In a remarkable stride toward sustainable agriculture and water conservation, a groundbreaking alliance has emerged between BharatRohan and Kosher Climate. This collaboration is set to transform the landscape of paddy cultivation in the Barabanki district of Uttar Pradesh, India. The core of this partnership lies in introducing the revolutionary Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) method for paddy cultivation, signifying a significant step towards a greener and more sustainable future.
BharatRohan, a trailblazer in drone-based crop monitoring, has joined forces with Kosher Climate, an environmental consultancy firm focused on fostering sustainable development. Together, they aim to tackle the environmental and economic challenges that plague farmers, mainly small-scale rice growers. The strategic initiative is multifaceted, addressing water scarcity, carbon emissions, and the overall sustainability of paddy farming.
Implementing the Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) method is at the heart of this collaboration. This advanced irrigation technique can reduce irrigation water consumption by up to 30%. Unlike conventional flooded conditions, AWD involves irrigating fields only 3-5 days after water depletion, allowing paddy crop roots to access water in the subsurface soil, which remains saturated. Consequently, this method reduces total water consumption for rice cultivation by 20%–30%. AWD also has the remarkable capacity to cut methane emissions by up to 48% without compromising crop yield.
By adopting AWD, farmers play a vital role in environmental conservation and position themselves to earn carbon credits. This integration provides tangible incentives for farmers to embrace sustainable practices, creating a pathway to a more environmentally conscious future. BharatRohan offers comprehensive support, from pipe installation to water level monitoring and guidance on the AWD process. Moreover, the company provides crop monitoring services via a WhatsApp chatbot, offering real-time communication to safeguard crops against pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies.
Vimal Kumar Verma, a Farmer Success Manager, highlights the collaboration’s potential impact: “Having worked closely with farmers in the region, I’ve witnessed firsthand challenges they face with water scarcity and flood irrigation. This collaboration aims to bring us closer to sustainable agriculture, reducing farmers’ efforts while ensuring better yields.”
Ashish Kumar Verma, a farmer from Barabanki, speaks of his transformative journey with BharatRohan’s services: “We faced challenges like water scarcity and increased diesel charges. However, with their introduction of the AWD technique, we learned that continuous flooding isn’t essential for rice production. By adopting alternate drying, we’ve managed to conserve fuel and water and earn additional income to invest in technology for improved crop production.”
As water resources grow scarcer, projections indicate 20,000 hectares will face water scarcity by 2050. Traditional flooded irrigation methods demand 2500 liters of water to produce just 1kg of rice. Agriculture contributes to a significant portion of global greenhouse gas emissions, with rice production accounting for 11%.
The collaborative project, set to launch on an initial 12,000 acres, envisions transforming rice cultivation through the widespread adoption of the AWD system. This innovative water-saving technique conserves precious water resources and curbs greenhouse gas emissions, presenting a mutually beneficial scenario for farmers and the environment.
BharatRohan is an inclusive agri-tech startup specializing in UAV/Drone Spectral Imaging-based Decision Support Systems (DSS) for farmers. The company offers a comprehensive procurement platform for institutional buyers, prioritizing traceability as a value addition. The vertically integrated solution allows farmers and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) to access markets through buyback arrangements. BharatRohan’s offerings extend to pesticide and residue-free agricultural commodities and a farm traceability platform.
Kosher Climate is an environmental consultancy firm dedicated to guiding businesses in pursuing sustainable development and growth. The firm provides various services, including carbon credit generation and monetization, Environmental Impact advisory, Renewable Energy advisory, and corporate sustainability compliance and reporting. Kosher Climate’s work includes assisting project developers in securing carbon finance, thus ensuring the longevity of climate projects.
The partnership between BharatRohan and Kosher Climate stands as a testament to the potential of collaboration in addressing pressing environmental challenges. As this innovative approach takes root in Barabanki, it can reshape paddy cultivation, how we view sustainable agriculture, and its crucial role in securing our planet’s future.
Photo by Darcey Beau on Unsplash
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