method but later saw the results for themselves. They said it is important that people first put SRI method into practice and then inform others of the results. This would help the method gain ground among a large section of the farming community in the state.

The presentations helped raise a number of key issues viz., water availability and dryland farming. Kuldeep Singh of Thalakan village in Tehsil Khundian of Kangra district raised question regarding growing paddy in rainfed areas. Shri Chaturvedi said that ideally, in rainfed areas, nursery raising should immediately begin after the first rains.

Kuldeep Singh of Thalakan village in Tehsil Khundian of Kangra district, while acknowledging the efficacy of the SRI method of paddy cultivation, suggested that farmers should initially cultivate SRI paddy in at least two small plots. He said that more areas could be later brought under SRI coverage on the basis of results.

Some participants, who admitted to having a limited exposure to SRI, also raised questions related to different stages of the SRI process. These participants said that they found S RI method very innovative and would surely grow paddy by this method next year.

Recommendations

Shri Puran Chand of Sodkalan in Khundian tehsil of Kangra district suggested that training programmes should also be organised for the benefit of the farmer' communities. At this, Shri Chaturvedi suggested that training programmes could be organised through Mahila M andals and panchayats in M arch-April 2007 and that interested farmers should submit their names to ERA, Khundian, Kangra district after which a training schedule can be finalised. The most important recommendation that emerged at the end of the Workshop proceedings was regarding submission of names for listing of master trainers at ERA, Khundian (Kangra), for the next paddy season.

In response to an idea from one of the participants regarding propagating this method through village level institutions, Shri Chaturvedi said that support of Mahila Mandals, youth clubs, panchayats and block offices could be sought for programme extension. The suggestions diversified into expression of a felt need for setting up of a mechanism of training farmers on the pattern of ‘each one, teach one’.

Besides, another significant suggestion received was regarding gi ving wider popularity to the S RI method through the production and distribution of Hindi publications on S RI. In fact, a number of workshop participants including farmers and agricultural extension workers demanded that training and extension materials such as booklets, posters, and simple audio visual aids such as CDs be produced either in Hindi language or in Kangri dialect to serve as effective communication tools. In addition, participants laid importance on effective utilization of all available human and material resources and move towards self-reliance.


Concluding the day’s proceedings, Shri Chaturvedi reiterated PSI’s resolve of planning and conducting a series of training workshops from March 2007 onwards for preparing master trainers and farmers of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. He said this would be done so that they can develop professional capabilities and align themselves in terms of SRI method in the two states.

III.C October 31, 2006: PS I, Dehra Doon (Uttarakhand)

Peoples’ Science Institute (PSI) organised a one-day Experience Sharing Workshop on System of Rice Intensification (SRI) method of paddy cultivation on October 31, 2006, at Hotel Kamla Palace, General M ahadeo Singh Road, Dehra Doon (Uttarakhand). Refer Appendix I C for Workshop Schedule. The Workshop was attended by a diverse group of participants including farmers (5), VO representatives (7), state government officials (1) and agricultural experts (15). See Appendix II C for participants’ list. The workshop started with a brief introduction of the participants.

In the inaugural session, Shri Debashish Sen, Director, Centre for Participatory Watershed Development (CPWD) at PSI welcomed the participants to the Workshop and introduced the theme and purpose of the Workshop. He gave details of PSI’s experience in SRI method of paddy cultivation and gave a short description of the Sharing Workshop programme and its objectives. In his opening remarks, he said that around 5,000 litres of water are required to produce one kilo of rice. India has over 24 million hectares under irrigated paddy, so the requirement of the large quantity of water can merely be imagined. If the system of rice intensification (SRI) were to be applied on all this land we would be able to cut water requirement for paddy by 50% and simultaneously boost rice production by 50%. Both these factors would have huge implications for water resource management in India in the years to come.

