Growing Rice, Healing the Soil: Project Tests New Method in Southern US
By Melinda Martinez, Alexandria Town Talk
Can rice be grown in the southern United States using the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) method?
The SRI method of rice production uses much less water than the traditional way.
That's the question Konda Mason sought to answer when she leased two acres on the outskirts of Alexandria to grow 18 varieties of rice using the SRI method.
"I ran into a friend of mine who has a company," said Mason who leased land from Inglewood Farms. "And she is getting her rice from farmers, primarily in Asia and some in Africa, that are growing rice in a different way. And it's a sustainable way."
Last December, Mason and her crew drove from California to began the experimental project. Two other pilot farmers in Mississippi were also participating in the project.