Kerala government signs pact with International Rice Research Institute to promote low-emission rice cultivation
The Agriculture department described the agreement as a 'landmark' initiative aimed at promoting climate smart agriculture in the State. The agreement was signed by Vishnuraj P., Additional Project Director, KERA, and Virender Kumar, Research Director, Sustainable Impact through Rice-based Systems (SIRS), IRRI on Wednesday in Thiruvananthapuram.
With Palakkad and Thrissur as focus areas, the collaboration will focus on developing Low Emission Packages (LEPs), promoting digital water management systems and introducing farmer-centric solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve water-use efficiency, and enhance agricultural livelihoods.
Across 22,000 hectares
The project will be implemented across 22,000 hectares, targeting 45,000 farmers in major rice-producing zones, including Palakkad's canal-irrigated uplands and Thrissur's kole wetlands.
'These regions are significant contributors to methane emissions in Kerala's agricultural landscape. The project introduces Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) irrigation techniques, digital monitoring, and sustainable agronomic practices to help transition to low-emission rice systems,' the Agriculture department said in a statement.
The partnership includes key institutions such as the Kerala Agricultural University (KAU), Centre for Water Resources Development and Management (CWRDM) and Paadasekhara Samitis.
'The IRRI's water-saving interventions are pivotal in enhancing water utility without compromising crop productivity. These sustainable technologies also pave the way for future participation in carbon trading mechanisms,' said Mr. Vishnuraj.
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