The immersive course on the field (IFC) of Professor Vikram Gandhi (IFC) “Development in decarbonization: the path from India to Net-Zero” has plunged into the critical aspect of the objectives of decarbonization and sustainability in the middle of the rapid development of India. The course presented to students the opportunity to advance their knowledge of sustainability efforts, decarbonization and zero net in the context of a broader development program. The class resulted in a series of visits to the site in January 2025 in Mumbai and Bangalore and it is one of the 9 student trials that highlights their reflections on the discovery of sustainable solutions across the country.
The culture of rice is at the heart of the agricultural landscape of India, nourishing more than 60% of the population and supporting the means of subsistence of millions. As a second producer of rice in the world, India contributes almost 20% of world rice production. However, this cornerstone of food security is accompanied by a heavy environmental cost – responsible for around 35% of total methane emissions from India. Tackling the environmental impact of rice cultivation while protecting the means of subsistence of farmers is a monumental challenge. Thanks to our research and our visits to the site, we have explored innovative strategies to decarbonize the culture of rice, by focusing on sustainable practices, alternatives of viable cultures and the essential role of policy and financial support.
The challenge of emissions in agriculture rice
Flooded rice fields, essential for the cultivation of traditional rice, create anaerobic conditions that promote bacteria producing methane. This, combined with inappropriate residue management practices and the overculying of fertilizers exacerbate greenhouse gas emissions.
The sector of India Rice Farming is also very vulnerable to climate change. The rise in temperatures, the rarity of water and extreme weather events threaten yields, studies showing that an increase of 1 ° C of the night temperature could reduce rice yields up to 10%.
Indian farmers are not able to charge a premium for sustainable products either, which limits their interest in changing.
Innovative practices to mitigate programs
Our research has identified several practices to reduce emissions while maintaining agricultural productivity and commercial viability: 1 and 1 Alternative wetting and drying (AWD): This method intermittently drains the fields instead of continuous floods, reducing methane emissions and retaining water. 2 Direct rice (DSR): A method of cultivating rice by planting seeds directly on the ground instead of transplanting the sowing of a nursery. 3 and 3 Management of precision nutrients: Optimization of the application of fertilizer minimizes nitrogen oxide emissions and improves soil health. 4 Rice straw management: Alternatives such as the incorporation of straw in the soil or use it for bioenergy production prevent emissions from burning straw. 5 Varieties of rice resilients in the climate: The development of rice strains that require less water and produce lower methane emissions provides a long -term solution to climate risks.
Explore alternatives to rice
The transition from Paddy farming with a high intensity of water to alternative crops offers an opportunity to balance food production with ecological sustainability. Viable alternatives include: ● Miller: Grains resistant to drought which require a minimum of water and fertilizers while enriching soil health. ● Legumes and legumes: These nitrogen fixing crops reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers, retain water and offer various flows of income for farmers. ● Jute: With its negligible carbon footprint and its demand for ecological products, the jute offers economic and environmental advantages.
For these alternatives to succeed, robust market systems, investment in infrastructure and consumer awareness campaigns are essential.
To take away from our visits to the site
Our visit with Stringbio, Varaha and Mitti has provided first -hand information about innovative ways in which Indian companies are concerned with the challenges of agricultural sustainability.
Stringbio: revolutionizing agriculture with cleaning
The Stringbio cleaning solution changes the game in rice cultivation. Using a sparkling raw material, cleaning improves rice productivity from 15 to 20% while improving the quality of grains and reducing methane emissions by 50%. Farmers also benefit financially, winning 1 to 2 carbon credits per culture acre. With the potential to generate 11 to 15 million carbon credits per year, Stringbio stimulates economic and environmental benefits.
The focus put by the company on affordability and commercial viability guarantees accessibility for small operators and the economic balance of unit units and environmental objectives is at the heart of their success.
During our visit to Stringbio, we had the privilege of visiting their factory, which, although still partially under construction, was deeply impressive. The founders have spoken of many challenges in its construction, but mentioned that government support and zeal to promote sustainability have been enormous.
Varaha: Advance carbon neutrality
Varaha is a climate-tech startup helping farmers adopt regenerative agriculture practices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and generate carbon credits. Key techniques include:
● Direct rice (DSR): Plant rice seeds directly in the ground without plowing. ● Culture residue management: Improve soil health while reducing burns emissions. ● Rotation of cultures and covers: Stimulate fertility and resilience of the soil through sustainable planting cycles.
Using remote sensing and automatic learning, Varaha validates farmers’ practices, quantifies the reductions in emissions and sells the resulting carbon credits. These credits offer farmers an additional income while supporting the objectives of carbon neutrality of companies.
Although the Indian carbon market is currently voluntary, Varaha is preparing for the transition to a regulated system, ensuring that credits meet strict standards, including proof of permanence. Varaha’s work not only reduces emissions but also improves soil health, increases yields and improves climate resilience, demonstrating how carbon markets can create shared value for businesses, farmers and the environment.
Mittilabs: empowering farmers through climate action
Mitti’s mission focuses on the alignment of farmers’ well-being on climatic objectives. By diversifying its sources of income beyond carbon credits, Mitti aims to create lasting impacts on the quality of life of farmers. Leadership highlighted the importance of CO-ATTCS, such as reducing methane emissions while improving farmers’ income, as key engines in their strategy.
During our visit, Mitti also underlined the need for robust verification systems to ensure an environmental impact while strengthening confidence with farmers and investors. Their approach underlines how sustainability efforts can be both inclusive and impactful.
Key themes between companies 1 and 1 Farmers centered solutions: Each company has focused on practical and scalable innovations that directly benefit farmers. 2 Integration with carbon markets: Taking advantage of the carbon markets to encourage sustainable practices is a shared priority, although sharing fair services remains a challenge. 3 and 3 Balance profitability and impact: From the evolutionary economy of Stringbio to the diversification of Mitti’s income, these companies have shown that sustainability and economic success can be complementary.
The role of policy and financial support
Politicians reform is essential to develop sustainable practices. India methane reduction objectives should align with its commitments from the Paris Agreement, providing a framework for the agricultural sector to decarbonize. The integration of rice farming into carbon credit programs could encourage farmers to adopt low -emission practices while generating additional income.
Financial mechanisms such as AWD equipment subsidies, bi -fertilizers and residue management tools can further reduce obstacles to adoption. Collaborative financing models, mixing public and private investments, offer a promising path to develop innovations.
Conclusion
India’s journey towards decarbonization of rice is both a challenge and an opportunity. The solutions that we have observed – from the transformative technology of cleritrise to the accent put by Mitti on the empowerment of farmers – noted the potential of innovation to stimulate a significant change.
Achievement of sustainability in rice field requires a several -strict approach: adopting adaptive practices, promoting the diversification of cultures, integrating into carbon markets, reaching commercial viability and promulgating support policies. With the right mixture of innovation, collaboration and commitment, India can open the way to the creation of a sustainable agricultural future that benefits farmers and the planet.
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