Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The System of Rice Intensification (SRI) is a methodology aimed at increasing the yield of rice produced while using fewer resources.
Instead of conventional flooding and dense transplanting, SRI emphasizes planting single young seedlings at a wider spacing.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
In conventional transplanting methods, the seed rate is high, typically around 35 to 40 kg/ha.
Under SRI, seedlings are transplanted very young (typically 8 to 12 days old) with wider square spacing of 25 cm by 25 cm.
Because only one seedling is planted per hill, the overall seed requirement is drastically reduced.
The recommended seed rate under the SRI method is approximately 5 to 7 kg/ha, which fits within the range of 5 - 10 kg/ha.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The required seed rate is 5 - 10 kg/ha, corresponding to Option (B).