In his presentation, Shri Chaturvedi apprised the participants about the SRI method and also gave details of the comparative results of paddy cultivation through conventional and SRI method, obtained from a total of 20 farmers each in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh who have since harvested the paddy crop. These results also include PSI’s own Plots 1,2 and 3 situated in M ajra, Niranjanpur, in Dehra Doon district, Uttarakhand. He said that results have been on similar lines in selected areas of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh where paddy crops cultivated by SRI method have shown encouraging trends and farmers who followed this method have expressed immense satisfaction at the results. The brief question-answer session following Shri Chaturvedi’s presentation mainly revolved around the issue of chemical fertilisers and the amount of Panchagavya required per unit area.


In his presentation, Shri P. Kishan Rao, Consultant, WASSAN and a farmer from Andhra Pradesh narrated the salient features of SRI method of paddy cultivation including the Katayama tillering principle.

Discussions

In the session following the two presentations, participants shared and discussed their experience in SRI paddy cultivation with other Workshop participants. Each participant shared experience in SRI method of paddy cultivation in an open forum. During this session, some participants gave a brief presentation on their personal experiences in following SRI paddy cultivation. Shri Kishan Rao gave replies in response to queries put by participants who admitted to having a limited exposure to SRI.

Dr. D.S. Tomar of Central Soil and Water Conservation Research and Training Institute (CSWCRTI) asked questions related to factors such as tillering and its effect on the amount of production. Sanjay Kumar of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) expressed apprehensions that weeding and compost costs would add to the cost of production and hence rice would cost more. He said a thorough cost-benefit ratio on a farm-to-farm basis should also be done.

Shri D.P. Bahuguna, a progressive farmer from Dhakrani area of Vikasnagar near Dehra Doon narrated his experiences of cultivating SRI paddy and compared results from the conventional method achieved from a control plot. He admitted that the levels of inputs were not serious and there were quite a number of serious deviations (in terms of drainage and regular use of weeder) from the standard SRI practice. He said that even then expected yield calculated on

the basis of grain per ear and tillers would be 30-35 quintals per hectare in case of S RI paddy while it would be just about 20-25 quintals per hectare in the case of non-S RI paddy. The number of tillers in plants of SRI was 20-25 as compared to 10-14 in the non-SRI paddy.There were a total of 175 grains per ear in S RI paddy as compared to 130 grains per ear on an average in the non-S RI paddy. Stating that he and his fellow farmers have learnt from their mistakes and acts of

omission, he said that they would henceforth practice standard SRI method only. He said he would also inform other farmers about this innovative method. In response to Shri Chaturvedi’s contention that the SRI method now calls for extension, Shri Bahuguna said that much would still depend on the rainfall pattern and the attitude of government departments such as agriculture department and others.


Shri M .S. Yadav from Aajeevika (Himalayan Livelihood Programme) said that their programme was being operationalised in 5 districts of Uttarakhand, among the poorest of the poor. They could consider taking up the SRI activity in the midst of the target audience after the cost-benefit ratio is worked out. Among other related issues, the participants also discussed other issues such as organic farming including the use of organic manure and organic pesticides.

During the discussions, most participants expressed the view that PSI’s experience with S RI method of paddy cultivation has emerged in the form of a successful model and hence there is a need for its replication and extension to other areas. Praising the SRI method, Shri R.S. Rawat, Assistant Agricultural Officer, Doiwala Block, said that the method has evinced good response and also favoured a high-profile publicity of the method for it to be practiced far and wide in the Himalayan states.

Field Visit

At PSI’s experimental plot of land in Majra Niranjanpur, the process of counting the number of tillers in randomly selected plants of SRI and non-SRI paddy was carried out in a similar manner as had earlier been done at CORD in Himachal Pradesh. The workshop participants divided themselves into separate groups that were entrusted with computing yield figures from SRI and non-SRI paddy plots. After uprooting paddy plants, the group members counted the number of tillers as 24 per plant in paddy cultivated by SRI method as compared to 8 in the non-S RI one. The plant height of S RI paddy was 130 cm., which was 20 cm. more

