Presented by: Norman Uphoff, Cornell University Presented at: IRC Pre-Congress SRI Day Presented on: November 8, 2010

1. Overview of SRI
(System of Rice Intensification)
SRI Day: Pre-Congress Event,
Nov. 8, 2010
Norman Uphoff, Cornell University

2. SRI is many things
• SRI is an agricultural phenomenon –
with biological, material relationships
• SRI is a set of practices – which are
diversifying as experience accumulates,
based on certain agronomic principles
• Rainfed SRI – not just for irrigated rice
• Direct-seeded SRI – no transplanting
• Zero-tillage SRI – conservation agriculture
• Large-scale SRI – mechanization is starting
• Organic SRI – using indigenous varieties?
• SCI – applications to wheat, sugarcane, etc.
• So there are many SRIs – still evolving!

3. SRI is many things
• SRI is a paradigm – way of thinking,
guide to action, agroecological view
 emphasizing roots and soil biota
• SRI is a movement – a social network
bound together by ideas, ideals and
friendship (powerful, non-material things)
• SRI integrates both the biophysical and
socio-cultural elements of production
• SRI will continue to diversify and change
– but that is a very good thing

4. SRI is an unprecedented kind of
agricultural innovation
• Farmers can produce ‘more from less’
• This has not been possible before
• Impetus for SRI comes ‘from below’
•SRI is a civil society innovation, with
‘technology’ preceding ‘science’
•The roles of farmers are central to the
success and evolution of SRI
•Spread of SRI depends more on ideas than
on material inputs – accessible to the poor
•Constraints to adoption are thus mostly
mental and institutional – these can change

5. SRI Network is diversified
• Leading and supporting roles vary widely:
• NGOs (Cambodia, Philippines, Myanmar, Mali)
• Government agencies (Nepal, Vietnam, Tripura)
• Universities (Tamil Nadu, Japan, Indonesia)
• Research institutions (China, Gambia, Iraq, Iran)
• Private sector (Indonesia, Pakistan, Costa Rica)
• Foundations (India)
• Individuals, farmers (Cuba, Bangladesh, Panama)
•National SRI initiatives are broad alliances
of like-minded institutions and individuals,
hoping to raise rice productivity, and also to
improve agriculture for the 21st century

6. Current issues to be assessed
• Water management – further reductions?
• Mechanization – labor-saving methods
• Pest and disease resistance – what limits?
trophobiosis? how to deal with vertebrates?
• Soil biota – functioning; enhancement?
• Crop cycle – when shortened, why? how much?
• Grain quality – milling outturn; better taste?
• Nutritional value - enhanced in SRI grains?
• Resistance to abiotic stresses – effects of
climate changes? drought, storms, etc.

7. Other issues to be assessed
• Varietal responses – principles; identify
best varieties; better breeding strategies?
• Alternative crop establishment methods
– direct seeding, broadcasting and thinning,
mechanical TP, etc. -- how to compare?
• Rainfed SRI – what adaptations are made?
• Conservation agriculture with SRI – use
of zero tillage, raised beds, mulch, etc.
• Farming systems with SRI - potatoes,
mushrooms, SWRI (wheat-rice), etc.

8. Other issues to be assessed
• Active soil aeration – effects, methods;
effects of root pruning? economic benefit?
• Organic fertilization – can optimize with
inorganic fertilizers? what effects on biota?
• Biomass production and processing – how
to make organic soil management easier?
• Spacing effects on photosynthesis
• Transplanting shock – how to minimize?
• SRI effects on greenhouse gas emission
– measurements, possible reductions?

9. Still more issues to be assessed
• Gender effects – changes in rice farming,
control over resources, women’s labor
demand
• Access for the poor – evidence of any
exclusion? ways to enhance access of poor?
positive or negative employment effects?
• Income effects of SRI – changes in
household economic well-being and security?
• Sustainability of SRI – long-term effects
on soil fertility and crop production

10. SRI International Network
• Strength collaboration [= working together]
at national, regional, local and international
levels  strengthen ational networks? more
websites? list-serves? meetings? visits?
• Funding needs – what are activities and
investments that can attract donor support?
• Generation of new knowledge - research
agenda; group projects; attract students?
• Sharing of experience and knowledge –
electronic means, conferences, cross-visits