Promoting the System of Rice Intensification method among Tanzania scientists

26/02/2024

MSSRF was selected as a technical agency to promote the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) method of paddy cultivation, digital agriculture and plant health management through the Plant Clinic programme in Tanzania through a project supported by National Institute of Bio-Economic Research (NIBIO), Norway. This is an effort to build institutional capacity on climate-smart and resource-efficient rice production systems focusing on SRI. An agreement has been signed between Norwegian Institute of Bio- Economy Research (NIBIO) and MSSRF for this initiative.

Dr R Rajkumar, Principal Scientist MSSRF, visited to Tanzania in January 2024, participating at the annual workshop held in Uyole, Mbeya, and visited the field. He trained the farmers on the SRI method of paddy cultivation including land levelling, mat nursery establishment, line transplantation, water use efficiency, weed management, integrated pest management, and nutrition management. Hands-on training on the plant clinic programme was also given to encourage timely, appropriate solutions that address plant health issues and using of digital tools for agricultural extension services. 40 scientists including those from TARI and agriculture extension officials participated in the training. The participants expressed that the training was useful to build the capacity of farmers to reduce yield loss and increase productivity.