In a landmark endeavour to champion sustainable agriculture and water conservation, BharatRohan has formed a strategic alliance with Kosher Climate. This partnership heralds the introduction of the groundbreaking Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) method for paddy cultivation in Barabanki district, Uttar Pradesh.
BharatRohan Airborne Innovations, a pioneer in drone crop monitoring, has joined forces with Kosher Climate to promote sustainable paddy farming. Their collaborative initiative addresses both environmental and economic challenges faced by farmers, especially the rice growing small holders.
Why AWD
By implementing an advanced irrigation method, in an Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) system, irrigation can be reduced up to 30%. In this method, instead of continuously flooded conditions, fields are irrigated only 3-5 days after water depletes, allowing paddy crop roots to access water in the subsurface soil, which remains saturated. Consequently, the total water consumption for rice cultivation is 20%–30% less than continuous flooding. This method also reduces methane emissions up to 48%, without compromising on yield.
By adopting the AWD method, farmers contribute to environmental conservation as well as position themselves to earn carbon credits. This integration into the program incentivises farmers to adopt sustainable practices and offers a tangible reward for their efforts toward a greener future. Recognising this, BharatRohan offers comprehensive assistance, from pipe installation and water level monitoring guidance on the AWD process. Furthermore, BharatRohan provides crop monitoring services to safeguard against losses from pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies. Farmers can conveniently access these services and advisories via the BharatRohan WhatsApp chatbot, ensuring prompt and effective communication.
Comments from the stakeholders
Speaking about the collaboration, Amandeep Panwar, CEO of BharatRohan, stated, “Our collaboration with Kosher Climate transcends the boundaries of a mere project. It’s a manifestation of our collective vision for a sustainable future. By championing the cause of reduced water consumption and diminished greenhouse gas emissions, we’re not just addressing the challenges of today but paving the way for a more sustainable tomorrow.”
Echoing the broader initiative, Vimal Kumar Verma, Farmer Success Manager, shared his on-ground experience: “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 a step closer to sustainable agriculture, reducing farmers’ efforts while ensuring better yields.”
“Rice is the primary crop for millions of farmers in India and also it is the staple food for more than 50% of the country’s population. Therefore, we need to grow rice sustainably without any yield penalty. Alternate Wetting and Drying is a science-driven agronomic management practice of rice that saves water and other input costs for the farmers. In addition, AWD also reduces methane emissions from rice fields, which can create additional benefits for the farmers in terms of carbon credits,” says Dr. Sudarshan Dutta, Lead – NbS (Agriculture) at Kosher Climate.
“I have been availing BharatRohan’s services since 2019, they have consistently supported us in enhancing our productivity and minimising input usage with their innovative technology and training. 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 both fuel and water and can earn additional income to invest in technology for improved crop production,” says Ashish Kumar Verma, Barabanki Farmer.
Saving water through AWD
As water resources become scarcer, it’s projected that 20,000 hectares will face water scarcity by 2050. With traditional flooded irrigation, producing 1kg of rice requires 2500 litres of water. Agriculture contributes to 13.5% of global GHG emissions, with rice production alone accounting for 11% of these emissions.
The project, set to commence on an initial 12,000 acres, aims to revolutionise rice cultivation in the region by introducing the AWD system. This water-saving technique not only conserves significant amounts of water but also reduces greenhouse gas emissions, making it a win-win for both farmers and the environment.
