New Delhi, January 25 : India is driving global leadership in sustainable agriculture with the expansion of the Decarbonising Rice project, a groundbreaking initiative that aligns with the nation’s vision of a prosperous and self-reliant economy. Recently honoured with the Breakthrough Scientific Contribution Award at the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting in Davos, this initiative marks a pivotal step toward India’s sustainable development goals and its ambitious target of a $5 trillion economy reported by IANS.
Led by Singapore-based non-profit Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, the project employs innovative scientific methods and fosters collaboration among rice farmers, governments, and private sector stakeholders. It aims to revolutionize rice production, a crop vital for global food security, while ensuring environmental sustainability.
Following the success of phase-1 trials in Singapore and India, which demonstrated up to 50% reductions in methane emissions and water usage, alongside a 5–10% increase in yields, the initiative has now been expanded to 100-hectare trials in India, Laos, and Indonesia. This significant milestone underscores India’s commitment to promoting eco-friendly agricultural practices while boosting productivity and farmer incomes.
The Decarbonising Rice initiative is among five exemplary collaborations recognized at the WEF with the Giving to Amplify Earth Action (GAEA) Award. These partnerships highlight bold, innovative solutions to address climate challenges across key sectors, reflecting the collaborative spirit of “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) in tackling global environmental crises.
“The GAEA Awards spotlight partnerships catalyzing transformative change for climate and nature,” said Gim Huay Neo, Managing Director, World Economic Forum. “ India’s leadership in sustainable agriculture, exemplified by the Decarbonising Rice initiative, sets a powerful example of how innovation and collaboration can drive meaningful progress toward a sustainable and prosperous future.”
The WEF Annual Meeting 2025, held in Davos-Klosters from January 20 to 24, convened global leaders under the theme Collaboration for the Intelligent Age. India’s active participation at this global platform reinforces its pivotal role in shaping solutions that contribute to global sustainability and economic progress.
By championing initiatives like Decarbonising Rice, India is not only enhancing its agricultural sector but also accelerating its journey toward becoming a global economic powerhouse while safeguarding the planet for future generations.