Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

TRANSFORMING THE ECONOMY OF SMALL SCALE RICE FARMERS IN MALAYSIA VIA SYSTEM OF RICE INTENSIFICATION (SRI)

Febri Doni, Anizan Isahak, Rospidah Ghazali, Che Radziah Che Mohd Zain, Norela Sulaiman Chamhuri Siwar3 and Wan Mohtar Wan Yusoff

Abstract

Malaysia is facing food security issues as it struggles to supply adequately the population’s staple food, namely rice. The conventional rice planting method is observed to be ineffective in increasing the nation’s rice production, compounded further by the frequent occurrence of various diseases, pest infestations and weather uncertainties. The long term practice of using high chemical inputs has adversely affected the country’s natural resources such as water, soil and air. Rice farmers, who once were self-sustaining by having their own rice stock supplies, now need to purchase rice to fulfill their family’s needs. Farming transformation is much needed in order to address the nation’s food security. This transformation can be done via the involvement of small-scale farmers. System of Rice Intensification (SRI) is a method that has the potential to give a big positive impact on the rice sector and food security. Research based on field trials by farmers show that SRI gives satisfactory results and high economic productivity. This method can be used by small farmers in fulfilling their family’s rice needs and contribute to the nation’s food security.