"System of Rice Intensification" of cultivation, in which alternate wetting and drying of rice fields is practised, results in : 1. Reduced seed requirement 2. Reduced methane production 3. Reduced electricity consumption Select the correct answer using the code given below :
Contents13
- A1 and 2 only
- B2 and 3 only
- C1 and 3 only
- D1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: (D) 1, 2 and 3
The answer is (D) All three are correct.
SRI is a smarter way to grow rice using alternate wetting and drying (not continuous flooding):
Statement 1 is CORRECT (Less seed):
Traditional = 5 kg/acre.
SRI = only 2 kg/acre.
60% less seed because wider spacing is used.
Statement 2 is CORRECT (Less methane):
Methane is produced in continuously flooded fields (no oxygen = methane bacteria thrive).
SRI alternates wet/dry, reducing waterlogging and methane production.
Statement 3 is CORRECT (Less electricity):
Less water needed = less pumping = less electricity.
Studies show about 23% energy savings.
SRI is a win-win: better yields with less water, less seed, less energy, and fewer greenhouse gases.
SRI technique reduces water usage by 25-50% while maintaining or increasing yields, making it crucial for water-stressed regions.
Climate change commitments under Paris Agreement put focus on reducing methane emissions from rice cultivation, which contributes significantly to agricultural greenhouse gases.
The question tests understanding of how agricultural water management directly impacts resource efficiency across multiple parameters - seeds, emissions, and energy.
System of Rice Intensification (SRI)
Environment System of Rice Intensification alternate wetting and drying SRI
System of Rice Intensification: Methods & Environmental Benefits
SRI uses alternate wetting and drying instead of continuous flooding
Reduces seed requirement by 60% (from 5 kg/acre to 2 kg/acre)
Cuts methane emissions by avoiding waterlogged conditions
Saves 23% electricity through reduced water pumping
What is SRI
SRI is a climate-smart farming method that replaces traditional continuous flooding with controlled alternate wetting and drying. This seemingly simple change creates multiple environmental and economic benefits.
SRI vs Traditional Rice Farming
Aspect | Traditional Method | SRI Method | Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
Water Management | Continuous flooding | Alternate wet-dry cycles | Less water, less methane |
Seed Requirement | 5 kg per acre | 2 kg per acre | 60% seed saving |
Plant Spacing | Dense planting | Wider spacing | Better root growth |
Electricity Use | High pumping | 23% less pumping | Energy savings |
Methane Emissions | High (anaerobic) | Reduced (aerobic) | Climate benefit |
How SRI Reduces Environmental Impact
%%{init: {"flowchart": {"wrappingWidth": 460}}}%%
flowchart TD
s1["`**Alternate Wetting-Drying**
Fields not continuously flooded`"]
s2["`**Aerobic Conditions**
Oxygen reaches soil during dry periods`"]
s3["`**Less Methane Production**
Methane bacteria need waterlogged (anaerobic) conditions`"]
s4["`**Reduced Water Pumping**
Less electricity for irrigation`"]
s1 --> s2
s2 --> s3
s3 --> s4Why Each Statement is Correct
Statement 1: Wider plant spacing in SRI means fewer seedlings needed per acre
Statement 2: Methane bacteria thrive in waterlogged fields; SRI's dry periods break this cycle
Statement 3: Less water requirement means less pumping, saving electricity
Trap: Confusing methane reduction with CO2 reduction - SRI specifically targets methane from flooded rice fields
Trap: Thinking wider spacing needs more seeds - actually needs fewer seeds due to better individual plant growth
Trap: Assuming alternate drying reduces yield - SRI actually maintains or increases yield with less input
Methane Emissions from Agriculture
Environment methane production rice fields
Agricultural Methane: Sources & Reduction Strategies
Rice fields are major methane sources due to anaerobic decomposition
Waterlogged conditions create oxygen-free environment for methane bacteria
Methane is 25 times more potent than CO2 as greenhouse gas
Why Rice Fields Produce Methane
Continuously flooded rice fields create anaerobic (oxygen-free) conditions. In this environment, methane-producing bacteria decompose organic matter and release methane gas into the atmosphere.
Agricultural Methane Sources in India
Source | Contribution | Mechanism | Mitigation |
|---|---|---|---|
Rice Cultivation | Major source | Anaerobic decomposition in flooded fields | SRI, AWD techniques |
Livestock | Largest source | Enteric fermentation in ruminants | Better feed, breeding |
Crop Residue | Growing source | Burning releases methane | Biomass utilization |
Manure Management | Moderate source | Anaerobic storage conditions | Biogas plants |
Methane Reduction Strategies
Alternate Wetting-Drying (AWD): Reduces waterlogged periods in rice fields
Direct Seeded Rice: Avoids transplanting and some flooding
Improved Rice Varieties: Shorter duration, less methane production time
Organic Matter Management: Composting instead of direct field application
Trap: Thinking all agriculture produces methane equally - rice fields are uniquely high due to flooding
Trap: Confusing methane with nitrous oxide - different gases, different agricultural sources
Trap: Assuming organic farming always reduces methane - depends on water management, not just chemicals
Sustainable Agriculture Practices
Environment
Sustainable Agriculture: Methods & Environmental Benefits
Sustainable agriculture reduces environmental impact while maintaining productivity
Key strategies: water conservation, soil health, biodiversity protection
Climate-smart agriculture adapts to and mitigates climate change
Sustainable Agriculture Components
# Sustainable Agriculture
## Water Management
- SRI
- Drip Irrigation
- Rainwater Harvesting
- Alternate Wetting-Drying
## Soil Health
- Organic Matter
- Crop Rotation
- Zero Tillage
- Cover Crops
## Input Efficiency
- Precision Farming
- IPM
- Biofertilizers
- Seed Optimization
## Climate Action
- Carbon Sequestration
- GHG Reduction
- Climate Resilience
- AdaptationGovernment Initiatives in India
Initiative | Focus Area | Key Features | Environmental Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
PMKSY | Water efficiency | Drip/sprinkler irrigation | Water conservation |
Paramparagat Krishi | Organic farming | Chemical-free cultivation | Soil & water protection |
Climate Smart Agriculture | Climate adaptation | Weather-based advisories | GHG reduction |
Zero Budget Natural Farming | Input reduction | Local inputs, no external chemicals | Sustainability |
Environmental Benefits
Reduced greenhouse gas emissions from optimized input use
Water conservation through efficient irrigation methods
Soil health improvement via organic matter and reduced chemicals
Biodiversity protection through reduced pesticide use
Energy savings from precision application and reduced pumping