In the recent SRI Forum facilitated by the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF), stakeholders urged the government to promote SRI adoption. As conventional rice production practices become increasingly unprofitable, many farmers are turning to SRI.
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Dept. of Agriculture undersecretary for rice industry development Leocadio Sebastian said that while the country has been left behind by other countries in terms of reaping the benefits of the modern system of rice growing, SRI has a big future in the Philippines. The government is committing to SRI a budget of P250 million, which has been approved by the House of Representatives for its implementation; a bigger budget would be allocated for SRI in the future.
Via SRI-Rice
Rice farming is a crucial component of agriculture in the Philippines, given that rice is a staple food for the majority of the population. It plays a vital role in the agricultural landscape, supporting the livelihoods of millions of farmers and contributing significantly to the nation's food security.
The System of Rice Intensification (SRI) is an innovative and sustainable rice cultivation methodology that originated in Madagascar in the 1980s. It focuses on improving rice yields while using fewer resources, promoting environmental sustainability, and increasing the resilience of rice crops. SRI has gained recognition and adoption in various rice-growing regions around the world, including the Philippines.
The adoption of the System of Rice Intensification in the Philippines and other countries reflects a shift towards more sustainable and resource-efficient agricultural practices. Farmers, agricultural researchers, and policymakers continue to explore and refine the implementation of SRI to enhance its impact on rice production and sustainability.