Date:15/03/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/03/15/stories/2009031551980300.htm

Tamil Nadu - Thanjavur

SRI method: Thanjavur stands first in State

Special Correspondent

Farmers achieve 11 tonnes per hectare under this method

THANJAVUR: Thanjavur district stood first in the State in cultivation of paddy using System Rice Intensification (SRI) method, said J. Sekar, Joint Director of Agriculture, on Saturday.

Speaking at a technology-transfer programme organised here by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) for the benefit of farmers of Thiruvaiyaru, Budalur and Papanasam blocks, Mr. Sekar said that paddy was cultivated under SRI on a total area of 73,287 hectares during kuruvai, samba, thaladi and summer crop seasons this year.

The SRI method involved less expenditure but gave more yield. “Farmers have achieved 11 tonnes per hectare under this method in Thanjavur district,” Mr. Sekar said.

Seedlings were prepared under Madagascar method of preparation — they were grown on polythene sheets or mats and transplanted in 14 days time. Thus the method involved less use of water, less seed requirement and less labour.

S. T. Ravikumar, Assistant General Manager, NABARD, said that the bank had created a technology transfer fund of Rs. 25 crore. Farmers would be trained in new technologies of paddy cultivation. It would be the first such training programme in the State. Farmers would be taken to fields for practical training. P. S. T. Jeyaraj, Professor and Head, Soil and Water Management Research Institute, presided. Professor T. M. Thiyagarajan, former Dean of Agriculture college, delivered the keynote address.