As the global population is projected to reach 10 billion by 2050, rice production must increase by 25% to meet the rising demand. However, rice cultivation presents a unique challenge, as it contributes significantly to climate change—accounting for 12% of methane emissions and 1.5% of global greenhouse gases.

Additionally, rice consumes around 34-43% of the world’s total irrigation water, making it a key factor in both food security and environmental sustainability.

To address these challenges, the need for more sustainable and resource-efficient rice production systems is critical. Regenerative agriculture, particularly Direct Seeded Rice (DSR), offers a promising solution. DSR reduces water usage, methane emissions, and the need for labor-intensive transplanting, making it a climate-friendly alternative to traditional rice farming methods.

The upcoming International Rice Congress will unite innovators and industry leaders to explore such solutions, aiming to create economically viable and sustainable rice cultivation systems. The urgency to transform rice production into a more climate-resilient system is clear, and collaboration is key to ensuring both food security and environmental sustainability for the future.

Ref: Article published @IRRI