Key Takeaways
- Mitti Labs partnered with ICAR–Indian Council of Agricultural Research to improve GHG quantification in rice farming
- Collaboration combines satellite monitoring, biogeochemical modelling, and lab-based gas chromatography
- Focus is on methane emissions across rice varieties and agro-ecological zones
- Research supports climate-smart irrigation practices and water optimization
- Initiative targets scalable, cost-effective emissions measurement in India
Mitti Labs and ICAR Collaborate on Rice Emissions Research
Mitti Labs has announced a partnership with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to advance the quantification of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from rice farming. The collaboration combines Mitti Labs’ expertise in satellite monitoring and biogeochemical modelling with ICAR’s laboratory capabilities in gas chromatography.
The joint effort aims to establish improved standards for measuring methane emissions across rice varieties and agro-ecological zones in India. Rice cultivation accounts for approximately 17% of India’s methane emissions, yet traditional field-based measurement methods are often costly and difficult to scale.
Strengthening Scientific Measurement Across Agro-Ecological Zones
Through this partnership, satellite-based monitoring and modelling tools will be integrated with lab-validated emissions data. Biogeochemical models are expected to enhance the precision of emissions estimates and improve scalability across diverse production regions.
Dr. Arti Bhatia, Principal Scientist at ICAR–Indian Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-IARI), stated: “As a scientist specialised in greenhouse gas monitoring, I am thrilled to be partnering with Mitti Labs. Their work with smallholder farmers is truly innovative and tackles key issues in agriculture in India: rice farming occupies 25% of our agricultural landmass and employs tens of millions of smallholder farmers. Quantifying and then reducing methane emissions, optimising water usage and securing livelihoods is crucial to our food security and future climate trajectory.”
Established in 1905, ICAR-IARI played a central role in the Green Revolution in India during the 1970s. The institute operates a 500-hectare campus near Delhi and maintains regional stations nationwide, conducting research in agricultural engineering, microbiology, soil science, seed technology, and greenhouse gas monitoring.
Mitti Labs & ICAR-IARI Supporting Climate-Smart Rice Production
The collaboration is designed to strengthen the evidence base for climate-smart irrigation practices that can reduce methane emissions while improving water efficiency. By integrating remote sensing, modelling, and laboratory validation, Mitti Labs and ICAR aim to support scalable approaches to emissions monitoring and sustainable rice production.
According to the partners, improved quantification of methane emissions can help inform agricultural policy, guide farmer adoption of improved practices, and contribute to long-term climate and food security objectives in India.
