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

Reduced seed requirement
Reduced methane production
Reduced electricity consumption

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Explanation

The correct answer is (d) 1, 2, and 3. The System of Rice Intensification (SRI) of cultivation, which involves alternate wetting and drying of rice fields, results in:

Reduced seed requirement: SRI requires significantly fewer seeds compared to conventional rice cultivation methods. The method involves planting single seedlings rather than clumps, which leads to better root development and plant growth.
Reduced methane production: Alternate wetting and drying (AWD) of rice fields reduces methane emissions from rice paddies by up to 50%. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming.
Reduced electricity consumption: SRI requires less water compared to conventional rice cultivation methods, reducing the need for pumping and electricity consumption.

Learn more

SRI was developed in Madagascar in the 1980s.
It involves several agronomic practices such as transplanting young seedlings, wider spacing between plants, intermittent watering, and the use of organic fertilizers.
SRI has been adapted to rainfed (unirrigated) environments and other crops, such as wheat, sugarcane, teff, finger millet, and pulses.
Benefits of SRI include increased paddy yields by 20-50% or more, reduced seed requirement by 60-80%, and reduced water consumption by 25-50%.
AWD addresses the root cause of rice methane emissions by alternating between flooding the rice field and leaving it to dry throughout the growing season, allowing the soil to breathe and reducing methane-producing archaea.