BASF Agricultural Solutions and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) are expanding their scientific partnership to accelerate more sustainable rice cultivation, with a new research phase focused on soil health, carbon storage and biochar.
The partners have extended their multi-year “Optimizing Management for Reduction of Greenhouse Gases in Rice” (OPTIMA Rice) collaboration, launched in 2024 to identify practical and economically viable ways for farmers to reduce methane and other greenhouse gas emissions from rice production.
The first phase produced promising results -- it showed that letting rice paddies dry out in controlled intervals, known as Alternate Wetting and Drying, enabled through Direct Seeded Rice, can significantly reduce methane emissions and lower water use without compromising yields.
This is especially important for farmers who are considering participating in carbon farming programs, as they would need to adjust how they irrigate rice paddies. In addition, improved straw management can further lower methane emissions.
The next phase is crucial. BASF and IRRI will shift their focus to soil health – particularly the role of carbon and nitrogen in the soil. Complementing emission reduction, climate-smart farming must preserve soil health to ensure long-term productivity.
"Climate-smart rice systems must work on the farm, not just on paper,” said Marko Grozdanovic, Senior Vice President, Global Strategic Marketing & Sustainability, BASF Agricultural Solutions.
“We know that adopting new approaches is not always easy for farmers. It takes trust, support, and proven solutions. By expanding our collaboration with IRRI, we are strengthening the scientific foundation needed to help farmers implement climate-smart rice practices with confidence, while deepening our focus on soils.”
“Rice is a staple food for billions of people and transforming how it is grown is critical for both climate action and sustainable livelihoods for farmers,” said Yvonne Pinto, Director General of IRRI.
“Through our continued collaboration with BASF, we are combining scientific rigor with tangible solutions. High-quality evidence and trusted collaborations are key to supporting farmers, protecting the environment and strengthening the global food system.”
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