Kathmandu, Nepal: Amid intensifying climate change and rising global fertilizer prices driven by geopolitical conflicts, farmers in Nepal are increasingly turning to sustainable agricultural practices to maintain productivity and reduce costs.
Rice, a staple food for millions, remains central to Nepal’s agricultural economy. However, traditional cultivation methods—often reliant on heavy water use and chemical inputs—are becoming less viable under current environmental and economic pressures. Experts say the need for resource-efficient farming has never been more urgent.
One approach gaining prominence is the System of Rice Intensification (SRI), a method developed in Madagascar by Jesuit priest Father Henri de Laulanié. The system emphasizes early planting, wider spacing of seedlings, the use of organic soil enrichment, and controlled water management to enhance plant growth while conserving resources.
Farm-level results indicate significant benefits. In Udaypur district, farmer Mana Maya Samal reported doubling her yield—from six pathi to 12 pathi—on a 360-square-foot plot after adopting SRI techniques. Additionally, the crop cycle was reduced to approximately 130 days, enabling earlier market access.
Agricultural practitioners note that SRI not only increases productivity but also reduces dependence on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, thereby lowering production costs and mitigating environmental impact.
The adoption of SRI is being supported by organizations such as World Neighbors, which collaborates with local communities to promote low-cost, sustainable farming innovations. The initiative has seen growing participation, particularly among women farmers.
As climate variability and global market disruptions continue to affect agriculture, sustainable practices like SRI are expected to play a critical role in strengthening food security and rural livelihoods in Nepal.
