Which of the following principles of system of rice intensification (SRI) largely forced many farmers to disadopt it?
(A). Young seedlings and single seediing/hill
(B). Wider spacing
(C). Mechanical weeding
(D). Intermittent irrigation
(©). Use of organic manure
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
- Young Seedlings & Single Seedling per Hill (A): Transplanting very young (8–12 day old) delicate seedlings with a single plant per hill requires delicate manual skill, making transplanting labor-intensive and causing high mortality risk if water management fluctuates.
- Mechanical Weeding (C): Operating a rotary or cono-weeder 3 to 4 times between wide rows in wet, sticky soil is physically strenuous and demands excessive farm labor, leading to high labor costs.
- Use of Large Quantities of Organic Manure (E): SRI relies heavily on heavy basal applications of FYM or compost (10–15 t/ha), which is scarce, expensive, and difficult for smallholders to procure in bulk.
- Conclusion: Labor constraints associated with delicate young seedlings (A), arduous mechanical cono-weeding (C), and limited availability of organic manure (E) are the primary drivers of farmer disadoption. (Correct answer: Option 2)