Patna, Jan. 27: Good news for farmers, they will be able to harvest more rice by using less number of seedlings.

Chief minister Nitish Kumar today inaugurated the system of rice intensification (SRI) at Sri Krishna Memorial Hall that would make that possible.

Kumar announced that the honorarium given to the newly appointed subject matter specialists (SMS) would be hiked to Rs 15,000 from Rs 8,000 from April 1 this year. Nitish also said considering the climatic changes, new techniques have to be adopted to ensure better results using less water.

Abhanshu C. Jain, deputy director, agriculture (information), Bihar, said: “Usually 14 to 15 seedlings produced 25-30 tillers but under SRI, about 40 to 70 tillers per seedlings. Thus, less number of seedlings would be required.”

Jain added: “Each of the seedlings has to be sowed in separately but the results are very fruitful. These are used in rows and Conoweeder is used in between the rows as a result of which weeds are dead in water itself. This process leads to better aeration and then the root growth is better also.”

Addressing 2,279 SMS at a workshop on agriculture expansion and rebirth for them, Nitish said the state was continuously experiencing climate changes. He also spoke of food protection that is getting difficult by the day. He said climate change lead to less production. Farmers will get the equipment needed for SRI.

SRI is supposed to double and at times, treble the rice production in the state. It is to be implemented in all 38 districts of Bihar and in around 3.5 lakh hectare area in 2011-12. Two kg per hectare less seedlings would be spent that would also ensure less use of water.

Chairing the event, agriculture minister Narendra Singh said: “The department of agriculture has to travel far and wide and has to be connected to villages. The subject matter specialists should share their experiences in agriculture with the farmers to the maximum level and for a good cause,” before adding: “Farmers would be given prizes for good work.”