System of Rice Intensification (SRI) method with Rekhay community

Despite apprehensions and challenges, we are happy to share our journey of organic paddy cultivation using System of Rice Intensification (SRI) method with Rekhay community has been very encouraging with more farmers coming forward in last few years. The project was initially started with one farmer in 2016 and now we have more than 23 farmers. Rekhay currently has 42 rice growers.

SJI is hopeful that, in couple of years from now, Rekhay village will become a model for SRI and organic rice production in Samdrup Jongkhar.

Generally, 60% yield increases under SRI method as compared to the conventional system. The most notable advantages of SRI method according to the Rekhay farmers – gives more yield, need less seed and require less water as compared to the conventional practice.

Further, SJI is currently up-scaling the SRI method of paddy cultivation at Marangdut community in Panbang in collaboration with the #BhutanFoundation from this season. In fact, Bhutan Foundation has funded our first SRI project at Rekhay in 2016.

This is our humble effort towards increasing rice self-sufficiency and promotes organic rice production by involving more communities in Samdrup Jongkhar the beyond.

Paddy Field

Thanks to MoE for extending summer break. It is of immense help especially to the rural communities where farming activities are full on… at this time.