System of Rice Intensification (SRI): An Approach towards Enhancement of Productivity and Water Use Efficiency

Rice is a crucial staple food crop around the world (Sairam et al., 2020a; Mangaraj
et al., 2022; Pattanayak et al., 2022). In fact, one-third of the world’s population relies on
rice as their primary food source. However, it is also the crop that consumes the highest
amount of water, using approximately 80% of total freshwater resources for irrigation
(Zaman et al., 2017; Elbasiouny and Elbehiry, 2020; Maitra and Pine, 2020; Sairam
et al., 2020b). To produce one kilogram of rice, it requires 3000 liters of water, which
is a significant amount. Due to the increasing water scarcity and competing demands,
rice farmers in many countries are seeking ways to achieve their production goals with
minimal water usage (Chiarelli et al., 2022). The Rice Intensification System (SRI) is a
potential solution to reduce water use and maximize yields (Narayanamoorthy, 2022).
The SRI techniques have been developed into a system of diversifying production,
which has benefited over 50 nations. Both rainfed rice production and other crops have
benefited from the application of SRI concepts and techniques (Prasad, 2016). SRI
aims to increase yields and production, meet economic and food security goals, lower
farmers’ production costs, improve profitability, and reduce the amount of irrigation
water required for the crop (Am Gain et al., 2022; Mohanta et al., 2022). This special
method of rice cultivation involves several techniques, such as alternate wetting and
drying of the field, using young seedlings for transplanting, using organic sources of
nutrients, and wider spacing of the crop (Figure 18.1 and Table 18.1). These production
aspects have a greater potential for maintaining sustainability in rice production

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