SRI rice cultivation expected to be applied on 5,000 ha

(KPL) The SRI rice cultivation is expected to be practised on 5,000 ha this rainy season in provinces across the country, including five provinces in northern Laos.

SRI: System of Rice Intensification is a methodology for increasing the productivity of irrigated rice cultivation by changing the management of plants, soil, water and nutrients. SRI practices lead to healthier, more productive soil and plants by supporting greater root growth and by nurturing the abundance and diversity of soil organisms.

In 2006-2007 period, the SRI rice production was practised on merely 0.7 ha in Tha Ngone planting test field in Lard Khwai village, Saythany district, Vientiane capital; Bouamlao village, Paklai District, Sayaboury province and Pan and Phavieng villages, Luang Prabang District of the same name province.

But in the previous dry season the SRI rice cultivation was practised on over 3,000 ha in provinces of the country.

Last Thursday, the Irrigation Department organised a meeting on assessing the Livelihood Improvement Project for the Rural Poor in the Lao PDR with Increase of Rice Production by adopting Low-Input Rice Farming Technology.

The project has been implemented since 2007, after the Irrigation Department and the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) reached an agreement, according to Head of the Irrigation Department, Mr. Khamphay Soulinphoumy.

Source: KPL Lao News Agency
June 28, 2010