Rice Is A Greenhouse Gas Emitter; Rice Researchers Have Many Solutions

Rice cultivation has long been recognised as a significant source of methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas produced when organic matter decomposes in the flooded, oxygen-poor conditions typical of traditional rice paddies. While rice farming contributes a smaller share of global greenhouse gases compared to sectors like transport or livestock, it remains one of the largest agricultural sources of methane, particularly in Asia where rice is a dietary staple and occupies vast tracts of land. Addressing emissions from rice fields is therefore a critical component of climate action, and recent advances at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in the Philippines are spearheading a technological transformation in this area. Central to this shift is the adoption of alternate wetting and drying (AWD), a water management technique that replaces continuous flooding with controlled irrigation cycles. By allowing fields to dry to a specified level before re-irrigation, AWD reduces water use by up to 30%, cuts methane emissions significantly, and maintains stable yields. This method is especially notable for its accessibility, requiring minimal investment and training, making it suitable for smallholder farmers across Asia. Alongside AWD, IRRI is promoting complementary practices such as direct-seeded rice, mechanisation, precise land levelling, and improved weed control, which together form an integrated approach to sustainable rice production. More experimental methods like aerobic rice cultivation are also being explored to address water scarcity challenges. A key element in advancing these climate-smart practices is the accurate measurement of emissions. IRRI’s Rice Emissions Measurement and Mitigation Technology (REMET) programme links on-farm techniques to verifiable greenhouse gas data through a combination of field sensors, chamber systems, and laboratory analysis. This robust data framework enables the quantification of emissions reductions, allowing governments to incorporate these practices into national greenhouse gas inventories and potentially facilitating their inclusion in emerging carbon markets. According to IRRI climate expert Ando Radanielson, the simplicity of adjusting water management offers immediate benefits, but the greatest impact arises from integrating multiple technologies to enhance overall farm performance and sustainability. The adoption of these innovations is gaining momentum beyond the Philippines, with IRRI collaborating with partners in Vietnam and other parts of South and Southeast Asia to scale low-emission rice farming models. These efforts aim to align agricultural practices with national climate goals, positioning rice cultivation not only as a vital food source but also as a sector with substantial mitigation potential. Additionally, IRRI is expanding its focus to include crop protection measures, such as improved detection of rice yellowing syndrome, further enhancing the resilience and productivity of rice systems in the face of environmental challenges.