PROMOTION OF SYSTEM OF RICE INTENSIFICATION (SRI) WORK

SUPPORTED BY SIR DORABJEE TATA TRUST (SDTT),

The organisation, in partnership with the Sir Dorabjee TATA Trust (SDTT), promoted environment friendly, productive, and efficient methods of paddy and other millet crop cultivation among the vulnerable tribal and Dalit communities in the operational area through the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) since 2008. Over time, the SRI has shown to be labour- and user-friendly, and most importantly, it has increased productivity. In addition, the SRI makes sure that organic manure and natural pest control methods are used in place of artificial fertilisers and pesticides, which not only boosts output but also improves soil health.

VICALP began in 2006 with just one acre and one farmer, but over time it has progressively grown to include over 5000 small holding farmers who, in 2013–14, were cultivating their 6250 acres of land with SRI. During this process, the government's agricultural department became very interested in working with VICALP on SRI. As a result, the department is involved in this intervention with fresh innovation in SRI in the districts of Gajapati, Kandhmal, and Jharsuguda, in addition to SDTT. At present people have made it an essential part of their agricultural practices.