BASF and IRRI Collaborate on “OPTIMA Rice” Initiative to Reduce GHG Emissions in Rice Production”

BASF and IRRI Collaborate on “OPTIMA Rice” Initiative to Reduce GHG Emissions in Rice Production”

(IN BRIEF) BASF has teamed up with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) to launch the “OPTIMA Rice” project aimed at curbing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in rice production. The initiative supports BASF’s commitment to reducing carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions by 30 percent per ton of crop produced by 2030. Rice is a staple consumed by billions worldwide and contributes significantly to GHG emissions due to wetland cultivation. The collaboration will explore climate-smart farming practices in rice, including new rice varieties, nitrogen stabilizers, residue management, and water-saving techniques. By joining forces, BASF and IRRI aim to assist farmers in adopting more sustainable rice production systems while mitigating GHG emissions.

(PRESS RELEASE) LIMBURGERHOF, 1-Feb-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — BASF and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) have entered into a scientific collaboration to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from rice production. Running by the name “OPTIMA Rice” (Optimizing Management for Reduction of GHG in Rice), the collaboration with IRRI supports BASF’s commitment to enable the reduction of CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent) emissions by 30 percent per ton of crop produced by 2030. The joint effort is planned for multiple rice seasons in the Philippines and will take place in Laguna, where both organizations maintain research centers for rice.

Rice is one of the five most widely produced cereal crops globally and is consumed by about three billion people every day. Although it is grown all over the world, Asia accounts for the largest share of its production. However, because of its geographic expansion and typical manner of wetland cultivation, worldwide paddy rice production contributes about 10 percent of total GHG emissions from the agricultural sector, mainly coming from continuously flooded wetland rice fields. Due to this large carbon footprint, it is estimated that rice production has the greatest potential within agricultural crop production to reduce GHG emissions

BASF and IRRI therefore plan to explore multiple topics related to climate smart farming in rice. These include direct-seeded rice varieties, nitrogen stabilizers, nutrient and residue management, novel chemistry tailor-made for rice farmers, and water-saving technologies such as alternate wetting and drying management (AWD). In addition, IRRI has begun further improvements to its ecophysiological model ORYZA, to include new computation algorithms for estimating GHG emissions, for application to the project. BASF will use its AgBalance™ tool to estimate the GHG emission intensity and will work with IRRI on field tests of their products to obtain high-quality agronomic and GHG data. Both BASF and IRRI aim to further develop and apply models for improving scientific understanding on climate mitigation and adaptation options for rice in the Philippines and other rice growing areas in Asia. Ultimately, both BASF and IRRI aim to support farmers growing rice in de-carbonizing their production systems.

“To make the big strides that are needed to reduce carbon emissions in farming, we need to evaluate how new technologies and tools can come together for more climate-smart agricultural practices,” said Marko Grozdanovic, Senior Vice President Global Marketing at BASF Agricultural Solutions. “We partner with IRRI to benefit from their expertise in rice because this major crop has a significant carbon savings potential.”

“This collaboration presents immense opportunities for methane and other GHG reductions to create value for farmers and help improve the production of rice in Asia, and the Philippines in particular,” said Bas Bouman, Research Director and Head of IRRI’s Sustainable Impact Department.

About BASF’s Agricultural Solutions division 
Farming is fundamental to provide enough healthy and affordable food for a rapidly growing population while reducing environmental impacts. Working with partners and agricultural experts and by integrating sustainability criteria into all business decisions, we help farmers to create a positive impact on sustainable agriculture. That’s why we invest in a strong R&D pipeline, connecting innovative thinking with practical action in the field. Our portfolio comprises seeds and specifically selected plant traits, chemical and biological crop protection, solutions for soil management, plant health, pest control and digital farming. With expert teams in the lab, field, office and in production, we strive to find the right balance for success – for farmers, agriculture, and future generations. In 2022, our division generated sales of €10.3 billion. For more information, please visit www.agriculture.basf.com or any of our social media channels.

About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. More than 111,000 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 six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €87.3 billion in 2022. 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 our work and partnerships, we aim to improve the health and welfare of rice farmers and consumers, promote environmental sustainability in a world challenged by climate change, and support women and youth empowerment in the rice sector.

IRRI is a member of CGIAR.

Media Contact:

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

SOURCE: BASF SE