Management of rice production systems to increase productivity

practices are 2 to 3 times higher than the national rice yield averages in The
Gambia and the Sahel generally. SRI offers opportunities to raise production
with less water. SRI methodology for growing lowland rice, changes plant,
soil, water and nutrient management practices. These changes cause rice
genomes to yield more productive phenotypes: ones with more tillers, much
larger root systems, and a positive correlation between tillering and grain
filling. SRI management practices are capable of producing higher rice yields
than conventional management practices. Yields with this set of management
practices are 2 to 3 times higher than the national rice yield averages in The
Gambia and the Sahel.
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Improving the productivity of the soil, water, labor and capital
investment, with SRI gives benefits that can spread widely through the
economy and contribute to important macroeconomic goals. In fact, improved
resource efficiency is in itself a major source of economic growth.
The utilization of the findings in this research work can help lower
production costs and increase yields, raising per capita food production while
alleviating degradation of land and water resources.
4.2. Prospects
The research findings identify new sources of growth in rice output in
The Gambia. These findings are based on scientific approaches different from
those on which conventional rice production is based. The findings give scope
for great optimism, suggesting that massive growth in rice productivity can be
attained through three major sources. Namely, the intensification of
production in currently cultivated lands, reduction of production costs as a