Kotpad,Oct 23 [UDN}: With the objective of reducing methane emissions from paddy cultivation and promoting water conservation, the Better Rice Initiative was officially launched in Kotpad block of Koraput district. A stakeholder consultation meeting was also organised to discuss the implementation of the initiative and its benefits for farmers and local communities.
Kotpad MLA Rupu Bhatra attended the programme as the chief guest and formally inaugurated the initiative by cutting the ribbon. In his address, Bhatra highlighted the importance of farmers’ welfare, water conservation and the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices. He expressed his full support for the project, which aims to ensure the efficient use of water in agriculture while protecting the environment.
The initiative promotes the Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) method of paddy cultivation. Under this technique, rice fields are not kept continuously submerged in water. Instead, irrigation is provided according to the crop’s requirements, and the fields are allowed to dry for controlled periods before being watered again.
According to the information shared at the meeting, this technique can reduce water consumption in paddy fields by approximately 20 to 30 per cent. Besides conserving water, the method is expected to reduce methane emissions generated during rice cultivation, thereby contributing to climate change mitigation.
An important feature of the initiative is the opportunity for farmers to earn additional income through carbon credits. By adopting agricultural practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, participating farmers may become eligible for carbon credits, which can be monetised through carbon markets. The initiative is therefore intended to combine environmental protection with improved economic opportunities for the farming community.
Around 240 participants attended the stakeholder consultation meeting, including farmers, women members of self-help groups, youth association representatives, ward members, social organisation representatives and elected panchayat leaders. Sarpanches from Chandili, Dhamanahandi, Murgahandi, Sadaranga, Bansuli, Sutipada, S.B. Nuagaon and Bobeya Gram Panchayats were among those present.
The project has been conceptualised through the joint efforts of Core CarbonX Solutions, Galaxy Surfactants, the Core CarbonX Foundation and the Koraput-based organisation SHOVA.
Several representatives of the participating organisations attended the programme and discussed the project’s objectives, the role of farmers, contractual arrangements and the grievance redressal mechanism. Those present included Amjad Khan, Project Manager of SHOVA; Kavita Sahani, CEO of the Core CarbonX Foundation; Madan Krishani, President of SHOVA; Niroj Mohanty, Managing Director of Core CarbonX Solutions; Colonel Amarjit Das and Amit Gori of Galaxy Surfactants; and Rameswar Jena, representative of the Member of Parliament.
The consultation provided an opportunity for stakeholders to understand the proposed implementation process, farmers’ responsibilities and the mechanisms available to address grievances.
Through the Better Rice Initiative, the project partners aim to encourage climate-friendly rice cultivation, reduce agricultural water consumption, lower methane emissions and create additional income opportunities for farmers through carbon credits. The programme represents an effort to promote more sustainable farming practices while supporting the long-term welfare of rural communities in the Kotpad region.
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