Low emissions rice and the way forward

Rice consumption is expected to increase by up to 50% from 2010 levels by 2050, with demand largely in Asia and, more recently in Africa. Rice-growing areas will need to intensify and expand in these regions. Conventional intensified irrigated rice systems have been critical in ensuring global food security. They are also among the major sources of anthropogenic Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, particularly methane and nitrous oxide. Practice changes towards climate-smart agriculture and low-emissions management, such as direct seeded rice (DSR), alternate wetting and drying (AWD), short duration variety and improved straw management, have led to increased yields, reduced inputs use and cost of production, and GHG emission reductions averaging from 7% to 30% across different regions. These benefits are site-specific and depend on the local context of production, requiring strategic packaging and targeted implementation. This presentation will provide an overview of our current understanding of the impacts and co-benefits of proven low-emission practices as well as the challenges to their scalability. We will also explore emerging technologies such as varietal improvement and soil health engineering that present potential for emission reductions. Finally, we will discuss how these solutions can accelerate the system transformation and how partnerships and collaboration among development organisations, private and public institutions can co-create ethical and sustainable impact for rice farmers, consumers, and the planet at scale.