1. JAIBA JIBIKA
Orissa State Level Symposium
On
System of Rice Intensification (SRI)
Organised by
Centre for World Solidarity
with support from
Sir Dorabji Tata Trust, Mumbai
and in collaboration with
GoO, TROCAIRE, SVA, RDI, XIMB
20th – 21st March, 2010
1

2. Table of Contents
Executive Summary
Acronyms
Day 1: Inaugural Session
Interactive Session
Day 2: Interactive Session
Valedictory Session
Way Forward
2

3. ACRONYM
ATMA - Agriculture Technology Management Agency
CRRI - Central Rice Research Institute, Cuttack
CWS - Center for World Solidarity, Secunderabad
FFS - Farmers Field School
NGO - Non Government Organisation
NFSP- National Food Security Programme
OUAT - Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology
PRADAN- Professional Assistance for Development Action
RKVY- Rastriya Krishi Vikash Yojana
SDTT- Sir Dorabji Tata Trust
SRI - System of Rice Intensification
SVA - Sahabhagi Vikas Abhiyan
XIMB - Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar
3

4. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Orissa State Level Symposium on System of Rice Intensification (SRI) was organised by
Centre for World Solidarity (CWS) Bhubaneswar from 20th to 21st March, 2010. The objective
of the workshop was to bring the farmers and scientists, practitioners and policy makers from
various disciplines on a single platform to facilitate sharing of experiences and enhance their
understanding, which would foster synergy in their work and the farmers, mostly small and
marginal would be benefited out of this. The sessions in the workshop included sharing of
experiences by farmers and experts, the challenges and reforms in Agriculture sector.
A brief overview of the two-day programme
The two-day workshop was divided into four sessions.
Day 1
Session 1 – The session was formally inaugurated by Hon’ble guests and chaired by Sri
Jagdish Pradhan, SVA. This session included introductory speeches by various distinguished
guests namely Dr. Damodar Rout- Honourable Minister, Dept. of Agriculture and Cooperation,
Shri Jagadananda- State Information Commissioner, Dr. Babaji Giri-Addl. Director, Dept of
agriculture, GoO, Prof. Radhamohan- Environmentalist, Dr. V. Rukmini Rao- Managing
Trustee, CWS, Mr. Tushar Kanti Das, SDTT Secretariat, Smt. Gitanjali Jena- Trocaire, Prof.
Shambu Prasad, XIMB, Bhubaneswar, Mr. Ambika Prasad Nanda- State Representative-
UNDP, Odisha, Shri Sibabrata Chowdhury, RDI, Mrs. Rekha Panigrahi- CWS and
inauguration of exhibition stalls organised by various NGOs. This was followed by introducing
some successful SRI farmers who shared their experience regarding SRI cultivation and also
the problem they were facing in implementing this method.
Session 2 – Session 2 was the continuation of session – 1 as different speakers gave a
comprehensive overview, their perspective and experience in developing/implementing SRI in
their concerned states. Group interaction was followed by a question-answer session in which
the participants asked questions to the guests. The purpose of this task was to know all the
problems the farmers were facing during cultivation and also to clarify their doubts/confusion
with objectivity and sensitivity. Dr. S. K. Pattanaik- Director, Seed Certification, Odisha, Mr.
Tomar- PSI were present during the session. It was followed by screening of a film on SRI and
cultural programme by various cultural groups from different districts.
Day 2
Session 1 – Recap of previous day’s session. This was followed by interactive session where
different speakers and farmers from various districts presented a comprehensive overview and
their perspective and experience in implementing SRI.
Session 2 – Felicitation of successful farmers, NGOs who took active part in implementing
SRI.
4

5. BACKGROUND
Orissa primarily has an agrarian economy. Agriculture is the state's dominant sector with a
contribution of nearly 26 per cent
(2007-2008) to the Gross State
Domestic Product (GSDP)1. Total
food grain production was 9.2
Metric Tonnes (MT) in 2007-082 in
the state was in fairly comfortable
place but ironically the food
security has been of grave concern
and the state has been reckoned as
severely food insecure region in
the country. This has been
attributed by limited access of
vulnerable rural population to
productive resources and further, agriculture being highly susceptible to natural disasters.
Among various crops grown in the state, rice is the major crop and status of rural economy
largely revolves around rice
production. Rice occupies about 78 SRI (System of Rice Intensification) is an alternative
system of rice cultivation developed in Madagascar in
percent of the kharif cropped area and
early 80s by Father Henri de Laulani, S.J. This system
accounts for over 91 percent of kharif
offers many advantages and gives substantial increase in
food grain production in the State3. yield. SRI is based on principles like early
During 2008-09 rice was cultivated in transplanting, transplanting single seedlings, wider
a total area of 34 lakh hectares, which spacing, weed management, less water requirement and
constituted a whopping 76.9% of the use of organic manure. Here, the cost of cultivation is
total area under cultivation. It is minimized to a great extent as requirement of seeds is
nonetheless to say that rice continues very low.
to be the principal crop of the state
with strong links to food and nutritional security. In this context promotion of a cropping
system such as System of Rice Intensification (SRI) which assures higher production from the
same patch of land with less investment is highly crucial.
5

