BASF and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) have initiated a scientific partnership named “OPTIMA Rice” (Optimizing Management for Reduction of GHG in Rice) to combat greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions stemming from rice cultivation. This collaboration underscores BASF’s commitment to slashing CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent) emissions by 30 percent per ton of crop produced by 2030. The joint endeavor will span multiple rice seasons in the Philippines, with research centers located in Laguna being the focal points.
Rice stands as one of the world’s top five cereal crops, catering to approximately three billion people daily, with Asia leading its production. However, due to its widespread cultivation and traditional wetland farming methods, global paddy rice production contributes roughly 10 percent of total GHG emissions in the agricultural sector, primarily from flooded wetland rice fields. Given its substantial carbon footprint, rice production holds the greatest potential for GHG emissions reduction within agricultural crop production.
BASF and IRRI aim to delve into various climate-smart farming practices for rice, encompassing direct-seeded rice varieties, nitrogen stabilizers, nutrient and residue management, custom-made chemistry for rice farmers, and water-saving technologies like alternate wetting and drying management (AWD). IRRI is enhancing its ecophysiological model ORYZA to integrate new computation algorithms for estimating GHG emissions, while BASF will employ its AgBalance™ tool to gauge GHG emission intensity and conduct field tests of their products in collaboration with IRRI to collect high-quality agronomic and GHG data.
Both entities aspire to develop and apply models to enhance scientific understanding of climate mitigation and adaptation options for rice cultivation in the Philippines and other Asian rice-growing regions, aiming to support farmers in decarbonizing their production systems.
Marko Grozdanovic, Senior Vice President of Global Marketing at BASF Agricultural Solutions, emphasized the importance of amalgamating new technologies and tools for climate-smart agricultural practices to achieve substantial carbon emission reductions in farming.
Bas Bouman, Research Director and Head of IRRI’s Sustainable Impact Department highlighted the potential for methane and GHG reductions to create value for farmers and enhance rice production, particularly in Asia and the Philippines.
