The farmers of Sonitpur District in Assam have set record cultivation for growing rice using the improved method of cultivation promoted by the FARM Northeast program.

According to the FARM Northeast Field Program Associate, Wilson Kandulna, 70 farmers have harvested an average paddy yield of 3-4 quintals per bigha using a System of Rice Intensification (SRI) method. These farmers have experienced tangible benefits and positive outcomes from implementing SRI practices in rice cultivation which started in June 2023.

SRI is an innovative approach to rice cultivation that focuses on optimizing plant growth, reducing water usage, and improving soil health. It involves wider plant spacing, transplanting young seedlings, controlled irrigation techniques, organic matter incorporation, and efficient nutrient management. SRI aims to enhance productivity, water efficiency, and environmental sustainability in rice farming.

The significance of this transformation extended beyond numbers and statistics; it was about reclaiming a way of life that had sustained families for generations. The FARM program, through its tireless efforts, had not only revitalized the fields but also rekindled the spirit of the community. Agriculture, once on the brink of decline, emerged as a source of pride for the younger generation who had witnessed the miraculous transformation.

The success of SRI adoption wasn’t just about record-breaking yields; it was about fostering a sense of community and pride in agriculture. The FARM Northeast team recognized that the true essence of their work lay not just in the fields but in the human stories etched into the fabric of Sonitpur.

In the villages under the Tezpur Social Service Society (TSSS), where concerns about declining paddy production were once voiced, a sense of optimism now prevails. The FARM program, adopting 12 villages in Sonitpur District in 2022, became a catalyst for change. The unfamiliarity with SRI was met with proactive awareness campaigns, workshops, and on-field demonstrations.

Knowledge became a powerful tool in the FARM resource. FARM program-initiated efforts to educate farmers about the SRI method, emphasizing its benefits and techniques. Additionally, the program conducted demonstrations to reinforce training for farmers in SRI. The initiative has significantly improved agricultural productivity, enhancing water efficiency, fostering soil health, and ultimately bettering the livelihoods of farmers.

The collaboration between the TSSS and Caritas India through FARM Northeast has been instrumental in promoting SRI. The increasing number of farmers embracing this innovative approach signals a positive shift in agricultural practices, holding the promise of improved productivity, sustainability, and overall livelihoods for the farming community in Sonitpur District.