6. For small and marginal farmers whose land mostly is dependant on rainfall and monsoon
relevance of a technology like SRI which entails growing rice with less water is highly
significant.
Promotion of SRI in Orissa: CWS Initiatives
CWS strategically took up the challenge of scaling-up SRI since the year 2005 in collaboration
with its partners working for livelihood enhancement of farming community through organic
farming. Efforts of CWS in promoting SRI in the state can be summarised as follows:
Important Milestones
• An orientation session conducted for creating awareness among the partners about SRI-
2005
• A comprehensive training-cum-demonstration programme organised for the partners- 2006
• Organised a collaborative workshop on ‘Orissa State Dialogue in SRI’- 2007
• CWS initiated a project ‘Upscaling SRI in Orissa’ in a consortium approach in 6 districts
of the state in collaboration with 23 partner organisations with support from Sir Dorabji
Tata Trust (SDTT), Mumbai- 2008
• The same project was extended to another 6 districts with support from SDTT- 2009
As a result of field level interventions during Kharif 2009, CWS partners have been able to up-
scale SRI among 3881 farmers practicing SRI in 2038 acres of land in 395 villages of 12
districts of the state.
Rationale for SRI Symposium (Pl. refer annexure for agenda of the Symposium)
In a scenario where large number of farmers
had adopted SRI in almost all the districts in the
state it was time to bring together all the actors
for exchange of dialogue and sharing amongst
each other in the form a State Level Symposium
on SRI and preparing future course of action for
further popularising and strengthening this
system of farming practice. Below are the
objectives of the State level Symposium:
• To bring synergy amongst farmers
especially small and marginal practicing SRI for mutual benefit through cross learning
• To accelerate the process of adoption of SRI technology and increase the coverage of
SRI
• To learn and replicate through sharing of best practices in SRI cultivation
• To create a platform for famrers to share their success and failures in practicing SRI
that would help in clarifying doubts and enhance SRI up scaling.
6

7. The Symposium was organised on 20 – 21, March 2010 at Adivashi Ground, Unit – 1,
Bhubaneswar.
DAY – 1
INAUGURAL SESSION
The workshop started with the lighting up of the
lamp by all the delegates and the inauguration of an
exhibition stalls showcasing various communication
materials related to SRI, different kind of Bio
fertilisers, different kind of manure used in SRI and
the process of its preparation, organic food products
and seeds collected from various sources, NGOs
like SACAL, ADARSA, Pragati, Basundhara etc.
Dr. Damodar Rout- Honourable Minister, Dept. of
Agriculture and Cooperation inaugurated the
exhibition. The inaugural function was covered by
media persons from both print and electronic media.
Welcome Address
This was followed by a welcome note and a brief introduction on the objectives of the
workshop. Smt. Rekha Panigrahi, the workshop facilitator welcomed all the participants and
guests from various destinations to participate in the workshop. She spoke about how SRI had
evolved as an innovative method in improving production and how the integrated approach
would promote mass operationalisation of SRI method and enhance the capacity of the existing
method.
7

8. SESSION - 1
Session - 1 was chaired by Shri Jagdish Pradhan,
Secretary, Sahavagi Vikash Abhijan (SVA). He
started the session by congratulating CWS for
organising the workshop and the exhibition. He
then requested the dignitaries of the session to
express and share their vision and expectations on
SRI.
Shri Damodar Rout- Honourable Minister, Dept.
of Agriculture and Cooperation
Shri Damodar Rout applauded the initiative of large
number of small and marginal farmers for adopting
SRI. Addressing all, he said that primarily agriculture
was a not a business but a means of livelihood. It was as
primitive as our culture. To bring more contextual
relevance he cited the famous quote of Mahatma
Gandhi- “India lives in its villages and agriculture is
the backbone of villages”. Out of total farmers, 82%
farmers were small framers or marginal farmers who
occupied 40% cultivation land. So if they did not
produce more, life for them would be terrible. Bettering
the plight of such farmers called for a modern
mechanism. SRI was one of the most viable options amongst many of the modern methods. He
opined that cultivation through SRI would play a vital role in increasing production and
improving the livelihoods of small and marginal farmers throughout the state. SRI meant less
water, less labour and high yielding and was proved successful in reducing labour cost and
water use.
He viewed that the use of organic fertilisers as these were eco-friendly, cost effective and could
be produced at home should be promoted. There were very less number of paper mills in
Orissa and hence the paper sludge to use as manure was never adequate. Similarly, increase in
the family size resulted in fragmentation of land, making the land size too small for use of
tractor. In such a situation traditional equipments of ploughing had more relevance. He
suggested to make the best use of resources available in the locality. With a changing cropping
pattern like growing paddy, pulses, vegetables on the same land in a cyclical manner the
fertility of the soil could be preserved and increased as well.
SRI was only used paddy cultivation where as it could be equally benefiting for growing other
crops. Farmers who were adopting SRI could be able to harvest more, but the absence of a
proper channel for selling paddy compelled them to approach middlemen and sell the paddy at
lower price. Despite the support price was fixed at Rs. 1000, farmers suffered and middlemen
flourished. Farmers should focus on various types of pulses, vegetables except paddy; it would
8

