Reducing Methane Emissions in Rice Cultivation: Lessons from Vietnam
GS-3 Mains
Revision Notes
Question : Examine the methods employed by Vietnamese rice farmers to reduce methane emissions in rice cultivation. How effective are these techniques in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining agricultural productivity?
Context: Vietnamese rice farmers are leading the way in developing methods to cut down on methane emissions from rice production.
Vietnamese Model:
- Irrigation:
- Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD): This water-saving technique keeps paddies moist but not constantly flooded, reducing methane-producing bacteria.
- Drone Technology: Drones are used for tasks like applying fertilizer, saving labor costs.
- Stubble Disposal:
- Rice stubble burning is avoided: Stubble is collected for use as livestock feed or to grow mushrooms, reducing air pollution.
Why is Methane Emitted from Rice Fields?
- Rice is a semi-aquatic plant grown in flooded fields, creating ideal conditions for methane-producing bacteria.
- Decomposing organic matter (rice straw) in stagnant water fuels these bacteria.
- Overuse of nitrogen fertilizers leads to nitrous oxide emissions, another greenhouse gas.
- Rice production accounts for roughly 10% of global methane emissions.
India’s Methane Challenge:
- Agriculture is the biggest source of methane emissions in India (74%).
- Enteric fermentation (from livestock) and paddy cultivation are the main culprits.
India’s Efforts to Reduce Methane:
- National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA): Promotes climate-smart practices for rice cultivation.
- National Livestock Mission: Encourages practices like green fodder production to reduce livestock methane emissions.
- Biogas Programs: Promote using biogas from cattle dung and organic waste, reducing methane release into the atmosphere.
- New National Biogas and Organic Manure Programme (NNBOMP)
- Gobar-Dhan scheme
- India is not currently part of the Global Methane Pledge to reduce methane emissions by 30% by 2030.
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