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The System of Rice Intensification (SRI) is a methodology for increasing
the productivity of irrigated rice by changing the management of
plants, soil, water and nutrients. These practices contribute to
healthier soil and plants through greater root growth and the nurturing
of soil microbial diversity. SRI was first developed in Madagascar.
It was found to be a sustainable rice farming technology that can
help small farmers increase their rice yields without depending
on hybrid seeds, chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
The first field trails on SRI in Cambodia were implemented by CEDAC
(Centre dÉtudes et de Développement Agricole Cambodgien)
in year 2000 with 28 farmers in five provinces. Now, more than 17,000
farmers are using elements of SRI methods.
In order to facilitate the systematic analysis of experiences with
SRI in Cambodia, GTZ conducted a study survey on " Potential
of the System of Rice Intensification for Cambodia" in cooperation
and collaboration with CEDAC, OXFAM, CARD, PADEK, MAFF and other
agencies involved in promoting SRI in Cambodia. The intention was
to gain more understanding of the impact and the adoption of SRI,
and to discuss the usefulness of this low cost rice intensification
approach for improving household food security in Cambodia. The
experiences with regard to SRI in Cambodia and the results of the
study were presented and shared and discussed in a national workshop
organized under the umbrella of Council for Agriculture and Rural
Development (CARD) on the 8th of April 2004. Participants of the
National Workshop from government (MAFF, CARD), donors, IOs and
NGOs recommended and agreed to form a SRI working group and establish
a permanent SRI secretariat. The SRI working group is chaired by
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries under the Department
of Agronomy and Agricultural Land Improvement (DAALI).
The website contains articles, meeting/workshop proceedings, reports,
and other information related to SRI.
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