9. help them to get various kind of food for their family which they used to buy and even could
not buy with financial constraints.
He also outlined the necessity of developing area specific comprehensive methods that would
pave the way for improving various issues such as determinants of cultivation (Lack of
labourers, irrigation problems and Market (Selling products and buying seed etc.). He also
emphasised on having an Integrated Approach of both Government and NGOs in all the
Programmes and Projects being run by various Government Departments.
The State Government was trying to include the SRI in different flagship welfare programme
such as National Food Security Mission to intensify this particular cultivation practice further.
Emphasising on farmer’s awareness he said that “until the real beneficiary hasn’t asked for his
required service, whatever schemes and services are provided by Government will be not
successful. There should be role clarity and rule clarity”. He said that unfortunately that kind of
clarity had not developed, people were not conscious. He also added that the people who
assembled there would act as ambassadors and spread their knowledge and experience among
others. He concluded appealing all to cooperate in implementing SRI for its wider outreach
with a remark “Let us join hands to make agriculture a profitable business”.
Shri Jagadananda- State Information Commissioner
Next Speaker, Mr. Jagadananda explained how formation of a well organised Farmer’s
organisation and farmer’s consciousness on their rights would help to curb problems.
Encouraging the synergy of efforts, he said that
“We know that we have problems. But how to
deal with that problem is the main challenge
now”. His talk stressed on the role of RTI in
solving the problems. Citing an example, he said,
a number of farmers from Western Orissa were
inquiring about farmer card no, amount of selling
product, support price, cheque numbers, visit
details of BEOs etc through RTI which was an
achievement in itself. Farmers should take
advantage of RTI. He said “If people start asking,
it will make system more accountable and responsible. It should be practised by all”. He
advised that there was a growing need of unity amongst farmers at grassroots level in the
villages, formation of Farmer’s organisation might be a way forward. Emphasising on labour
issues, he laid stress on the need to link NREGS with agriculture and cultivation. Instead of
focussing on road construction and constructing dams etc cultivation could well be included in
NREGS programme. The involvement of NGOs, volunteers and social workers coupled with
farmers’ demand would accelerate this process. He also suggested ensuring that the exhibition
stalls were visited by high officials and ministers of various departments.
9

10. Dr. Babaji Giri, Addl. Director- Agriculture Department
Dr. Babaji Giri, Addl. Director- Agriculture Department GoO, pointed out that agriculture has
always been a potent means of livelihood. Around 80% people of Orissa depended on
agriculture in average 1.2 hectare. Shedding light on the key issues identified, he said that
scarcity of labourers, irrigation problems, inadequate cultivation land due to fragmentation
process, opening of factory, lack of self interest, weak linkages in programmes and varying
degrees of motivation, lack of proper distribution of fertilisers etc were the bottlenecks in
implementing SRI.
The State Government along with various
NGOs and volunteers was trying to address the
above mentioned problems. The need was to
identify, standardise and take corrective,
location specific measures. While praising the
efforts of NGOs, he presented a picture of
Government’s effort in promoting SRI.
SRI method was started in the year of 2007 in
27 districts covering 2000 hectares. In the year
2008-09, it was implemented in 30 districts and
in 2009-10, it was started in 314 blocks. Under
Rastriya Krishi Vikash Yojana (RKVY). So far, 30 SRI villages in 30 districts and 178 Krishak
Khetra Vidyalaya (Farmer Field School) in 136 acre had been formed. Agriculture
Technology Management Agency (ATMA), implemented it in around 19 acres (18, 195) of
land and built 151 Krishak Khetra Vidyalaya, National Food Security Mission ( NFSM),
implemented in 158 acres and built 652 Krishak Khetra Vidyalaya in 30 districts. Orissa’s
success in implementing SRI had motivated other states. Himachal Pradesh decided to
implement SRI. In Orissa, in the year 2010- 11, SRI would be implemented in 6234 Gram
Panchayat under Rastriya Krishi Vikash Yojana. Under this scheme, in every GP, it would be
implemented in 10 acres of land. Government was also providing subsidy on chemical
fertilisers, Power tiller, Tractor, Marker etc. To solve irrigation problem, 50% redemption in
Jala Sudha Scheme was also made.
Emphasizing on the disadvantage of chemical fertilisers, he said that people believed that
chemical fertiliser would increase production, but they were not aware that it was poisonous
and would also decrease the fertility of the soil in long term. Worms which helped in fertilising
the land, died because of pesticides. In order to ensure immediate and magical increase in
cultivation, chemical fertiliser was used redundantly and as a result the air, water and
atmosphere got polluted. It also increased temperature and had adverse effect on climate; rain
did not happen on time. In a condition like this, organic fertilisers would be promoted with a
focus on maximising produce from the land. He also laid emphasis on the formation of
Farmers’ Organisation at every level like Gram Krishak Manch, Krushak sathi etc.
10

