The System of Rice Intensification

Basic SRI methods include:

Carefully transplant single seedlings at two-leaf stage (8-12 days)
Plant seedlings at a distance of 25 cm or more in a square pattern
Keep soil moist and aerated. Fertilize with compost - add chemical fertilizer only if needed

Welcome to SRI-Rice Online!

SRI-Rice ONLINE and its associated social networking sites are maintained by the SRI International Network and Resources Center (SRI-Rice) at Cornell University. SRI-Rice ONLINE contains the most comprehensive collection of information on the System of Rice Intensification globally. Many of the documents we publish come directly from our partners: Farmers, researchers, NGOs, government agencies and other stakeholders from around the world.

What is SRI?

The System of Rice Intensification, known as SRI -- le Système de Riziculture Intensive in French and la Sistema Intensivo de Cultivo Arrocero (SICA) in Spanish -- is an agro-ecological methodology for increasing the productivity of irrigated rice by changing the management of plants, soil, water and nutrients. SRI originated in Madagascar in the 1980s and is based on the cropping principles of significantly reducing plant population, improving soil conditions and irrigation methods for root and plant development, and improving plant establishment methods. [more...]

Benefits of SRI

The benefits of SRI have been demonstrated in over 45 countries (see map). They include: 50%-100% or more increased yields, up to a 90% reduction in required seed, and up to 50% water savings. For additional information, visit the Africare/Oxfam/WWF report, More Rice for People. SRI principles and practices have been adapted for rainfed rice as well as for other crops (such as wheat, sugarcane and teff, among others), with yield increases and associated economic benefits.