than that in case of the non-S RI paddy. The number of ears per plant was 26 in the case of S RI paddy while the non-S RI paddy had 11. The ear length in SRI paddy was 22 cm. as compared to about 20 cm. in non-S RI paddy. There was much variation in the number of grains per plant, which in case of S RI paddy was 187 grains per ear as compared to 121 in


the non-S RI paddy. As such, the potential yield calculated on the basis of grain weight showed a remarkable difference between the SRI and the non-SRI paddy yields in the paddy fields of PSI. While S RI estimates stood close to 65 quintals per hectares, the non-S RI yields were projected at a dismal 40 quintals per hectare (For details, refer Table 1).

On this occasion, Shri P. Kishan Rao, who has been practicing and promoting this unique method of rice cultivation since 2003 and had discussed the art and science of SRI method with the workshop participants earlier in the day, said, “The results are there for all to see. SRI promises to bring about a radical change and a paradigm shift in the entire way we look at agriculture in the country”.

The Workshop outcome clearly emerged in favour of the SRI method and it emerged as a superior method of paddy cultivation after 30-odd Workshop participants who visited the SRI paddy farm near Niranjanpur (Majra) weighed, measured and compared paddy productions attained from SRI paddy and the traditional paddy plots. Pusa S ugandha, a paddy variety commonly grown by farmers in this part of Uttarakhand, yielded 62 percent more paddy through S RI as compared to the conventional method. The chaff weight was also 55 percent higher in SRI paddy. Type-III, another paddy variety grown by S RI method in the same area also registered an increase of 64 percent. The results are summarized in the following table.

Comparison of Results for SRI and Conventional method of Paddy for PSI plot (1mx1m) at Dehra Doon S.No. Particulars Group 1 Group 2 Group 3 Group 4 Group 5

1 Variety Type-3 (Conventional)

Type-3 (SRI)

Pusa Sugandh (Conventional)

Pusa Sugandh (Conventional)

Pusa Sugandh (SRI)

2 No. Of hills 26 16 24 23 16 3 No. Of total

tiller 156 189 146 158 210

4 No. of grains/ panicle

82 93 121 96 193

5 Total weight (Grain+ Straw)

1250gm 1800gm 2000gm 2000gm 3500gm

6 Total weight of grain

270gm 430gm 460gm 390gm 720gm

7 Net weight of grain

250gm (2.5 T/ha)

390gm (3.9 T/ha)

400 (4.0 T/ha)

380 (3.8 T/ha)

650 (6.5T /ha)

8 Weight of Chaff

980gm 1370gm 1540gm 1610gm 2780gm

9 Height of Chaff

105 cm 130cm 110 cm 120 cm 140 cm


Government officials from the agricultural department said they have seen the results in the PSI's fields. They said that that it would be appropriate if they first carry out the field trials in their research farm and then tell the farmers about this method. Shri R.S. Verma, Plant Protection Officer, Dehra Doon, said that introduction of this method in the watersheds would increase the coverage area under paddy. Shri D.C. Lakhera, Additional District Agricultural Officer, Dehra Doon, said that the S RI method of paddy cultivation could be introduced in the hills. He said that there is an impending need for the farmers in the hills to be given a demo on this method.

Recommendations

The Experience Sharing workshop on System of Rice Intensification (SRI) Paddy ended on a positive note when more than 25 participants comprising of farmers and district and state agriculture department officials agreed to the putting of a resource sharing mechanism in place that would cater to the needs of those who wish to adopt S RI method of paddy cultivation.

Shri Sen stated that as an outcome, it has been decided to formulate a strategy for popularising and promoting SRI method in the mountain states of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. This involves training of master trainers and conducting of trials in a systemic manner in different agro-climatic conditions in the two states. According to him, PSI would play a major role in this direction in the next Kharif season.

The print media covered the Workshop. The details were also submitted to the print media in the form of a Press Release. The Workshop was covered in a few vernacular dailies and weeklies, which published reports of the Workshop and the outcomes along with the photographs (Refer Annexure II for Press Clippings).

