On October 24, 2024, the SRI Global Research Network hosted another session in its webinar series titled “The Integration of System of Rice Intensification (SRI) with Intercropping.” This webinar featured two remarkable speakers: Francesco C. Zampaolo from SRI-2030 and Tavseef M. Shah from CinSOIL GmbH and Hamburg University of Technology.
Francesco C. Zampaolo shared how conservation agriculture aligns with the principles of the System of Rice Intensification (SRI). He explained how combining these methods can improve soil health, conserve water, and increase crop productivity, offering a win-win solution for sustainable farming.
Tavseef M. Shah presented his work on “iRice – Intercropping Beans with Rice under the SRI.” Shah demonstrated how intercropping rice with legumes under SRI practices can boost yields and naturally enrich soil with nitrogen. This approach not only enhances productivity but also supports ecological balance, making it a powerful tool for farmers seeking sustainable solutions.
The session was moderated by Aisha Abdulkadir from Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria. She guided the discussion, and her insights helped tie ideas together, creating a meaningful dialogue that resonated with the audience. A key takeaway from the session was the enormous potential of integrating SRI with intercropping to create a more sustainable and productive agricultural system. Both speakers highlighted how this combination can help smallholder farmers make the most of their land, improve resilience to climate change, and maintain soil health. They also emphasized the importance of collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and farmers to scale these practices globally.
If you missed the live session, don’t worry—the full recording is available on YouTube. It’s a fantastic resource for anyone passionate about sustainable agriculture and looking for innovative ways to address global challenges.
