Himachal’s Farm University study demonstrates climate-smart rice production method reduces emissions and improves water efficiency

Research, Science & Innovation

Palampur: Himachal Pradesh’s Farm University, CSKHPKV, and Savannah Seeds, a leader in rice seed technology, today announced results from a multi-year study showing that direct-seeded SAVA-134 FullPage® can help make rice production more climate-smart and resource efficient. Compared with conventional transplanted rice systems, the approach reduced methane emissions by nearly 90%, delivered the highest water productivity, improved soil health, and showed the greatest potential for carbon credit generation. The study, “Popularization of Direct-Seeded Rice Technology for Climate Change Adaptation by Reducing GHG Emissions and Acquiring Carbon Credit,” was conducted in two major rice-growing regions of Himachal Pradesh, India. Led by Dr. Dhanbir Singh, Assistant Soil Chemist, Department of Soil Science, CSKHPKV, Palampur, and supported by Savannah Seeds, the research compared conventional transplanted rice with direct-seeded rice across multiple growing seasons. The assessment focused on yield, water use, GHG emissions, and soil health. Among the direct-seeded treatments evaluated, SAVA-134 FullPage® delivered the strongest overall balance of productivity, resource efficiency, and environmental sustainability. It maintained strong yields while using fewer resources and generating a significantly smaller carbon footprint. Rice is the world’s most important food crop, grown on more than 164 million hectares (405 million acres) and serving as a primary source...