IV. CONCLUSIONS

This series of Experience Sharing workshops on System of Rice Intensification (SRI) Paddy conducted by PSI has been enthusiastically taken up by the stakeholder’s community with a positive approach. With the setting up of a informal network constituted of more than a hundred farmers and as many volunteers in three districts of two Himalayan states, the process of extension of the innovative method appears to have already begun. The inputs received from the target audience point to the receptivity of the SRI method and its acceptability by farmers to the extent that those who already cultivated paddy by the SRI method in 2006 promised to faithfully follow each stage of SRI process in the forthcoming Kharif sowing season while those who learnt about this method in the series of workshops organised, stated their desire to get initiated into the SRI practice.

As an outcome, a number of important suggestions have been received from the participants at the three workshops, which are being adopted as recommendations here as they also bear the stamp of unanimous approval. One of the most important recommendations that emerged during the workshops at CORD Sidhbari and ERA, Khundian, both in Himachal Pradesh, pertained to identification of 50 master trainers for the forthcoming paddy season. Concluding the proceedings at both the workshops in Himachal Pradesh, Shri Chaturvedi also reiterated PSI’s resolve to conduct a series of training workshops for preparing master trainers and farmers of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh so that they can develop professional capabilities and align themselves in terms of SRI method in the two states. There was a general consensus on the holding of a detailed training programme on SRI for these master trainers between March to April 2007.


In addition, an important recommendation that emerged from these two workshops was regarding popularization of the S RI method through the production and distribution of Hindi publications on SRI. In fact, most workshop participants demanded that training and extension materials such as booklets, posters, and simple audio visual aids such as CDs/DVDs be also made available in the local dialect to serve as effective communication tools.

An important recommendation from the participants at the Dehra Doon workshop was on the putting of a resource sharing mechanism in place to cater to the needs of those who wish to adopt SRI method of paddy cultivation. Equally , it was resolved that a strategy would be formulated for popularising and promoting SRI method in the mountain states of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. For this, besides involving training of master trainers, conducting of field trials in a systemic manner in different agro-climatic conditions in the two states would also be done.

Participants also laid importance on effective utilization of all available human and material resources for promoting and popularizing SRI method in the two states for moving towards self-reliance.

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Poster Exhibition


Appendix-IA

EExx ppeerriiee nnccee SShhaarriinngg WWoorrkk ss hhoopp oonn SSyyss ttee mm ooff RRiiccee II nntteennss iiff iiccaatt iioonn ((SSRRII ))-: PROGRAMME S CHEDULE:-

(Training Hall, CORD Sidhbari, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh)

October 25, 2006

09.30 - 09.45 Registration

09.45 - 10.15 Introduction to the Workshop by Ms. Kshama Metre, Director, CORD

10.15 - 10.30 Tea

10.30 - 12.00 PSI’s Presentation on SRI

12.00 - 01.00 Experience sharing by farmers

01.00 - 01.30 Lunch

01.30 - 03.30 Field visit to Tilak Raj’s paddy farm, Bagiyada village (Kangra)

03.30 - 05.00 Summary and Recommendations


Appendix-IB

EExx ppeerriiee nnccee SShhaarriinngg WWoorrkk ss hhoopp oonn SSyyss ttee mm ooff RRiiccee II nntteennss iiff iiccaatt iioonn ((SSRRII ))-: PROGRAMME S CHEDULE: -

(Meeting Hall, ERA, Khundian, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh)

October 26, 2006


10.30 - 11.00 Introduction by Shri Pradeep Sharma, Director, ERA

11.00 - 11.15 Tea


01.00 - 02.00 Lunch




Appendix-IC

EExx ppeerriiee nnccee SShhaarriinngg WWoorrkk ss hhoopp oonn SSyyss ttee mm ooff RRiiccee II nntteennss iiff iiccaatt iioonn ((SSRRII ))-: PROGRAMME S CHEDULE: -

