Rice has long been a staple food and the foundation of livelihoods in many countries. It thrives in fields from sea level to over 3,000 meters and can grow in diverse agro-ecological environments. Throughout history, rice cultivation has undergone many changes, with current trends like the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) being part of this evolution. Originally, rice was directly sown or grown in nurseries and then transplanted. Improved irrigation infrastructures have made planting schedules more predictable, making transplantation popular. However, due to high production costs and greenhouse gas emissions, direct seeding and water-saving irrigation are regaining importance.
Conventional Rice Cultivation Methods
Conventional rice cultivation methods are traditional techniques applied in many regions worldwide. These methods include using flood irrigation, chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and frequent plowing.
Advantages:
- Proven Method : Long-tested techniques that often deliver good yields.
- Input Availability : Easy access to chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
- Suitable for Family Farms : Fits well with family-run farms with limited resources.
Disadvantages:
- Environmental Impact : High water consumption and pollution from chemical inputs.
- Cost-Intensive : High costs for fertilizers and pesticides.
- Soil Compaction : Plowing can lead to soil compaction and erosion.
The SRI Method (System of Rice Intensification)
The SRI method is an alternative cultivation technique aimed at increasing yields and optimizing resource use by using less water, fertilizer, and pesticides.
Advantages:
- Yield Increase : Can achieve higher yields per hectare.
- Water Efficient : Reduced water consumption compared to conventional methods.
- Lower Input : Less need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
- Soil Improvement: Promotes soil health and reduces soil erosion.
Disadvantages:
- Learning Curve: Requires training and adaptation of cultivation practices.
- Labor-Intensive: May require more labor.
- Climate-Dependent: Effectiveness can vary based on local climatic conditions.
The Hi-Rice Method by Michael Blatter
A revolutionary method is now setting new standards in rice cultivation: the Hi-Rice method, developed by Swiss innovator Michael Blatter, has the potential to transform rice farming worldwide.
Overview:
The Hi-Rice method is a dry method where rice seeds are sown in containers and watered like “flowers in pots.” This technique requires only a fraction of the water used in traditional methods—at most one-tenth—making it particularly revolutionary in times of increasing water scarcity.
Another remarkable advantage of the Hi-Rice method is the ability to harvest at least three to four times a year on the same area, significantly boosting productivity. This method has been successfully practiced in Ticino and especially in Thailand for the past two years. Thanks to the containers, the growing rice is uncontaminated, providing another major benefit. The rice is treated with natural fertilizers that any farmer can grow themselves, eliminating dependence on specialized large companies.
Seed:
Michael Blatter developed and extensively tested the seeds over 12 years in Switzerland. In field trials, they have proven to be highly efficient. The seeds are naturally based and result from crossing suitable rice varieties. The patent is exclusively held by Michael Blatter, and the production and propagation of the seeds are strictly controlled. The patent is extremely valuable and could be worth several dozen million euros.
Zero Rice:
Another breakthrough in rice variety development for the Hi-Rice method is “sugarless” rice, ideal for diabetics, hospitals, and health-conscious individuals. Products like rice cakes, rice crackers, rice vinegar, and rice bread have the potential to become popular foods soon.
Advantages of the Hi-Rice Method:
- Yield Increase: Extremely high yields per hectare—up to four harvests per year.
- Water Efficient: Only 10% of the water consumption compared to conventional methods.
- Lower Input: No need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
- Soil Improvement: Promotes soil health and reduces soil erosion.
- Quality Assurance: Exact rules ensure high quality and reliability of rice varieties.
- No Sales Risk: Farmers receive fair compensation and bear no sales risk.
Disadvantages:
- Dependency: The seeds are patented, and farmers must strictly adhere to Hi-Rice regulations.
- Strict Control: The method requires high discipline and is strictly monitored year-round.
The Revolutionary Aspects of the Hi-Rice Method
The Hi-Rice method stands out significantly from conventional rice cultivation methods and the SRI method. While conventional methods and SRI rely on high water consumption and intensive care, Hi-Rice revolutionizes rice cultivation by drastically reducing water requirements and eliminating chemical fertilizers. The container method allows for a clean, contamination-free environment and enables harvesting three to four times a year on the same area—a tremendous advantage over the one or two harvests possible with other methods.
The seeds, developed and tested by Michael Blatter over twelve years in Switzerland, represent another revolutionary aspect of the Hi-Rice method. This natural, non-GMO seed variety guarantees high efficiency and productivity and is patented. The patent protection, strictly controlled, ensures the exclusivity of this method and elevates its value to a level far exceeding several dozen million euros. This is a remarkable triumph for an innovative Swiss product gaining worldwide attention.
Conclusion and Future Prospects
Michael Blatter’s Hi-Rice method represents a significant advancement in rice cultivation. It combines high yields with minimal water consumption and relies on environmentally friendly practices. The ability to harvest multiple times a year offers unprecedented efficiency and economic benefits for farmers. Additionally, the development of “sugarless” rice demonstrates potential for health-beneficial food innovations.
The future of rice cultivation looks promising with the Hi-Rice method. It could improve food security in many parts of the world while contributing significantly to environmental protection. Michael Blatter’s visionary work, a true Swiss product, could pave the way for more sustainable and efficient agriculture, playing a key role in global food production.