11. Shri Ambika Prasad Nanda- State Representative, UNDP, Orissa,
Shri Ambika Prasad Nanda appreciated the role of
NGOs in implementing SRI and its achievement in
Orissa and proposed to share his learning from his
experiences. He stressed on to set a vision for
tomorrow through present activities. Expressing his
concerns he said that in Orissa, small and marginal
farmers were going through an agrarian crisis. They
were demotivated for production. Formation of
Farmers’ Organisation was the need of the hour.
Sharing his experience, he said that like Punjab and
Karnataka Farmers’ unions should be formed and strengthened in Orissa.
Prof. Radhamohan- Environmentalist
A leading environmentalist of Orissa, Professor
Radhamohan started his talk with how SRI was started
with 50 to 60 farmers with Sambhav and now reached at
5000 farmers. Citing an example of wooden cage and
iron cage he said that, hybrid and genetically modified
fertilisers were like iron cage which would kill farmers.
Even if the Government was providing subsidy for
chemical fertiliser, the farmers should use organic
fertilisers which was eco-friendly and would protect
farmers from unreasonable expenses relating to buying chemical fertiliser.
Prof. Shambu Prasad- XIMB
In his talk, Prof. Shambu Prasad, XIMB pointed out
that Orissa has a distinct and distinguished place
among 10 states adopting SRI involving 65686
farmers. The Government of Dubai appreciated SRI
and also suggested for linking NABARD with SRI.
NGOs, Agriculture Department and SRI learning
Alliance made SRI favourable among farmers. He
appreciated the role of PRADAN in northern Orissa
and SVA in Western Orissa for their initiative and
intervention in implementing SRI. Citing an example
of Punjab, he said that use of pesticide was considered so harmful that it was considered as
Cancer Express. He also highlighted that Orissa had become an example of best practice in
implementing SRI. He enthused “We have to take this forward with SRI learning alliance”. He
concluded by reading out the messages sent by Prof Norman Uphoff- SRI expert.
11

12. Dr. V. Rukmini Rao- Trustee of CWS
Taking the interactive session forward, Shrimati Rukmini Rao, Trustee of CWS stated that
population had increased, and to cope with, the production had also grown in volume because
of SRI. She said that she was very hopeful about the success of SRI as women played a
leading role in adopting SRI method.
Identifying various problems, she mentioned that farmers were facing lot of difficulties during
cultivation like:
• Scarcity of water as more water was used for industry,
not for agriculture
• Lack of rain due to change of climate
• Lack of Weeder
• Shortage of labourer.
She suggested farmers to find out ways on their own to solve
these, rather than depending on others. She also mentioned some possible ways like linking
NREGS programme with agriculture to meet shortage of labourer, motivating farmers for
more training or interactive session. She concluded appealing the farmers present to move to
other villages and train others (it could be farmer to farmer learning).This expense could be
met from NREGS fund.
Smt. Gitanjali - Trocaire
Ms. Gitanjali stated that in Orissa, 75% people depended on
agriculture of which 84% were women. Where food security
emerged as a question, SRI appeared as an obvious answer.
Avoidance of chemical fertiliser and hybrid seed was the need of
the hour. Lastly, she expressed her confidence and said that SRI
would definitely get momentum as a large number of women were
involved with this programme.
Shri Jagdish Pradhan- Secretary, SVA
Summarising the session, Shri Jagdish Pradhan viewed that this workshop was a unique
opportunity for farmers to interact with experts and share their experience and learn more in
addressing their problems. He also recapitulated the main points discussed by the dignitaries
and hoped this workshop will catalyse SRI Movement.
12

13. Points Discussed
1. NREGS should be linked with Agriculture. So that apart from road and building
construction, people can be engaged in cultivation too
2. There should be some kind of innovation in subsidy and support price which would be
more farmer friendly
3. There is an urgent need to form Farmer’s organisation.
Shri Trinath Biswal, Farmer, Badakhandi, Hinjalikatu block, Ganjam
Trinath Biswal, one of the pioneer farmers from Ganjam district described how he took up SRI
cultivation going offbeat of the conventional rice cultivation, and without using chemical
fertilizers got 40 quintals of rice in SRI than the. He was experimenting with SRI in Orissa
since the last two years. He was an ardent supporter of SRI and had become a trainer for the
past 3-4 years sharing his hands-on experience. He also experimented with various practices of
organic farming. During the discussion he shared an interesting observation about Navadanya
seeds for green manuring. He claimed that use of these seeds as green manure contributed to
productivity significantly. This also prohibited disease threats in SRI.
Smt. Purnima Rout - Farmer, Koraput
Smt. Purnima Rout, a successful practitioner of SRI shared her experience on how she started
cultivating through SRI. “I did not have any means to earn livelihood. Last year on one acre of
land I started SRI cultivation; it yielded me 20 bags of paddy. When I started, my father was
very upset but now my family supports me. This year I and my family are planning to go for
SRI on more lands in expectation of good return.”
SESSION 2
Shri S. Pattaink- Director, Seed Certification
Mr. S. Pattaink, Director, Seed Certification carried forward the workshop and shared his
experience. Speaking on the misconception on rice cultivation he said that there was a general
notion that the productivity was less as chemical fertiliser was not used. Defying the
13