(Hotel Kamla Palace, General Mahadeo Singh Road, Dehra Doon)

October 31, 2006


09.45 - 10.15 Introduction

10.15 - 10.30 Tea



12.00 - 01.00 Field visit of SRI plot in Niranjanpur (Dehra Doon)


01.30 - 02.30 Lunch


Appendix-IIA

EExx ppeerriiee nnccee SShhaarriinngg WWoorrkk ss hhoopp oonn SSyyss ttee mm ooff RRiiccee II nntteennss iiff iiccaatt iioonn ((SSRRII ))-: LIS T OF PARTIC IPANTS : -

(Training Hall, CORD Sidhbari, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh)

October 25, 2006

S . No. Name of Participant Designation 1. Ms. Rajani Devi Farmer 2. Shri Amar Singh Farmer 3. Shri Paras Ram Farmer 4. Ms. Kamla Devi Farmer 5. Ms. Vijay Kumari Farmer 6. Shri Harnam Singh Farmer 7. Shri Omkar Singh Kalotra Farmer 8. Shri Pratap Chand Bhandari Farmer 9. Ms. M ala Devi Farmer 10. Ms. Kaushalya Devi (Village Sidhbari) Farmer 11. Ms. Kaushalya Devi (Village Rajiyana) Farmer 12. Ms. Vimala Devi Farmer 13. Ms. Virkma Devi Farmer 14. Ms. Parbhati Devi Farmer 15. Ms. Jaitho Devi Farmer 16. Ms. Daihi Devi Farmer 17. Shri Charan Das Farmer 18. Shri Bhagwan Das Farmer 19. Shri Piyar Chand Farmer 20. Shri Dina Nath Farmer 21. Ms. Sudarshana Devi Farmer 22. Ms. Raj Kumari Farmer 23. Ms. Sunita Devi Farmer 24. Ms. Soma Devi Farmer 25. Ms. Tara Devi Farmer 26. Ms. Krishna Devi Farmer 27. Ms. Vidya Devi Farmer 28. Ms. Kanta Devi Farmer 29. Shri Parshotam Lal Farmer 30. Ms. Raj Devi Farmer 31. Shri Amar Singh Farmer 32. Shri Tilak Raj Farmer 33. Shri Dharam Chand Farmer


34. Shri Rabinder Kumar Farmer 35. Shri Omkar Singh Farmer 36. Shri Kamlesh Kumar & two persons

from farm sector Agricultural Experts

37. Ms. Sapna Nirankari VO Representative & three farmers (M ahila M andal)

38. Ms. Renu Bala VO Representative & eight farmers (M ahila M andal)

39. Ms. Seema Thakur VO Representative & six farmers (M ahila M andal)

40. Ms. Indu VO Representative & six farmers (M ahila M andal)

41. Shri Kapil Dev VO Representative & twelve farmers (Youth Team)

42. Shri Rajeev Bist & two persons from NRM team

Agricultural Experts

43. Ms. Urmila VO Representative & two farmers (PRI Team)

44. Ms. Veena VO Representative & fourteen farmers (CB Team)

45. Ms. M onika VO Representative & thirteen farmers (CB-Rural Team)

46. Ms. Jyoti VO Representative & two farmers (Legal Cell Team)

47. Ms. Rajani VO Representative & one farmer (Bal Vadi Team)

Note: Registrations of 5 farmers and 5 state government officials was not done


Appendix-IIB

EExx ppeerriiee nnccee SShhaarriinngg WWoorrkk ss hhoopp oonn SSyyss ttee mm ooff RRiiccee II nntteennss iiff iiccaatt iioonn ((SSRRII ))-: LIS T OF PARTIC IPANTS :-

(Meeting Hall, ERA, Khundian, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh)

