A more sustainable method of rice cultivation that requires less water and produces less methane than conventional methods yet produces higher yields has been identified in a new WWF report.

According to the report, the so-called system of rice intensification (SRI) has helped increase yields in India – which faces a major water crisis, yet has the world’s largest area under rice cultivation – by more than 30 per cent while using 40 per cent less water than conventional methods.

The method was initially developed during the 1980s in Madagascar by a French Jesuit priest and has been successfully demonstrated in 28 countries. It relies upon eight key techniques, including using nutrient-rich unflooded nurseries, organic composts or manure as opposed to synthetic fertilisers and a more hands-on approach throughout production. Seedlings are also given more space under SRI – 16 per square metre, rather than up to 300 per square metre under conventional methods. This exposes the plants to greater amounts of sunlight, air and nutrients, and allows easier access for weeding.

‘Although the system of rice intensification has shown its advantages, it isn’t widely practised,’ said Dr Biksham Gujja, senior policy adviser at WWF International. ‘It’s time to start large-scale programmes to support a method that could make a lasting global impact with far-reaching benefits to people and nature.’

The report suggests that major rice-producing countries, such as India, China and Indonesia, transfer at least a quarter of rice production to the new system by 2025 in order to reduce water use and boost food security.

December 2007