14. misconception regarding SRI, he mentioned that we could get better yield without using
chemical fertilisers and modern equipments.
He informed that SRI was not a conventional method nor invented by scientists. In SRI,
farmers could use their best practices to improve this method. Only few hectare demonstrations
would not serve the purpose and process, rather it should be mass revolution. He also added
that, in SRI one could get more yields from less seed. For one acre of land 4/5 kgs of seed were
required. SRI should not be adopted merely as a method rather, it should be an improvised
system in which more and more good practices could be added. Since technology could not be
applied everywhere all the time, it needed improvisation and adaptation to the local needs. So
farmers were to decide that how to yield more. Instead of confining SRI to a mere technology
we should add more good practices to improve it.
Shri Shiv Kumar Tomar- PSI
Sharing his past experience, Mr. Tomar stated that he was associated with SRI method from
2006. He said “Now 14,000 farmers are associated with SRI in 600 hectares of land and get 60-
70% success in production. SRI should come up as a revolution”. He suggested all to learn
from the bad impact of Green Revolution on farmers. In that all requisites like seeds, fertilisers
etc. were available only in the market, as a result farmers suffered. In SRI this shouldn’t be
repeated. He advised “We should learn from scientists but should not be completely dependent
on them”. He informed that SRI was applicable for all kinds of crops, not only for paddy. PSI
applied SRI for wheat, Dal and vegetables in Uttaranchal and Himachal Pradesh. So in Orissa
also it could be fruitful. Hybrid seed could never give much success in terms of production.
Cow dung as organic manure should be promoted. Chemical fertilisers, pesticides and use of
tractor had disadvantage also. But Government was providing subsidy for fertilisers and
tractor. If government adopted SRI and provided subsidy, it would help farmers in practicing
SRI. Instead of depending on scientist completely, farmers should make their own research and
add their inputs in SRI method so that SRI could be practiced in every type of cultivation. In
SRI, farmers shouldn’t depend on market for seed and fertiliser. Farmers should make their
own research and invent new practices than completely depending on scientists.
Shri Nagaratnam Naidu, Leading farmer, Andhra Pradesh
Mr. Nagaratnam Naidu, a renowned SRI Farmer of Andhra
Pradesh responded to the various queries of other farmers and
also shared his experience. Sharing his experience, he told that
he was practicing SRI from 1999. Out of 11 acres land, 5 acres
land was used for SRI method. He was involved in pisciculture,
floriculture, horticulture etc. After sharing his experience, he
invited questions from farmers. Despite language barrier, he
managed to answer the queries.
Q- When I use weeder, it works well for three times. But when I use it for the 4th time, there is
high chance of lodging. Why did it happen?
14

15. A – It happened if the yield is very good or because of late weeding. The first weeding has to
start before the transplantation, followed by second and third weeding at an interval of 10 – 12
days each. The purpose of the first weeding is to let the soil mix up well and be ready for
transplantation and also to ensure that not even a baby weed is present while seedlings are
transferred.
Q- I am using organic fertiliser but crops are lodging. So what will I do?
If you are using organic fertilisers, then it won’t happen. If we use chemical fertiliser for a long
period and suddenly start using organic fertilisers then it happens. So we can gradually
decrease the amount of chemical fertiliser to avoid such situation. If the land is not fertile or
water management problem also leads to such situation. So we can use ash to supplement lack
of Potassium. We can use compost, pot manure, vermicompost as it will help higher yield
without any harm to crops.
Q- What do we do to avoid Stem borer and Leda?
A – We can make a mix of cow dung, Neem leaves, papaya leaves, and Shikakayi leaves and
boil it. Then apply it in field. It will arrest such pests. In SRI method, generally farmers don’t
have these complains of pest or disease.
Smt. Kuntala Hati, Hinjiligadia village, Nayagarh
Kuntala Hati originally belongs to Hinjiligadia
village, Nayagarh. She got exposed to SRI in the
year 2008 by Keshrapur Jiban Parishad. In the first
year she got a bumper crop of 47 quintal per acre.
Since then she never looked back and has been
increasing his land under SRI. She also applied
neem oil and cake to protect his field from disease
and pest attack.
She is an ardent lover of SRI. In appreciation of the
success of SRI and at the same time lamenting on the unchanged fate of farmer she quoted
“Mati Hasuchi kintu Chasi Kanduchi.” They had cultivated paddy but were unable to sell it
because of price issue. But she continued to believe that if all joined hands then there would be
no scarcity of food.
Shri Sukanta Gamango, Farmer, Gajapati
Sulkanta Gamango was practicing SRI since last two yrs. Earlier he didn’t believe in it but
when he got 40 quintals paddy from one acre, he started implementing it in all his lands.
Shri Sashi Bhusana Senapati, Farmer, Rayagada
Sashi Bhuasan, a successful SRI farmer shared his first hand experience and mentioned that
SRI method meant one – root revolution. In SRI there was no need to use chemical fertilisers.
15

