This special policy brief presents the results of TCI-supported studies aimed at enhancing the productivity of rice farms and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from rice production in Bihar. It examines strategies for increasing the efficiency of nitrogen fertilizer usage and demonstrates that the production context defines the magnitude of the emissions challenge as well as the solutions to address it.

Download the policy brief

Minimizing nitrogen and methane

TCI’s research on rice production focuses on two pathways for reducing emissions and improving productivity—increasing the nitrogen use efficiency of farms and mitigating methane emissions associated with field flooding. With regard to nitrogen, precision fertilizer recommendations can significantly increase productivity while increasing efficiencies and reducing nitrous oxide emissions, especially when irrigation limitations are also addressed. Research on methane demonstrates that the production context defines the magnitude of the emissions challenge as well as the solutions to address them. Technologies, like alternate wetting and drying, will likely have a minor role in reducing current emissions, but may provide the cornerstone of mitigation efforts, as irrigation use rises to close yield gaps.

Zero-Hunger, Zero-Carbon Food Systems

This policy brief was published as part of TCI’s project on Zero-Hunger, Zero-Carbon Food Systems. The project aims to support the reduction of GHG emissions associated with agriculture while improving productivity and benefiting farmer livelihoods.