Introduction
Sre Laar (SRL) is a sustainable rice production system that adapts the core principles of the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) and other best practices to direct-seeded rice systems. SRL is designed to create optimal growth conditions that allow rice plants to reach their full natural potential. This results in higher yields, improved farmer incomes, healthier soils, and more resilient crops.
SRL also contributes to low-carbon rice farming and climate change mitigation. By integrating biochar-based organic fertilizers, reducing chemical inputs, and adopting efficient water and nutrient management, SRL lowers greenhouse gas emissions, enhances soil carbon sequestration, and supports climate-smart agriculture.
Commune Agriculture Officers (CAOs) of MAFF serve as frontline promoters of SRL across more than 1,000 rice-farming communes in Cambodia. From 2023 to 2028, the target is to reach at least 1 million rice farmers, helping them adopt practices that improve productivity, sustainability, and competitiveness of Cambodian rice.
The Seven Principles and Practices of SRL
- Land Leveling
Ensure fields are well-leveled to promote uniform distribution of water, seeds, and nutrients. Proper leveling helps:
- Reduce weed problems
- Improve efficiency of water, fertilizers, and seeds
- Minimize the need for herbicides
- Integrated Nutrient Management
Use integrated nutrient management with an emphasis on biochar-based organic fertilizers, stubble incorporation, and green manure cropping. These practices improve soil structure, nutrient retention, and water-holding capacity, while contributing to carbon sequestration.
The integrated approach includes five types of fertilizers (Pentagon Fertilizers):
- Fertilizer to improve soil health and root growth
- Fertilizer to feed crops through roots
- Fertilizer to feed crops through leaves
- Fertilizer to stimulate root growth and photosynthesis
- Fertilizer to enhance crop resistance and protection
- Use of High-Quality Seeds
Select high-quality seeds that are pure, full-grain, and high-germination to:
- Improve germination and crop vigor
- Increase resistance to pests and diseases
- Allow reduced seed rates and uniform plant growth
- Optimal Spacing
Manage plant spacing so each rice plant has sufficient room to fully utilize sunlight, water, and nutrients, maximizing yield potential.
- Furrow Establishment
Create furrows 3–5 meters apart to:
- Improve water distribution and drainage
- Enhance soil aeration
- Facilitate field monitoring
- Provide space for strong root and crop development
- Water Management
Adopt Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) to maintain optimal soil moisture:
- Keep minimal water in the field to improve soil aeration
- Promote healthy root growth
- Reduce methane emissions, contributing to low-carbon rice farming
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Reduce pesticide use through preventive and ecological measures:
- Regular crop monitoring
- Use natural repellents and biological control (e.g., wood vinegar, botanical pesticides)
- Apply approved pesticides only as a last resort and in targeted areas
Adoption and Synergy
Farmers may adopt some or all SRL principles, but maximum benefits occur when all seven are applied together. Combined adoption generates synergistic effects, including:
- Higher yields and productivity
- Lower production costs per kilogram of paddy
- Reduced chemical fertilizer and pesticide use
- Improved soil fertility and biodiversity
- Greater resilience to droughts and floods
- Enhanced soil carbon sequestration and contribution to climate change mitigation
Addressing Farmer Resistance at the beginning
Some farmers may initially resist SRL practices such as:
- Reduced seed rates
- AWD water management
- Use of organic fertilizers over chemical inputs
- Reduced pesticide application
To overcome resistance, CAOs start with small farmer groups, ensure systematic implementation, and provide regular follow-up. Successful demonstrations encourage wider adoption.
Conclusion
Adopting Sre Laar (SRL) transforms rice farming into a highly productive, resilient, and sustainable system. By following these principles, farmers can achieve:
- Higher yields and improved paddy quality
- Increased net income
- Healthier soils and reduced dependency on imported chemicals
- Greater resilience to climate variability
- Lower greenhouse gas emissions and increased carbon sequestration through biochar use
- Climate-smart and low-carbon rice production
Beyond rice, SRL principles can be adapted to other crops, promoting long-term agricultural sustainability, competitiveness, and climate resilience. Through SRL, Cambodia can advance toward a modern, efficient, environmentally responsible, and low-carbon rice sector, benefiting millions of farmers and contributing to climate change mitigation.
Yang Saing Koma (MAFF), Revised October 2025