Rice Revolution

A new organic method of growing rice is ensuring farmers in Laos have enough rice to last the year.

For the men and women of Laos, agriculture is the primary source of food and income, and one of the most important crops is rice.

Thanks to the help of a new rice production method, farmers are now able to grow more rice for their families, and ensure that they have enough rice to last all year round.

The name of this method is System of Rice Intensification or SRI. While it might sound complex, it's really very simple and is proving revolutionary in improving rice yields.

SRI Rice growing in a paddy. Photo: Martin Wurt/OxfamCAA

In 2001, Oxfam Community Aid Abroad began support trials of SRI and found it resulted in very high yields for rice farmers in upland areas, where water may be scarce. SRI does not use chemicals or genetically modify the rice. Rather, the process uses a combination of plant, soil, water and nutrient management practices to promote greater root growth and higher yields.

The process involves carefully managing planting, soil, water and nutrients to promote greater root growth and higher yields. SRI requires about half the amount of water as traditional methods and does not need purchased external inputs - compost is used instead of chemical fertiliser. So the method is not only organic, it is cost effective. What's more, it promotes self sufficiency and environmental protection.

Since the success of the original two-year trials, the SRI method has been extended to more farmers in more regions throughout Laos. The national average rice yield in Laos is 3.27 tons per hectare. Using SRI, farmers have an average yield of 5.05 tons per hectare. This increase means there are fewer 'rice shortage months' every year.

Some farmers have been able to store enough rice for planting in following season, meaning that there is no cash outlay for subsequent crops. It is even possible for farmers to sell their rice.

Oxfam Community Aid Abroad has also set up 'village rice banks' in many communities. Families deposit a percentage of rice into the rice bank; the whole community can then draw on the bank if there is a drought or shortage or rice, or for use in crops.

Oxfam Community Aid Abroad is also supporting farmers in Sri Lanka to use SRI. Story by Oxfam Program Coordinator for South East Asia Brendan Allen, with support from Agricultural Program Officer in Laos, Sengthong Vongsakid. The SRI project is funded by AusAID.

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