BASF Agricultural Solutions and IRRI Extend OPTIMA Rice Partnership to Advance Low-Emission Rice Farming, Soil Health and Carbon Storage

A BASF employee in a rice trial field. BASF Agricultural Solutions and IRRI have extended their scientific partnership to further advance sustainable rice cultivation.
Photo: BASF

(IN BRIEF) BASF Agricultural Solutions and the International Rice Research Institute have extended their OPTIMA Rice research partnership to advance climate-smart rice cultivation through methane reduction, improved soil health, carbon storage and potential biochar applications. Launched in 2024, the programme combines BASF’s agricultural implementation expertise with IRRI’s rice research capabilities and is designed to identify practices that are scientifically proven, economically viable and practical for farmers. The first phase demonstrated that Alternate Wetting and Drying, enabled through Direct Seeded Rice, can significantly reduce methane emissions and water use without compromising yields, while improved straw management can provide further emissions reductions. The second phase will focus more closely on the effects of water management on soil carbon and nitrogen, alongside the potential of biochar to store carbon while improving soil fertility and structure. Field trials are centred in the Philippines, but the partners intend findings to be relevant across major rice-growing regions including China, India, Japan, Brazil and Italy. BASF and IRRI said stronger scientific evidence will be essential to help farmers adopt climate-smart practices while maintaining productivity and supporting global food security.

(PRESS RELEASE) LUDWIGSHAFEN, 10-Sep-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — BASF Agricultural Solutions and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) have extended their scientific collaboration under the “Optimizing Management for Reduction of Greenhouse Gases in Rice” (OPTIMA Rice) project, broadening the initiative’s focus from methane reduction to include soil health, carbon storage and potential applications of biochar in sustainable rice production.

Launched in 2024, the multi-year research programme seeks to identify climate-smart rice cultivation practices that can reduce methane and other greenhouse gas emissions while remaining practical and economically viable for farmers.

The collaboration combines BASF’s experience in translating sustainable agricultural practices into commercial farming systems with IRRI’s specialist expertise in rice research and field-based agricultural science.

First phase demonstrates practical pathways to lower methane emissions

The first phase of OPTIMA Rice investigated methods for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from rice production without compromising crop yields.

Research showed that Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) — a cultivation approach in which rice paddies are allowed to dry at controlled intervals rather than remaining continuously flooded — can significantly reduce methane emissions and water consumption.

The approach was studied in combination with Direct Seeded Rice, providing a pathway for farmers to adjust irrigation practices while maintaining productive cultivation.

BASF and IRRI said the results provide practical evidence that methane reductions can be achieved without sacrificing yields, an important consideration for growers evaluating changes to established farming practices.

Water management could support participation in carbon farming programmes

The findings are particularly relevant for rice growers considering participation in carbon farming programmes, where measurable changes in agricultural practices may be required to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Rice paddies are traditionally associated with methane emissions because prolonged flooding creates soil conditions that encourage methane formation.

Introducing controlled drying intervals can alter those conditions and reduce emissions while also lowering water requirements.

The first phase of the project also found that improved rice straw management can provide additional methane reductions, creating another potential tool for growers seeking to lower the climate impact of rice cultivation.

Second phase shifts focus toward long-term soil health

The next phase of OPTIMA Rice will place greater emphasis on soil health, particularly the interaction of carbon and nitrogen within rice-growing soils.

BASF and IRRI said reducing emissions is only one component of climate-smart agriculture. Farming practices must also preserve soil productivity over the longer term if they are to remain economically and environmentally sustainable.

The partners will investigate how changes in irrigation and water management influence soils over time, helping determine whether practices that reduce methane can also maintain or improve soil fertility and resilience.

This expanded research is intended to provide a more complete understanding of the long-term effects of climate-smart rice production systems.

Biochar research to explore soil carbon storage opportunities

BASF and IRRI will also investigate the potential use of biochar as part of sustainable rice production.

Biochar can provide a mechanism for storing carbon in agricultural soils while potentially improving soil fertility, structure and other agronomic characteristics.

The partnership will assess how biochar could complement water-management and emissions-reduction practices within rice production systems.

By examining both greenhouse gas emissions and soil carbon storage, the project aims to broaden its focus from reducing agricultural emissions toward improving the overall climate performance of rice farming.

BASF says climate-smart farming must deliver practical benefits

Marko Grozdanovic, Senior Vice President, Global Strategic Marketing & Sustainability at BASF Agricultural Solutions, said climate-smart rice production systems must be workable under real farming conditions rather than existing only as theoretical solutions.

He noted that adopting new agricultural practices can be challenging for farmers and requires confidence, technical support and proven results.

Grozdanovic said extending the collaboration with IRRI will strengthen the scientific evidence available to support growers as they implement climate-smart rice practices while also expanding the programme’s focus on soil health.

IRRI highlights importance of rice to global food security

Yvonne Pinto, Director General of IRRI, emphasized the global significance of improving rice production systems.

Rice is a staple food for billions of people, making changes to the way it is cultivated important both for climate action and for the livelihoods of farmers who depend on the crop.

Pinto said the continued collaboration with BASF combines scientific rigor with practical solutions and stressed the importance of high-quality evidence and trusted partnerships in supporting growers, protecting natural resources and strengthening the global food system.

Research rooted in Philippine field trials with global relevance

OPTIMA Rice is based on field trials conducted in the Philippines, but BASF and IRRI intend the findings to have wider relevance across major rice-producing regions.

The partners expect insights from the programme to be applicable to markets including China, India, Japan, Brazil and Italy, among others.

This broader scope reflects the global importance of rice cultivation and the shared challenges faced by producers seeking to balance productivity, water use, soil health and greenhouse gas reductions.

Partnership combines emissions reduction with agricultural resilience

By extending the project, BASF and IRRI are moving toward a more integrated approach to climate-smart rice farming.

The next phase will examine not only how methane emissions can be reduced but also how soil carbon, nitrogen management and potential biochar applications can contribute to long-term agricultural productivity.

The partners aim to develop evidence that can help farmers make informed decisions about practices that lower environmental impact while remaining commercially practical and resilient.

About BASF Agricultural Solutions

Everything we do, we do for the love of farming. Farming is fundamental to provide sufficient and affordable food for a rapidly growing population, while reducing environmental impacts. That’s why we are working with partners and experts to integrate sustainability criteria into all business decisions. With €990 million in 2025, we invest in a strong R&D pipeline, and our solutions are purpose-designed for different crop systems. Connecting seeds and traits, crop protection products, digital tools and sustainability approaches, to help deliver the best possible outcomes for farmers, growers and stakeholders along the value chain. In 2025, our business generated sales of €9.6 billion. For more information, please visit www.agriculture.basf.com or our social media channels.

About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. Our ambition: We want to be the preferred chemical company to enable our customers’ green transformation. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Around 95,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio comprises, as core businesses, the segments Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, and Nutrition & Care; our standalone businesses are bundled in the segments Surface Technologies and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of around €60 billion in 2025. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the United States. Further information at www.basf.com.

About IRRI

IRRI is dedicated to abolishing poverty and hunger among people and populations that depend on rice-based agri-food systems. Through its work and partnerships, IRRI aims to improve the health and welfare of rice farmers and consumers; promote environmental sustainability in a world challenged by climate change; and support the empowerment of women and the youth in the rice industry.

IRRI is a member of CGIAR, the world’s largest agricultural research partnership dedicated to a food-secure future.

Media Contact:

Julian Prade
External Communications Agricultural Solutions
Media Inquiries
+49 172 62-70719
julian-niclas.prade@basf.com

SOURCE: BASF