System of Rice Intensification (SRI):

MARKER, THE FIRST CRITICAL INPUT IN SRI: EXPERIENCE OF SVA

Marker is the first critical input in rice cultivation in SRI method. SVA started with a low cost marker manufactured with locally available materials when it started SRI in Narla block of Kalahandi district in Kharif 2007.

Six row roller marker used for SRI at Kanakpur, Kalahandi

In Rabi 2009, SVA is working with department of Agriculture, Govt of Orissa in two districts Kalahandi and Nuapada. Two villages Kanakpur in Kalahandi and Pendraban in Nuapada with 50 farmers each have been taken for SRI. Experience shows that the eight row marker supplied by the government department is not working well as it is not possible to transplant the seedling without entering into the bed. Thus the markers are being redesigned in to six row promoted by SVA.

Another model of low cost marker made of Bamboo stick is being tried for SRI. How ever this marker was not found to be very convenient (Village: Kanakpur, Dist- Kalahandi)

WEEDER, THE KEY IMPLEMENT FOR SRI: EXPERIENCE OF SVA

Since SRI involves paddy cultivation in just 100% saturation condition of soil, there will be profuse growth of weed. Weeding at every 10 days interval from the date of transplanting is essential to control the weeds and aerate the soil so that there will be more vigorous growth of both the root and shoot of rice plant. There are two types of weeders mainly used in Orissa condition: Cono weeder and Mandua weeder.

Experience of SVA shows that Mandua weeder is more advantageous than cono weeder due to (a) light weight, (b) small sizes, (c) less no of flexible parts, (d) less technical know how, (e) easy maneuverability. Recent experience in SRI village programme in Kalahandi and Nuapad a district shows that the farmers are preferring mandua weeder than cono weeder for weeding operation. SVA had to provide mandua weeder inspite of supply of cono weeder already supplied by the agriculture department. The mandua weeder can be operated by women with ease and works well for all types of soils.

Mandua weeder operated by a woman in Kanakpur, Kalahandi