What is CASI?
Conservation Agriculture based Sustainable Intensification is a farming system that requires no-tillage. This zero-tillage technology can be used in all crops and cropping systems like, Rice- Wheat, Rice-Maize, Maize-Wheat, Rice-Pulses, Cereal-Pulses, etc.
In CASI, with the help of machine crops are sown causing minimum disturbance to the soil. The residue of the harvest is left on the field instead of burning them. And, different crops are sown at different times on a rotation in a one-year crop cycle on the same land.
Click here to download the principles of CASI poster.
CASI is economic, viable to farmers, and appropriate to South Asian farming systems.
Why do I need CASI?
CASI helps make a farmer’s life simpler and more productive. Just imagine a technology that means you don’t have to pay so much money for tillage, and you can reduce costs and get better yield. you only have to get machinery to your field once at the start of the season to plant, no more tillage. You can also forget about needing to find a lot of labor to weed the fields and even have more time yourself to do other things, be it with your family to make money from new business opportunities and markets.
Click here for real-life stories of farmers who successfully adopted zero-tillage technology
How do I do CASI?
CASI is well suited for Rice, Wheat and Maize crops, but can be used on many other crops like lentils, chickpea and even jute with benefits comparable to tillage planting systems.
The use of CASI machinery allows seeds to be sown with minimum soil disturbance. After harvest, crop residues are left on the field to maintain soil cover and different crops are grown on a rotation to maintain soil health.
Government are also supporting the use of CASI by providing subsidies on machines and equipment to encourage farm mechanization. Farmers can benefit from these schemes and adopt mechanization practices based on their needs and availability. Some government schemes also support farmers to make a communal purchase. In addition, farmers can also engage in service provision by providing rental services to other farmers in the community.
… for more productive, profitable and resilient farming systems
The SRFSI project is a regional research for development collaboration of more than 30 partners, focused on the Eastern Gangetic Plains.
