Imphal, September 03: With the main objective of popularising he system of rice intensification (SRI) in the State.

Irabot Foundation, Manipur has set up an Institute of System of Rice Intensification.

The inaugural function of the Institute held at the office of the Foundation here today was attended by AAO of Agriculture Department Tomba as chief guest, Foundation president Thounaojam Iboyaima as, functional president and AAO I Gojcn as guest of honour.

Speaking at the occasion, AAO Tomba said thai the system of rice intensification which has already been adopted successfully many countries was introduced in Manipur in 2005 along with conducting training programmes for the farmers in various districts of the State.

Through the method of SRI.

rice production can be increased with less water and saplings and without spending any cost on fertiliser.

It can also save cost on pesticide.

Moreover, harvesting could be done earlier than other rice varieties.

The success of the new method, however, depends on some conditions like ensuring that the saplings are kept under water after the preparation of the field which is also to be done with little water, carrying out plantation of the saplings within 8 to 12 days, keeping a distance of 30 X 30 or 25 X 25 between two saplings and plantation of the saplings in straight line and use of organic manure, he explained.

Although this new method of rice cultivation is suitable in Manipur situation where there is scarcity of cultivable land, many farmers are stili not aware of it and continue to practice the conventional method of cultivation, he noted.

In his presidential address.

Thounojam Iboyaima pointed out that the institute has been set up to help the farmers in accordance to the principle of Tananeta Hijam Irabot whose month-long birth anniversary is being observed currently.

With the expertise of the Agriculture Department, Irabot Foundation, Manipur would strive toward populating the method of SRI among the farmers of the State, he assured.

Ten farmers who have already been imparted training on SRI from August 11 to 13 at Tejpur were also present during the function.

It may be noted here that under the sponsorship of Agriculture Department the method of cultivation under SRI had been experimented successfully by some farmers in places like Ningolhoukhong, Bishnupur, Akham Bamdier, Wangoi, etc this year.

Some farmer members of Irabot Foundation had also adopted the method in places like Heikrujam and Moidangpok.

Comment