Lanka to introduce new rice technique to cut water use

Concerned over inadequate monsoon this year, Sri Lanka plans to introduce a new technique for rice cultivation that would reduce the water requirement by over one third of the present level utilised for the purpose.

Concerned over inadequate monsoon this year, Sri Lanka plans to introduce a new technique for rice cultivation that would reduce the water requirement by over one third of the present level utilised for the purpose.

HT Image

Under the System of Rice Intensifications (SRI), a production of one kilo of rice, after converting it from paddy, would require only 800 litres of water as against the current use of little less than 3000 litres to produce the same amount of the foodgrain.

The ‘Re-awakening Project´ for using the SRI system has been introduced for paddy growers in north, east and other parts of Sri Lanka.

“It has been proved that the SRI cultivation is the best alternative to overcome the shortage of water for paddy cultivation,” says a recent research study conducted jointly by the Sri Lankan Finance Ministry and the Irrigation Department.

Under the SRI System, it is not necessary to use artificial fertilizer or chemicals and instead farmers can use organic manure and locally-made chemicals for paddy cultivation with the least quantity of water.

This is not only a nature-friendly method of paddy cultivation but also produces chemical free food for people, the study said.