Rice feeds nearly half the world’s population, yet its cultivation contributes significantly to methane emissions. Agri-tech startup Rize is revolutionizing rice farming in Southeast Asia by helping farmers reduce their methane emissions and increase their profits.
The Methane Footprint of Rice Cultivation
Rice cultivation accounts for about 8% of global methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas that is 80 times more effective at trapping heat than CO2 in the first 20 years after it is emitted. This makes rice farming a significant driver of global warming. Methane is produced in rice paddies through anaerobic conditions created by flooding, which promotes the growth of methane-emitting microorganisms.
Rize's Innovative Approach
Rize aims to tackle this problem by introducing sustainable agricultural methods to rice farmers in Indonesia and Vietnam. The startup focuses on smallholder farmers, leveraging CEO Dhruv Sawney’s experience with the Indian sustainable agriculture app ‘nurture.farm’, which successfully engaged 1.5 million smallholders.
Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD)
One of Rize’s key techniques is Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD), where rice paddies are periodically allowed to dry out before being reflooded. Studies have shown that AWD can reduce methane emissions by up to 50%. This technique not only reduces emissions but also saves water and increases crop yields.
The Benefits of AWD for Farmers
According to Siem Schreurs, Rize’s partnerships lead, AWD benefits farmers by promoting root growth through controlled water stress, leading to higher yields. This method also reduces water and energy usage, making it a cost-effective solution for smallholder farmers.
Financial Support and Training
To support farmers in adopting AWD, Rize provides essential inputs like rice seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides at reduced prices, eliminating the need for high-interest loans. Each farmer is assigned a dedicated agronomist to guide them through the transition and ensure successful implementation of the new techniques.
Building Trust and Community Engagement
Rize works closely with local farmer cooperatives and government-appointed groups to build trust and ensure long-term adoption of sustainable practices. Through continuous engagement and education, Rize fosters a community-based approach to farming innovation.
Data-Driven Insights
Rize leverages data collection to enhance farming practices and decision-making. By tracking growing conditions and water usage, agronomists can provide targeted feedback to farmers, improving harvests and showcasing the benefits of sustainable farming to potential investors.
The Broader Impact and Future Goals
While Rize’s efforts are a significant step towards reducing methane emissions from rice farming, Schreurs emphasizes the need for broader industry collaboration. The commitment of larger companies and brands to sustainable rice production is crucial for driving systemic change.
In 2021, 111 countries signed the Global Methane Pledge, aiming to reduce methane emissions by 30% by 2030. This pledge underscores the growing awareness of methane’s impact and the need for coordinated efforts across the agricultural sector.
Rize’s innovative approach to rice farming not only helps reduce methane emissions but also provides financial and practical benefits to farmers. By combining sustainable practices with community engagement and data-driven insights, Rize is paving the way for a more environmentally friendly and profitable future for rice cultivation.
Source: Euronews
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