SRI Global News: February - April 2024 **sririce -- System of Rice Intensification

In this Earth Links, Inc. “Featured Equipment” post we have included two designs and supporting research for the production of a weeding tool which can be made for less than $10 USD. Smallholder rice farmers require efficient, affordable and labor-saving weed management technologies, the ring/stirrup hoe has shown to fit this profile. The Ring Hoe was found to be the most borrowed weeding tool in a Sub-Saharan Africa study, and is one of the most preferred weeders among men and women farmers because it is lightweight and affordable.

Intensifying the irrigated rice production while at the same time reducing farm inputs including seeds, fertilizer, and water.

The Organic-based system of rice intensification modifies the usual rice farming system in terms of seedling condition, planting distance, irrigation time and water requirement, and with the incorporation of organic fertilization scheme. Furthermore, integration of rice duck is carried out. This makes the farming system reduce its farm inputs leading to a lower production cost. With the utilization of organic fertilizers and natural concoctions, soil fertility and soil structure is improved. It was also observed that rice grown under SRI can tolerate strong winds. This type of rice production management is currently part of the Caritas Foundation’s project, a non-government organization, called Sustainable Learning Agricultural Farm which promotes diversified-integrated organic farming systems. With this, other practices (i.e. rice-duck farming) are being integrated in some SRI areas. Integration of ducks helps in the weeding since it eats weeds as well as harmful insects. In addition, its droplets/manure served as organic fertilizer in the rice field.