16. It requires two kg seed for one Acre. Pragati, Koraput trained him on SRI and he got 150
quintals paddy from four acres.
Shri Balaram Chittadora, Farmer, Raygada
A successful SRI practitioner, Shri Balaram told how he started cultivation through SRI and
benefits he got. Like other SRI practitioners, he pointed out that in SRI there was no need to
buy fertiliser. Organic fertiliser could be used as it kept the atmosphere healthy.
He also sighted the problems he was facing during cultivation and said that earlier he faced
some problems during weeding. There should be proper arrangement of irrigation facility and
proper market where crops could be sold in proper price.
Shri Sudarshan Sahoo, Farmer, Deogarh
Sudarshan Sahoo, a 40 yrs old farmer of Deogarh is practicing SRI for wheat and paddy
cultivation. Earlier he did not believe in accepting or rejecting any new ideas without
experimenting it. He had been experimenting with SRI for the last two years in his field. He
now cultivates rice, wheat using SRI method in 2 acres of land and motivating a large number
of farmers, who have started discussing on SRI looking at Sudarshan’s success.
At the end of the session, a film on SRI was screened and it was followed by Pala and
Daskathia, presented by BOJBP, Nayagarh and PRAGATI, Koraput.
DAY 2
SESSION 1
Chaired by: Dasarathi Senapati, Secretary, CAAR
Sri. Tushar Kant Dash- SRI Secretariat
Presenting a brief view on work of SDTT, he said that since the formation of Dorabjee Tata
Trust, it worked for small and marginal farmers in rainfed situation. SRI had become a
favourable name among farmers. In Orissa, SDTT along with Government and RKBY, CWS
helped small and marginal farmers. In Orissa SDTT have 54 partners among which 36 partners
from CWS. He informed “Now it is working for 12025 farmers and in next 3 years it has the
plan to work in 12 districts. NABARD is also going to negotiate with SDTT to extend its
patronage for SRI. With help of farmers, it can become a reform”.
Mr. Piyush Jana- West Bengal
Presenting a comparative picture of Orissa and West Bengal, Mr. Jana mentioned that West
Bengal, Government was not taking any initiative to promote use of organic fertilisers. West
Bengal was the 2nd state to use chemical fertiliser. They cultivated watermelon, cucumber
16

17. which were directly consumed by people. In this way they were directly consuming poison.
Their organisation, Pasari started in 07-08 with one farmer. It has been extended to 15
members. In West Bengal, around 7000 farmers were practicing SRI. Now farmers are even
using old varieties as they get more production because of SRI. Appreciating SRI method he
requested all to promote use of organic fertilisers and supply poison free food to all.
Dr. P. K. Roul, - OUAT
Appreciating SRI, Dr. Roul stated that SRI meant Beauty. The symposium gave an impression
like SRI meant ability. He said “We have already crossed the Beauty Phase”. It started in 1985
and since it was 25 years it meant it was the adolescent phase. He explained that in childhood
we learn and gradually we try to implement.
SRI was different from traditional method, technology was different than tradition and organic
fertiliser was different from chemical fertiliser and machine was different from manual labour.
The farmer should have an understanding of how to sow seeds and plough, when to start
weeding, how much fertiliser should be applied completely depended on farmer and the
situation.
Still there are some areas that need attention
• Effect on yield – If weeding was done manually without using weeder, what effect it
would have on yield
• Apply organic fertiliser as per the location
• Decide the quantity of Chemical or organic fertiliser
• How to control plant so that we will get better yield
• Weeder Machine
• Control of various diseases
• Irrigation facility
• Effect of SRI on soil
The effectiveness of knowledge depends on the location as everything is not applicable
everywhere.
Shri Uttam Hota, Farmer,
An SRI practitioner Shri Uttam Hota shared his experience on how he got training and started
practicing it. That time there was no marker and weeder. Still he started doing it and got 30
quintals from one acre. He also added that SRI could be applicable for cultivation of different
vegetables. In case one did not have land house roof could be used. It only needed one litre of
water, one rack and some compost and would not affect roof. Stating his problems he said,
earlier we faced some problems like labourers. But SRI minimised labourer problem as it
needed less labour.
Shri Radhakanta Purohit, Farmer, Bargarh
SRI farmer Radhakanta set a trend by adding a new practice and became an example by
cultivating through SRI in mountainous region where the irrigation problem was acute. Still he
managed to cultivate successfully. “I did it in 18 to 20 acres of land without using any marker,
17

