SYSTEM FOR RICE INTENSIFICATION (SRI)

The Project:

Pragati, Koraput has taken up the 'Scale up of SRI & Sustainable Agriculture Project' from April 2008 with the support of Sir Dorabji Tata Trust, Mumbai. The goal is to enhance food and income security of 2000 small and marginal farmers in 8 Blocks of Koraput District in association with 6 Partner Organizations forming a network called Jaivik SRI Samaj. Pragati is implementing the project in 2 Blocks namely Koraput and Nandapur and through 6 Partner Organizations in 5 blocks namely Kotpad, Kundura, Laxmipur, Pottangi, Jeypore & Semliguda.

Project Objectives:

• Enhance food security of 2000 small and marginal farmers through technical and material support for promotion of SRI and Sustainable Agriculture in 7 blocks of Koraput District.
• Build an organic farmers network to advocate for requisite amount of good quality seeds, equipments etc. in time and at low cost and to disseminate practices, innovations of SRI and Sustainable Agriculture in Koraput District.
• Improve socio-economic status of 2000 small and marginal farmers by creating marketing opportunities for their organic produces.

Key Achievements:

• 2710 farmers of 97 villages in 8 blocks are aware about SRI and organic practices through village meetings and video shows. 250 farmers are trained on SRI.
• 266 Farmers adopted organic SRI in 140.20 acres land in Kharif 2008. 67 farmers have almost doubled their yield. 129 farmers have adopted SRI in 90.50 acres in Rabi 2009. 1400 farmers are adopting SRI in Kharif 2009.
• 6 Organic farmers associations have been formed in 5 blocks covering 105 farmers. 96 farmers have prepared and used organic manures and pesticides.
• Organized a District level Symposium of farmers on the occasion of visit of Prof. Norman Uphoff from USA, leading expert who is spreading the message of SRI across the globe. 430 farmers, 47 Agriculture dept. officials, 72 representatives of 31 NGOs and 16 media representatives participated in the workshop inaugurated by the District Collector, Koraput. The workshop helped liaison with the district administration and line departments and in the dissemination of SRI over the district and with farmers from Malkangiri, Raygada, Nabrangpur and Kandhamal districts.
• A booklet has been prepared entitled “Steps towards Eco friendly Food Security” containing success stories of  SRI practicing farmers. 10 farmers were awarded with SRI SAMMAN to encourage their successful experiment in SRI.
• Support of Rs 2, 10,000/- extended to 69 farmers who have taken up organic vegetable cultivation. One nursery has been established to raise Neem seedlings and one lift irrigation has been established and is used by 5 farmers.
• Market survey and study has been conducted to understand market dynamics and explore potential of marketing of organic products.

For case studies about this project please click here.