UPSC Prelims 2022 Question:

“System of Rice intensification” of cultivation, in which alternate wetting and drying of rice field is practised, results in:

1. Reduced seed requirement
2. Reduced methane production
3. Reduced electricity consumption
   
   

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Learn more about the system of rice intensification in the given explanation below.

Explanation:

• The System of Rice Intensification involves cultivating rice with as much organic manure as possible, starting with young seedlings planted singly at wider spacing in a square pattern; and with intermittent irrigation that keeps the soil moist but not inundated, and frequent inter cultivation with weeder that actively aerates the soil.
  
  

System of Rice Intensification (SRI)

The System of Rice Intensification (SRI) is an agroecological and climate-smart rice production methodology that allows farmers to:

• increase yields by 30-50% or more
• use 90% less seed. So, point 1 is correct
• use 30-50% less irrigation water (through AWD and other methods) by conserving electricity. So, point 3 is correct.
• use 30-100% less chemical fertiliser and pesticides
• reduction in methane emission. So, point 2 is correct.
  
  

Principles of System of Rice Intensification

• Transplant young seedlings: SRI seedlings are transplanted much younger than in conventional rice farming. This allows the seedlings to develop stronger roots and shoots, which leads to higher yields.
• Plant seedlings singly and wider apart: SRI seedlings are planted singly and wider apart than in conventional rice farming.This gives the plants more space to grow and allows for better aeration and drainage.
• Keep the soil moist but not flooded: SRI fields are kept moist but not flooded. This helps to reduce water consumption and methane emissions.
• Weed the fields frequently: SRI fields are weeded frequently to remove competing weeds and promote root growth.
• Use organic fertilizers: SRI farmers typically use organic fertilizers instead of synthetic fertilizers. This helps to improve soil health and reduce water pollution.
  
  

Therefore, option (4) is the correct answer.