World scientists to SRI method in Tripura

Agartala, Oct 1: Woth a view to enhancing crop production methods and monitor achievements of paddy in Tripura through System Rice Intensification (SRI), a group of agricultural scientists from around the world will assemble here on October 3.

According to the officials of the state agriculture department, at least seven scientists from Bangladesh, three from Vietnam, two each from Cambodia and Morocco will participate in a three-day seminar on paddy cultivation through the SRI method.

Besides scientists from other SARRC nations, experts from America and the European Union will attend, the seminar while about 15 prominent agriculturists from across India will take part in the seminar.

''Tripura has managed to set a unique instance in India by adopting the SRI method for paddy cultivation, which increases the yielding comparatively in a minimum period,'' said state agriculture director Shibnarayan Sen.

Mr Sen stated that transplantation of paddy under SRI method was prescribed for only 14 days instead of one month and it required only two kilogram of seeds per acre of land.

He, however, added that World Wide Fund for Nature (WWFN) has appreciated Tripura's performance in SRI method practice, minimum seed, fertiliser and labour with maximum yielding and encouraged other states to follow the state's success.

Paddy cultivation in Tripura was possible on 50-60 hectare of contiguous land through the SRI method whereas the figure was only 2-3 hectares in other states.

UNI