2 nd Symposium on SRI

1. Preliminary evaluation of SRI in Fiji for enhancing rice production 2nd Symposium on SRI 3 – 5 October, 2007 Agartala Dr. S.V. Subbaiah Principal Scientist (Agronomy) & Head, Crop Production Directorate of Rice Research Rajendranagar, Hyderabad – 500 030

2. RICE IN FIJI In Fiji, now rice is a common food for all ethnic groups and the per capita consumption rose from 64 to 75 kg. Based on last 6 years of import data (2000- 2005), Fiji is importing about 33,720 tons of rice for consuimption on average, costing $F19.55m. Between 2005 and 2007, the government aimed to increase the rice production by 7,500 tonnes valued at $F3million by spending $F2.3 million through the Rice Revitalization Program. Paradoxically, the contribution of the agriculture sector to Fiji’s GDP has declined for the last several years, from 25% to 12% and the share of Rice to the GDP is very low. Also, the self-sufficiency ratio of rice declined from 65 to 20%. This situation shows that government should take immediate measures to strengthen the rice revitalization to make the country self- sufficient in rice.

3. Rice Scenario in Fiji

4. Weather Data (Average of 2001-05), Koronivia Research Station

7. Comparison of SRI with ICM and Local Recommended Practice (LRP)

8. Performance of Rice (Uttam) under SRI during Main Rice Growing Season at KRS

9. slides Experiences

10. Path-Breaking New Programmes to Transform Indian Agriculture National Food Security Mission RashtriyaKrishiVikasYojana Area T.P. Area T.P. Target 05-06 06-07 2012 Rice 43.66 91.79 43.7 91.05 102 Wheat 26.48 69.35 28.17 73.70 83 Pulse 22.39 13.39 23.76 14.11 16

11. Brain Storming Session onAICRIP : A Re-look,10 April 06 (Facts & Tasks) • Actual yields are almost at par to achievable yields in high productivity in irrigated ecology Technology for breaking yield ceiling has to be generated • Among the natural resources, water is becoming increasingly critical Water-saving technologies to be developed and tested on priority basis • Cost of cultivation has become prohibitive Alternative cost-efficient technologies need to be tested • Rainfed ecologies, particularly uplands and favourable shallow lowlands, are yet to witness a real yield breakthrough Varietal improvement needs greater thrust • Hybrid rice technology a field reality but Hybrids with higher magnitude of heterosis for irrigated areas and hybrids under long-duration group for rainfed ecologies are need of the hour • Genetic base of the HYVs/hybrids is quite narrow Proper assessment and corrective measures urgently needed

12. AICRIP TRIALS ON SRI AT GLANCE (2004 – 06)

13. AICRIP RESULTS (04-05) Multi-location trials conducted during 2004 and 2005 on System of Rice Intensification (SRI) method, evaluated in comparison with normal transplanting (NT) and Integrated Crop Management (ICM) methods. Grain yield recorded under SRI was significantly higher under SRI compared to NT at 53% of the locations, while it was similar to ICM at 33% of locations. Higher grain yield under SRI was recorded in diverse soil types, with wide range of soil pH (6-8) under different regions which could be associated with increased number of panicles per unit area, biomass and panicle weight. However, the cultivars used had significant inter-action with method of cultivation at 28% of the locations. Rice hybrids responded better than varieties. Normal transplanting with wider spacing nor SRI method with older seedlings did not enhance grain yield significantly. It is also observed that SRI could be adopted successfully even under late transplanting conditions. Conclusion SRI appears to be more promising in terms of grain yield although gains observed were genotype- and location-specific. Further studies are required to confirm these results.

14. AICRIP RESULTS (05-06) • Results of 27 multi location trials show significant variations among SRI, ICM & CRC • In Southern Zone, SRI & ICM performed better (1-23%) over CRC at CBC, ADT, RNR & MND • In Western Zone, SRI & ICM recorded (4-7%) higher yield over CRC. • In Northern Zone, CRC was found better than SRI & ICM methods. • In Eastern Zone (PTNA, TBR, KNP, RAN), SRI & ICM were superior to CRC. • In Hill Zone, only at Khudwani, Umiam and Arudhatinagar SRI was found superior. Conclusion It is confirmed that SRI methodology is location- and genotype-specific under same date of sowing and planting.

15. Frontline Demonstrations 2005 Target = 3000 FLDs in 14 states Achievement = 2883 (96.1%)

16. Types of Rice Cultivation • Japanese rice cultivation • V-shaped rice cultivation • Taiwan rice cultivation • SRI cultivation • Integrated Crop Management Emphasis on water management

17. Work Plan/ Strategies • Genetic enhancement of food crops • Improvement for tolerance • Improve levels of nutrition (Vitamin A, Zn and Fe) • Fertilizer strategies for farmers & organic farming • Digital extension service to farmers (ADT) • Studies on global warming and evaluation of crops under open air (elevated CO2 levels) • Modern POPs and GAP for quality & safety • At all levels, invoke dormant propensity to serve farmers and poverty-stricken people with new technologies

18. Conclusions • “Agriculture technology and innovations by scientists outstripped the Malthusian population growth theory in India.” Convincing finding -- that holds good for Fiji too. • Delineate or identify areas & genotypes that are good for SRI in India. • Encourage SRI in small holdings with priority for medium/long duration varieties/hybrids.

19. Thank you