A Comparative Economic Analysis of SRI and Traditional Methods of Rice Cultivation in Assam

Abstract

With the growing demand for food, an immense need has been realized for increasing the production of rice in Assam. In this context, the technique of system of rice intensification (SRI) holds a promising position. This paper has compared the economics of SRI and the conventional method of rice cultivation. It has shown that B:C ratio is higher for SRI (2.27) than traditional (1.44) methods. The major constraints highlighted by the respondents in adoption of SRI were lack of skilled labour, awareness and training programmes on SRI. The paper has concluded that the SRI technology has benefitted the farmers to a large extent and has aided in their socio-economic upliftment. Further, the adoption of SRI has improved rice production throughout the state and has proved to be a very profitable alternative source of rice production.