The document discusses the System of Rice Intensification (SRI), an agricultural method developed in Madagascar for resource-poor smallholder farmers. SRI differs from modern, commercial rice farming which relies on mechanization, external inputs and capital. SRI uses fewer seeds, young seedlings, wider spacing between plants, and less flooding. It can lead to substantial savings in seeds, water and chemicals while increasing yields. However, SRI requires new farming skills and the timing of operations is delicate. While it has potential benefits, SRI also has some risks and constraints that require flexible dissemination and farmer experimentation. The principles of SRI could also be relevant for other crops and environment-friendly agricultural practices.

1. “ Modern” Farming and Rural Poverty Pros and Cons of SRI Willem A. Stoop 23 January 2009 IFAD, Rome

4. Do the “rural poor” require specific agricultural techniques? and if so How might these techniques differ from the conventional ones that are readily available? or What type of agronomy would be most relevant to the poor?

5. System of Rice Intensification (SRI) developed in Madagascar during 1980s in response to the conditions, needs and means of resource-poor smallholders

6. Madagascar: (rice) field micro diversity and smallholder adaptation

8. Madagascar: SRI local variety

10. Bouake 189 : SRI-responsive improved variety

11. Varietal responses to conventional irrigated (left) and to SRI (right)

19. Thank you