1. S. PUSHPALATHA, Chairperson, Ekoventure NGO, Puducherry IMPACT OF SRI IN COMBINATION WITH EFFECTIVE MICROORGANISM TECHNOLOGY

2. EFFECTIVE MICROORGANISM (E.M) TECHNOLOGY E.M was founded in the early 1980s by Dr. Teruo Higa, Horticultural Professor, Japan E.M is a group of co-existing microorganisms in a culture solution. They are: Naturally available Not genetically modified Environmentally friendly Display co-existence and co-prosperity Photosynthetic bacteria are considered as the pivot of E.M technology

3. E.M contains mainly: Lactic Acid Bacteria (Lactobacillus casei) Found in yogurt and pickles, they produce lactic acid from sugars and carbohydrates and suppress harmful micro- organisms and enhance decomposition of organic matter Photosynthetic Bacteria Synthesize useful substances like amino acids, nucleic acids, etc. from organic matter and harmful gases(H 2 S) (Rhodopseudomonas palustris) Synthesize useful substances like amino acids, nucleic acids, etc. from organic matter and harmful gases(H 2 S) Yeast Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) Synthesize anti-microbial and other useful substances required for plant growth from amino acids and sugars produced by photosynthetic bacteria

4. Lactobacillus keeps away harmful microbes LACTIC ACID BACTERIA

5. Transforms harmful gases such as ammonia and hydrogen sulfide and converts them into odorless gases Offensive Smell Ammonia Hydrogen Odorless Gas Kitchen garbage, animal shed waste, sludge etc. PHOTOSYNTHETIC BACTERIA

6. The Bioactive Substances Such as Hormones and Enzymes produced by Yeasts Promote Active Cell and Root Division Yeast

7. E.M TECHNOLOGY IN SRI FIELDS ACTIVATED E.M

8. E.M Fermented Plant Extract (EM-FPE) to control pests EM-FPE E.M TECHNOLOGY IN SRI FIELDS 10. Euphorbia – Euphorbia tirucalli 2. Papaya – Carica papaya 3. Vitex – Vitex negundo 4. Pongam – Pongamia pinnata 7. Custard apple – Annona squamosa 6. Tulasi – Ocimum spp 5. Calotropis – Calotropis gigantea 8. Lantana – Lantana camara 9. Periwinkle – Vinca rosea 1. Neem – Azadirachta indica About 10-15 types of locally available leaves are soaked with Activated E.M for 7 days

9. INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT BIRD PERCHPHEROMONE TRAP TRICHOGRAMMA PARASITOID PREDATORS

10. PROBLEMS FACED 1. Agricultural labourers unwilling to transplant young seedlings 2. Psychological fear of farmers 3. Improper water management – no proper drainage facilities 4. Regular monitoring of field by the farmer is required

11. FFS TRAINING EXPOSURE VISITS PUBLICITY PROMOTION OF SRI THROUGH …

12. COST OF CULTIVATION

13. RESULTS OF SRI FIELDS DURING JAN’06 TO JUNE’07

15. IMPACT OF SRI IN ADJOINING VILLAGES …. 1. Seed rate reduced – to 5-10 Kg per acre 2. Adopt row planting –25 cm between rows 3. Use cono-weeder At present, to pluck seedlings for 1 acre, it costs Rs. 600 to Rs. 1000