System Rice intensification Project launched in the Northern Region 15

The Savannah Agricultural Research Institute, SARI has introduced a System Rice Intensification project to smallholder farmers in the northern region to improve rice yield in the various rice zones in the country. The initiative is also an attempt to ensure that the country meets its rice production deficit to enhance food security. The System of rice intensification is an agro-ecological methodology aimed at increasing the productivity of irrigated rice by changing the management of plants,soil,water and nutrients. Available statistics also shows that rice production has double for the past ten years but then the country still produce 30 percent of what we need to consume, because the yields have remain stagnant. However, the introduction of the System of Rice intensification project will help address the challenges confronting the rice industry by improving pest and diseases tolerance and also require less chemical fertilizer. In an interview, the National Coordinator for the SRI Project, Dr. Wilson Dogbe believe this system will boost the rice production in Ghana through the engagement of farmers at the rural areas. A Rice farmer, Amoah Duncan who has been practicing the SRI farming method shares his experience. The SRI project is a one million dollar world bank funded project, targeting about ten thousand farmers for a five year period within the rice zones. From Tolon, Noah Nash for Viasat one news