The adoption of the system of rice intensification (SRI) in Tram Kak District, Takeo Province, Cambodia: The case study of leading farmers

This study discusses the innovation adoption of leading farmers and their problems and suggestions. A focus group discussion was conducted on leading farmers of the Tram Kak District, Takeo Province, Thailand, who first adopted the system of rice intensification (SRI). Findings showed that leading farmers observed the system of rice intensification (SRI) after attending the training course which was organized by Centre d'Etude et de Développement Agricole Cambodgien (CEDAC). They utilized their knowledge in fertilizer usage, and the advantages and disadvantages of chemical and organic fertilizers. In addition, the leading farmers adopted the SRI principles and practices, and they also shared knowledge, practices, and experiences to family members and other farmers both in and outside district by face-to-face, informal meeting, and group discussion methods. The rice paddy yield increased from the former average of 2 t/ha to 2.8 t/ha when farmers shifted to SRI. However, the problems that they encountered were: low soil fertility, labour shortage, lack of irrigation system, drainage and water sources, lack of organic fertilizer, natural disaster, lack of diseases and pest control knowledge. Farmers looked forward to obtaining the assistance of the government or the NGOs in addressing their problems.

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