Confronting climate risks: a novel climate smart rice production system based on SRI and new varieties in Chile

Rice production faces multiple increasing risks. linked to climate change (extreme weather, water scarcity, GHG emissions) as well as the reduction of arable land and the high cost of critical inputs (seed and agrochemicals), among others. Rice is important for food security, but in Chile, national production does not meet demand and the growing challenges are reducing number of rice producers. Since 2017, INIA Chile and IICA have been working on developing a new rice production system, adapting principles of the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) to Latin American paddy rice fields and integrating new rice varieties. The Climate Smart Rice System [KW1] (CSRS), is based on low seeding density (less than 70 kg/ha), drill seeding (30 cm between rows), mixed weed control (lower herbicide use combined with mechanical control), soil aeration [KW2] and intermittent irrigation during the complete rice life cycle to avoid flooding and GHG emissions). To develop the system, a participatory co-innovation methodology was used. Six Participatory Innovation Groups (GIP) were created in 2021, which included farmers, researchers, extensionists and farm advisors in the Maule Region and Ñuble Region, which together cover 100% of the Chilean rice production area. Last season (2022/2023), one hectare of CSRS was established in the paddy field of a farmer from each GIP. Three temperate japonica rice varieties were used (Jaspe FL INIA, Quila300502 and Zafiro INIA), two new cultivars (early maturing varieties) and one widely cultivated traditional variety. All fields were managed by adapted agronomic practices of CSRS, defined in participatory workshops with each GIP. Group discussion sessions were held throughout the crop cycle to evaluate the performance of the new system, identify challenges and benefits, and compare it with the conventional rice production system of each farmer. All fields established on time (before October 15), yielded more than 8t/ha, using 50% less water, 60% less seed, and reduced amounts of fertilizers and herbicides, compared to conventional production systems using pregerminated seed, drill seeding and flooding. Results demonstrated multiple agronomic, environmental and economic [KW3] benefits including addressing the major limitation of water availability for rice production in Chile and should be scaled up. Keywords: sustainable rice, water saving, sustainable food system, farmer innovation, SRI