Author: Santosh Singh
Publication: The Indian Express
Date: January 1, 2012
URL: http://www.indianexpress.com/news/snapshots-of-change/894273/0

Nalanda farmers break world record for paddy production with an innovative method

Sumant Kumar, a small farmer who owns three acres, has become the rallying point for those who believe in the Bihar resurgence. He has recorded paddy production of 224 quintal a hectare, way more than the world record of 190 quintal a Chinese agricultural scientist, Yuan Longping, made seven years ago. Sumant and four other farmers—Krishna Kumar Krishna (207 quintal a hectare), Nitish Kumar (196 quintal a hectare), Vijay Kumar (192 quintal a hectare) and Sanjay Prasad Singh (190 quintal a hectare)—become icons of growth in 2011.

These five Nalanda farmers used the SRI (system of rice intensification) method, developed in Madagascar in early 1980s by a French priest. The SRI plants develop strong roots and stalks, and more tillers, with higher yields and even better rice quality—all with less input of water, seeds and other capitals. Rice plants under SRI methods have shown to better resist drought, water logging and wind damages. The method was first used in India in 2002, but it is still far from getting wide acceptance.

Only 13 farmers of the village were sanctioned subsidy to grow paddy by the SRI method for one acre each. The village, located by the side of the seasonal Sakri river, grows rice on 1,200 bighas. The river brings fertile alluvial soil to only 400 bighas.

“We were very apprehensive about the new method as our traditional method would get us better yield than most other places in Bihar. With government subsidy coming our way, we tried our luck with the SRI,” says Sumant. “Much to our surprise, one sapling brought forth over 100 plants. It was also easy to weed out grass because of fair distance between two rows. It is now a challenge to repeat the performance next year,” says Sumant’s father, Ramanuj Pravin.

Sumant says as he had chosen to become a farmer, it felt nice to achieve a landmark. “The CM Nitish Kumar told us to replicate the experience in wheat as well,” he says.

“The SRI method has also brought down cultivation expenses from Rs 20,000 to Rs 15,000 per bigha. We are very happy to get thrice the price from the SRI method,” says Nitish Kumar, one of the five farmers.