System of Rice Intensification (SRI) Methods in Bihar: A District Level Study

This study is based on primary data collected from 840 farm households of 14 districts of Bihar following stratified random sampling procedure. This study examines socio-economic conditions of SRI farmers and their views on SRI and its effects on paddy and wheat in Bihar. Analysis shows that preference for SRI technique in paddy and wheat is higher among male farmers than those of female. Literate farmers have more preference for SRI. Increase in literacy among farmers can improve agriculture productivity in Bihar. The analysis finds significant increase in productivity of paddy and wheat after using SRI technique. However, limitations reported by the farmers include labour intensive nature of SRI, shortage of skilled labour and lack of machine diversifications useful for different nature of soil which are responsible for the low preference of SRI among farmers. Thus, the study suggests that training of farmers at panchayat or village level, effective Kisan call centre facility, proper display of SRI at village or panchayat level and regular studies are essential to promote the use of SRI in Bihar.