Kerala is making significant strides towards sustainable agriculture with the conclusion of a pivotal three-day workshop at Kerala Agricultural University. This event was dedicated to advancing low-carbon rice cultivation throughout the state, signaling a new era for environmentally conscious farming.
The primary goal of the workshop was to forge innovative scientific, technological, and policy frameworks. These strategies are designed to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions stemming from traditional paddy cultivation, playing a crucial role in mitigating the broader impacts of climate change.
Spearheaded by the state-implemented KERA project, this initiative aims to support low-carbon rice farming across an impressive 20,000 hectares of paddy fields in Thrissur and Palakkad districts. A key feature of this ambitious project is the introduction of a Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) system, which will provide farmers with financial incentives for their ecological contributions.
Embracing the AWD Technique
At the heart of this low-carbon approach is the innovative Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) technique, originally developed by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). This method is a game-changer, significantly reducing water usage while simultaneously enabling farmers to generate valuable carbon credits, creating an additional income stream and boosting their economic resilience.
The project’s initial phase will involve a pilot implementation across 500 hectares in Thrissur and Palakkad. The inaugural workshop successfully brought together farmers, leading agricultural experts, and dedicated implementing officers for insightful discussions. Furthermore, the program launched a comprehensive scholarship and technical support scheme, empowering research scholars and aspiring young scientists. Selected participants will benefit from scholarships, a month of immersive summer school at international universities, and six-month research opportunities at esteemed national or global research organizations.
Engaging Panel Discussions and Field Visits
The second day of the workshop featured dynamic sessions led by experts from various national and international organizations. Discussions delved into critical topics such as advanced greenhouse gas mitigation practices in crop management, the integration of digital technologies, cutting-edge carbon reduction strategies, and the innovative use of satellite technologies like NISAR for precise data collection and verification. Students and scientists from Kerala Agricultural University actively participated, contributing to the rich exchange of ideas. These seminars were followed by engaging panel discussions focused on the future of low-carbon rice cultivation and promising research prospects.
On the final day, a dedicated team of experts embarked on a crucial field visit to a project site within the Onpathamuri Kole lands in Thrissur. Here, they engaged in in-depth technical discussions directly with farmer representatives. The expert team also held a productive meeting with Agriculture Minister P. Prasad, collaboratively working to establish clear guidelines for the KERA project’s future endeavors in promoting low-carbon rice cultivation across Kerala.