Temasek Labs to Expand Low-Carbon Rice Production to 50,000 Tons Following Successful Trials in India, Indonesia, and Laos, Resulting in Up to 85% Reduction in Methane Emissions and 6-40% Increase in Yield.

Key summary

The research project by Temasek Lifesciences Laboratory (TLL) aims to expand the production of low-carbon rice to 50,000 tons, following trials in India, Indonesia, and Laos, which demonstrated a reduction in methane emissions of up to 85%, depending on water management practices, and an increase in yield of 6-40%. The approach focuses on working with local rice varieties that farmers are already cultivating. This includes water management techniques such as alternate wetting and drying (AWD), fertilizer formulas containing micronutrients, and cultivation techniques to reduce production costs and environmental impact. Dr. Rama Chandran Sreenivasan, Director of Strategic Research Projects at TLL, stated that while the fertilizer formula currently has a higher cost than the subsidized fertilizers used by farmers in India and Indonesia, the team is experimenting with ways to reduce costs. The expansion will rely on partnerships in regions with the potential for rice production, such as Vietnam, using a train-the-trainer model. TLL, as a non-profit organization, will use revenue from the technology to support further research.