October 26, 2006

S . No. Name of participant Designation 1. Shri Rikhi Ram Farmer 2. Shri M unsi Ram Farmer 3. Shri Rajender Kumar Farmer 4. Ms. Atma Devi Farmer 5. Ms. Bhasan Devi Farmer 6. Ms. Kanta Devi Farmer 7. Shri Sita Ram Farmer 8. Shri Satish Kumar VO Representative 9. Shri Chamru Ram Farmer 10. Shri Prakash Chand Farmer 11. Shri Ranjeet Rana Farmer 12. Shri Kuldeep Singh Farmer 13. Shri Puran Chand Farmer 14. Shri Chipu Ram Farmer 15. Shri Raghu Nath Farmer 16. Shri Pradeep Sharma Agricultural Expert 17. Ms. Bablesh Rana VO Representative 18. Shri Rajesh Kumar VO Representative 19. Ms. Santosh Kumari I VO Representative 20. Ms. Santosh Kumari II VO Representative


Appendix-IIC

EExx ppeerriiee nnccee SShhaarriinngg WWoorrkk ss hhoopp oonn SSyyss ttee mm ooff RRiiccee II nntteennss iiff iiccaatt iioonn ((SSRRII ))-: LIS T OF PARTIC IPANTS : -

(Hotel Kamla Palace, General Mahadeo Singh Road, Dehra Doon)

October 31, 2006

S . No. Name of Participant Designation 1. Shri D.S. Tomar Agricultural Expert 2. Shri P. Kishan Rao Farmer 3. Shri Himanand Semwal Agricultural Expert 4. Shri Rabindra Singh Rawat Agricultural Expert 5. Shri B.M . Madhwal Agricultural Expert 6. Shri Ashish Yadav Agricultural Expert 7. Shri K.P. Nautiyal Agricultural Expert 8. Shri Harsh M ehta Agricultural Expert 9. Shri Ramesh Chand Devli Agricultural Expert 10. Shri Amit Srivastava Agricultural Expert 11. Shri M .S. Yadav Government Official 12. Ms. Kiran Pant Agricultural Expert 13. Shri R.S. Verma Agricultural Expert 14. Shri D.C. Lakhera Agricultural Expert 15. Shri M ohd. Asad Khan VO Representative 16. Shri R.S. Rawat Agricultural Expert 17. Shri Jiyalal Chanchal Farmer 18. Shri D.P. Bahuguna Farmer 19. Shri Kartar Singh Farmer 20. Shri Charan Singh Farmer 21. Shri Rahul Gairola VO Representative 22. Shri Adesh Singh Agricultural Expert 23. Shri Sanjay Kumar Agricultural Expert 24. Anandita Tara Handoo VO Representative 25. Shri Ravi Chopra VO Representative 26. Shri Anil Rawat VO Representative 27. Ms. Shikha S. Shukla VO Representative 28. Ms. Supriyata Joshi VO Representative


Annexure- I

S RI (S ystem of Rice Intensification) - S hri S .P.Chaturvedi

In his presentation, Shri Chaturvedi said that SRI (System of Rice Intensification) is a new

and evolving alternative to conventional methods of rice cultivation. He said that in the SRI

method, it is important to understand that it is merely a set of changes in managing paddy plants,

soil, water and nutrients that can help increase the productivity . This change in the management of

plants, soil, water and nutrients 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

agro-ecological principles with good scientific foundations. SRI concepts and practices have also

been successfully adapted to upland rice.

He said SRI method 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.

Describing the entire SRI process, he said that paddy seedlings are transplanted very young

(eight to 12 days old compared to 21 days in the conventional method) with just two small leaves

carefully and quickly to have minimum trauma to the roots, singly, only one per hill instead of 3-4

together to avoid root competition. They are transplanted in un-puddled condition; the seedlings

are widely spaced in a square grid pattern, 25x25 cm or wider -- 30x30 cm or 40x40 cm, even up

to 50x50 cm with the best quality soil, in order to encourage greater root and canopy growth.

