Dear SRI Nepal Network,

please find below a relevant message I forward from Peter Hobbs.

Andreas

Dear All: This message is a request for all people who are promoting SRI. I am a supporter of SRI since I believe the components of SRI are good rice agronomy. I also feel the extension of SRI to farmers allows them to look at the way they grow rice and make improvements that can lead to higher production, although markets for the extra rice and issues of sustainability of production over time also need to be considered. My request is to ask all of you to take the extra effort to include a check plot along side the SRI plot for a valid comparison. Also to describe in detail the various management practices for the SRI and check plot. The check plot should be the recommended practice for rice in your area. Also describe how the yield of the two plots was measured and the yield calculated. This will help provide good data for making valid comparisons. I hope this request can help resolve differences in the community in regard to SRI and its benefits. Best regards Peter

Peter R. Hobbs
609 Bradfield Hall, Cornell University
Ithaca NY 14853
Phone: 607-254-7295
Fax: 607-255-2644
Web page: http://www.css.cornell.edu/faculty/hobbs/index.htm