S. PUSHPALATHA, Chairperson, Ekoventure NGO, Puducherry IMPACT OF SRI IN COMBINATION WITH EFFECTIVE MICROORGANISM TECHNOLOGY

EFFECTIVE MICROORGANISM (E.M) TECHNOLOGY E.M was founded in the early 1980s by Dr. Teruo Higa, Horticultural Professor, Japan E.M is a group of co-existing microorganisms in a culture solution. They are: Naturally available Not genetically modified Environmentally friendly Display co-existence and co-prosperity Photosynthetic bacteria are considered as the pivot of E.M technology

E.M is a group of co-existing microorganisms in a culture solution. They are:

Naturally available

Not genetically modified

Environmentally friendly

Display co-existence and co-prosperity

Photosynthetic bacteria are considered as the pivot of E.M technology

E.M contains mainly: Lactic Acid Bacteria (Lactobacillus casei) Found in yogurt and pickles, they produce lactic acid from sugars and carbohydrates and suppress harmful micro-organisms and enhance decomposition of organic matter Photosynthetic Bacteria (Rhodopseudomonas palustris) Synthesize useful substances like amino acids, nucleic acids, etc. from organic matter and harmful gases(H 2 S) Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) Synthesize anti-microbial and other useful substances required for plant growth from amino acids and sugars produced by photosynthetic bacteria

Lactobacillus keeps away harmful microbes LACTIC ACID BACTERIA

Transforms harmful gases such as ammonia and hydrogen sulfide and converts them into odorless gases Offensive Smell Ammonia Hydrogen Odorless Gas Kitchen garbage, animal shed waste, sludge etc. PHOTOSYNTHETIC BACTERIA

The Bioactive Substances Such as Hormones and Enzymes produced by Yeasts Promote Active Cell and Root Division Yeast

E.M TECHNOLOGY IN SRI FIELDS 5 - 7 days 2-3 litres per acre per irrigation ACTIVATED E.M 1 litre EM 1 + 1 Kg Jaggery / Molasses + 20 litres of water 500 ml per acre foliar spray at panicle initiation

E.M Fermented Plant Extract (EM-FPE) to control pests E.M TECHNOLOGY IN SRI FIELDS 10. Euphorbia – Euphorbia tirucalli 2. Papaya – Carica papaya 3. Vitex – Vitex negundo 4. Pongam – Pongamia pinnata 7. Custard apple – Annona squamosa 6. Tulasi – Ocimum spp 5. Calotropis – Calotropis gigantea 8. Lantana – Lantana camara 9. Periwinkle – Vinca rosea 1. Neem – Azadirachta indica About 10-15 types of locally available leaves are soaked with Activated E.M for 7 days EM-FPE

INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT BIRD PERCH PHEROMONE TRAP TRICHOGRAMMA PARASITOID PREDATORS

PROBLEMS FACED 1. Agricultural labourers unwilling to transplant young seedlings 2. Psychological fear of farmers 3. Improper water management – no proper drainage facilities 4. Regular monitoring of field by the farmer is required

PROMOTION OF SRI THROUGH … FFS TRAINING EXPOSURE VISITS PUBLICITY

COST OF CULTIVATION

RESULTS OF SRI FIELDS DURING JAN’06 TO JUNE’07

IMPACT OF SRI IN ADJOINING VILLAGES …. 1. Seed rate reduced – to 5-10 Kg per acre 2. Adopt row planting –25 cm between rows 3. Use cono-weeder At present, to pluck seedlings for 1 acre, it costs Rs. 600 to Rs. 1000

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