18. weeder etc. I am using traditional plough and compost. I used rope to mark the areas and now I
am harvesting 20 to 25 quintals per acre” he expressed enthusiastically. He also pointed out
that not only cooperation of NGOs or farmers but innovation in the agricultural policies would
strengthen agriculture.
Shri Parameswar Naik, Farmer, Nuapada
He shared that SRI was very effective in hilly areas.
Shri Iswar Sodhi, Farmer
“Earlier, I didn’t believe but now I experimented” said the SRI share cropper. He successfully
harvested 30 quintals from one acre without using pesticide and chemical fertiliser. He was
using Mandua weeder.
Shri Kanhu Charan Pradhan, Farmer, Nayagarh
Kesharpur Jiban Parishad introduced a ray of hope in the form of SRI. When we started
implementing SRI, people said that we were mad. But we didn’t give up. We became so
successful that the then Collector visited our paddy fields.
Shri Chaitanya Behera, Farmer, Dhenkanal
First I didn’t believe but now I experimented and successfully harvested a huge amount of
paddy. I also produce vegetables like beans, BT Brinjal, Pumpkin etc using SRI method except
Paddy.
Shri Ramchandra Behera, Farmer, Keonjhar
We got training under Sambhav but we are not convinced. We didn’t have any modern
machinery or technical knowledge. But gradually we accepted the new technology and get
more yields. Earlier I used to sow 75 kgs but now it is reduced to 25 kgs. I am getting 25
quintal from the same land.
Dr. Annie Poonam- Scientist, CRRI, Cuttack
A leading scientist of Central Rice Research Institute (CRRI) mentioned that direct sowing
needed more seeds. But in SRI, the produce was more even with less amount of seed. But only
manure could not satisfy nutrition level. So for high yielding both chemical and organic
fertilisers, at least 25% chemical fertiliser for high yielding should be used
Dr. Subhas Sahoo, Scientist, OUAT, Bhubaneswar
Boosting enthuses among farmers; Mr. Subhas explained that with problems only come the
possibilities of solution. If we don’t fall prey to inferiority and try to understand the market and
18

19. its requirement then we can overcome the problems. In winter thousand tonnes of leaves are
destroyed. If we can turn into manure then we will overcome problem of manure.
After cutting paddy or crops, we can plough the field then it will fertilise the land as it works as
manure. In SRI method of cultivation, we can avoid problems of disease. So please recognise
our resources and try for maximum utilisation.
Dr. Babaji Giri, Addl. Director, Department of Agriculture
SRI was taken up in 2007 in various places. But small and marginal farmers are doing well in
it. In SRI they got many advantages.
• More yield in few days
• No fear of diseases
• Less labour
But to get better result, we should do it on ourselves then we will get complete advantage of it.
Now SRI became more successful in unprivileged areas than costal areas.
Smt. Pravasini Behera, Ganjam
I am practicing SRI and doing Mandia cultivation. I get 3 times more Mandia than earlier. I use
compost, vermi compost, pot manure etc for it. Earlier my father was very upset with me as I
started it with SRI. But it was so successful that in 22nd December it was published in
Newspaper. SRI is really beneficial; we all should go for it.
Shri Ramanarayan Nayak, Sambalpur
I learned from Sisir Parija on how to cultivate with organic fertiliser and SRI. Now I am
getting good yield.
Shri Gajendra Behera, Balasore, Palli Pragati Krushak Mancha, Secretary
From last seven years, I have been sowing seeds in rows and got more yields. In 2008, I started
cultivation by using SRI and applied organic fertilisers and weeder also. Now I am doing Rice,
Pulses, vegetables in rotation as it protects fertility of the land.
Shri Shanischar Sabar, Raygada
I am practicing SRI from last two years. In SRI, we get more yields. So we should go ahead
with the method. Whatever we learned here through SRI will not only help us but our
predecessors.
“Ama Mati, ama Odisha, ama Bharat ra teka rakhiba, Ama SRI ku agei neba”.
19

20. Shri Kripa Majhi, Bolangir
Dillip Bhoi trained me on SRI but I was afraid whether I can do it or not. I made a wooden
weeder and start cultivation. Citing the type of land he said, “Chhamu jaha dele harase, pau pau
gala barase emiti bhuin, jaha bunile uthai nahi”.
Now he is applying SRI in five acres of land and used pot manure, compost etc. Now he is also
We have to go ahead as “Chasi banchile desa banchiba aau chasi hasile desa hasiba.”
meaning “When farmer will live, the country will live and when farmer will smile the country
will smile”.
providing training to other villagers. He said not to throw ash but use it as manure in field.
Shri Nagaratnam Naidu, Farmer Andhra Pradesh
First I would like to say why we will go for SRI. We should do it to ensure food security,
health security and economic security. Good yielding not only benefits a farmer it also
strengthens the economic status of the country. So let us go ahead with SRI and ensure
financial security of ourselves and our country.
Shri Pramod Das, OPDSC, Raygada
Shri Prabodh of Rayagada mentioned some bottleneck at Government level and said if we are
claiming that SRI became successful, and then what is the problem in extending it further. First
Government provided Rs. 3 lacs for five acre to promote SRI, then next year it was reduced to
Rs. 10,000 per one acre. During implementation at the Panchayat level what will be the amount
is quite a mystery for me. I don’t understand what kind of incentive is this. If we are saying
about SRI and organic fertilisers, why Govt is not taking any initiative for it, if government
will give subsidy for different kind of organic fertilisers, then it will prompt farmers to buy it.
Shri Prabhakar Adhikari, Pragati, Koraput
Under the leadership of Shri Radhamohan, SRI was started for small and marginal farmers.
Now it has become fully fledged process, so when farmers practicing it, they should take care
of climate and facilities available in that particular location.
Shri Baikuntha Nath Pattanaik, Secy. BOJBP, Nayagarh
We are here because we know about SRI. Now we have to promote it, then it will be fruitful.
We should become ambassador for our villages. We should protect our land and make
maximum utilisation of our environment, resources. We have an ICER here in Bidyadharapur.
We should take advantage of their research.
20