The fields are alternately kept wet and dry; they are not flooded until the panicle initiation

stage (1-3 cm of water in the f ield during the reproductive phase). The field is drained 25 days

before harvest and organic manure is used as much as possible. Compost gives even better results

than does fertilizer with SRI methods. Increased weeding is required, because r ice f ields are not

kept continuously flooded. M echanical weeding should start around 10 days after transplantation;

at least three weedings are necessary, more are recommended. It is supposed to provide better

growing conditions in the root zone, save inputs, improve soil health and optimise water use

efficiency. In fact, the system could have huge implications for water resource development in

India as it entails considerable water saving for water-intensive crops like r ice. 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 of 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 r ice-

growing methods.

He said the soil must be kept moist but well drained and aerated, with good structure and

enough organic matter to support increased biological activity . Only a minimum of water is

applied during the vegetative growth period, and then only a thin layer of water is maintained on

the field during the flowering and grain filling stage. Soil nutrient supplies should be augmented,

preferably with compost, made from any available biomass. Better quality compost such as with

manure can give additional yield advantages. He said that Panchagavya - Amruthajalam were

organic methods of pest management that can be applied in SRI paddy cultivation.

As weeds are a common problem in fields that are not kept flooded, weeding is necessary

at least once or twice, starting 10-12 days after transplanting, and preferably 3 or 4 times before

the canopy closes. Using a rotary hoe -- a simple, inexpensive, mechanical push-weeder has the

advantage of aerating the soil at the same time that weeds are eliminated. (They are left in the soil

to decompose so their nutrients are not lost.) He said these management practices result in

increased root growth and tillering, both visible and measurable effects. Additional weedings

beyond two increases yield more than enough under most conditions to justify the added labor

costs. There are a number of variations in the practices that can be considered and evaluated under

field conditions.

Comparing the SRI method with the conventional method, Shri Chaturvedi said that the

latter is dependent more on continuously flooded, hypoxic conditions, which causes a stunted root

growth and root degeneration. As most of the roots degenerate by the time of panicle initiation and

the start of the plant's grain production, it causes a negative correlation between the number of

tillers per plant and the number of grains per fertile tiller (panicle) observed with irrigated rice

when grown with standard practices. In SRI methods -- which keep the root zone aerated -- there

is a positive correlation between tillering and grain filling. This reversed relationship is what


makes possible the very large increase in yields, coupled with improvements in soil quality and

dynamics.

In SRI, there is a massive root growth in the rice plant than it is under conventional growth

conditions, when root growth is limited and about 75% of roots are in the top 6 cm of soil. The

rice plant genome has productive potential that has not been tapped because conventional

management practices -- flooded soil, close planting, mature seedlings -- have constrained root

growth and tillering, with resulting reduction in grain filling.

Little capital is needed since SRI does not require purchasing new seeds or agrochemical

inputs -- only a rotating hoe which makes weeding more eff icient and effective, as it contributes to

soil aeration as well as the removal of weeds. Some farmers may find SRI requiring enough

additional labor that they cannot cultivate their whole rice area with these methods. In such a

situation, these farmers would benefit more from cultivating as much of their rice area as they can

with SRI methods of plant, soil, water and nutrient management because their returns to labor --

their main resource for supporting their household -- will be greater. Any land and water not used

for rice could be used for producing other crops at other times when labor is not a constraint. This

is because rice is not a well-remunerative crop and farmers can produce other crops that are of

higher commercial value, to additionally contribute to their incomes. The productivity of land with

SRI can usually be increased by 50 to 100%. So although the labor inputs increase with SRI by 25

to 50%, with output being doubled the per-hour or per-day returns to labor go up by about 50%.

Further, when only about half as much water is used per season following SRI water management

methods, water productivity is increased by two to four times.

Shri Chaturvedi said improvements in SRI are continually being made, including better

implements and techniques, which farmers are encouraged to consider and further improve upon.

He said that if this method of production has help the farmers realize their dreams, they should, in

turn, share these ideas and practices with other farmers, so that families and communities

throughout the two states of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh can become more prosperous and

secure.


Annexure-II

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Garhwal Post 1 November 2006, Dehra

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