21. Felicitation of Farmers
Concluding the workshop, Mrs. Rekha
Panigrahi read out the letter of Memorandum
which will be submitted to Honourable
Agriculture Minister. 22 innovative farmers
from different districts are felicitated by
distinguished guests.
(See annexure II and III)
Vote of Thanks
Mr. Bijay Ram Senapati expressed happiness on the way the proceedings took place and
thanked each and every one for participating actively in the workshop by sharing their
knowledge, experiences and fears and doubts on SRI. He thanked the dignitaries who have
come from other states to share their stories with Orissa practitioners.
21

22. Annexure-1
Agenda
State Level Symposium on SRI
20 – 21st March 10
DAY I
Registration 9.00 - 10.00
Inaugural Ceremony 10.00 – 11.00
Chorus Song and Lighting of Candle
Introduction of the Guests
Welcome Address
A Leading SRI Farmer (Smt. Kuntala Hati, Nayagarh)
Stall Visit by the Guests
SRI Film Release and Screening 11.00 – 12.30
Deliberations by Guest of Honour and Key Speakers
Chair – Prof. Radhamohan
Guests of Honour
- Shri Trinatha Biswal, SRI Farmer, Ganjam
- Smt. Purnima Rout, SRI Farmer, Koraput
Guest Speakers
- Shri U. P. Singh, Commissioner – cum – Secretary/Director, DoA, GoO
- Dr. Babaji Giri, Additional Director, DoA, GoO
- Srimati Kuntala Hati, Farmer, Badamba
- Mr. Shibadatta Chowdhary, RDI
- Mr Piyush Jana, PRASARI
- Ms Geetanjali Jena, Trocaire
- Mr. Shiv Kumar Tomar, PSI
- Shri Jagadanada, State Information Commissioner
- Smt. Rukmini Rao, Gramya, Secunderabad
- Shri Tushar Kant Dash, SRI Secretariat
- Shri Jagdish Pradhan, SVA, Bhubaneswar
22

23. - Prof. Shambu Prasad, XIMB, Bhubaneswar
- Shri Gnana Prakasam, Executive Director, CWS
- Shri Ambika Prasad Nanda, State head, UNDP
Key Address by Chief Guest
Dr. Damodar Rout, Honourable Minister
Dept. of Agriculture and Cooperation, Govt. of Odisha
Vote of Thanks
Break 12.30 -4.00
- Screening of films on SRI 4 .00 – 5.30
- Experience sharing by farmers
Cultural Programmes 6.00 – 8.30
DAY II
SRI, An Alternative Livelihood Options for Small, Marginal and Tribal Farmers 9.00 – 12.30
: Prospects and Challenges
Chair - Sri. Dasarathi Senapati, CARR
Key Speakers
- Shri Sanischara Sabar, SRI Farmer, Rayagada
- Smt. Sabitri Sahu, Badamba, Cuttack
- Prof. Radhamohan
- Shri Tushar Dash, SRI Secretariat
- Dr. Babaji Giri, Addl. Director, DoA, GoO
- Dr. Annie Poonam, Senior Scientist, CRRI
- Shri Nagaratnam Naidu
- Dr. P.K. Roul, OUAT
- Shri Pramod Das, OPDSC, Rayagada
- Shri Prabhakar Adhikari, PRAGATI, Koraput
Felicitation of Farmers 12.30 – 12.50
Vote of Thanks 12.50- 1.00
23

24. Annexure-3
LIST OF FARMERS FELICITATED
SL. Name Organisation District
No
1. Shri Ram Narayan Baik ADARSA Sambalpur
2. Shri Antaryami Barada CARR Cuttack
3. Shri Chaitanya Behera ISWO Dhenkanal
4. Shri Dukhu Gadanaik JEETA Deogarh
5. Shri Tamala Naik SACAL Gajapati
6. Shri Sanku Sabar UAA Ganjam
7. Shri Gandhi Das WORD Keonjhar
8. Shri Uma Charan Sahu VICALP Gajapati
9. Smt. Kuntala Hati BOJBP Nayagarh
10. Shri Kanhu Charan Pradhan BOJBP Nayagarh
11. Shri Prahlad Pallei NIRMAN Nayagarh
12. Shri Ama Padhihari Samuha Malkanagiri
Vikas
13. Shri Dharmananda Guntha PRAGATI Koraput
14. Shri Gopal Nanda Pallei OPDSC Rayagada
15. Shri Nagaratnam Naidu Individual Andhra Pradesh
24