Sawargaonkar, G L and Rakesh, S and Kale, S and Kamdi, P J and Padmaja-Karanam, V and Pasumarthi, R and Choudhari, P and Singh, A and Patil, M D and Gumma, M K and Singh, R and Padhee, A K and Jat, M L (2026) Regenerative rice farming for sustaining productivity, reducing energy demand, and methane emissions in India: A comprehensive review. Results in Engineering, 29. pp. 1-19. ISSN 2590-1230
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Abstract
Rice is cultivated on approximately 165 million hectares in over 100 countries, serving as a staple food for >3 billion people. Asia accounts for ∼90% of global rice production, while rice contributes around 40% of India's food grain production. Traditional rice cultivation relies heavily on water resources (between 1000 and 2000 mm), consumes high labour and energy, and emits substantial amounts of methane gases. As estimated, the annual mean atmospheric concentration of methane (CH4) ranged from 1889 to 2017 ppb (2020 annual mean across India), which is critical and demands an alternative, sustainable solution. Thus, the regenerative rice system stands out as a viable option to address these environmental challenges and can contribute to sustainable agricultural development while also reducing energy demands. This method employs direct seeding in non-puddled fields. It creates an aerobic soil environment, promoting strong rice roots and a median water reduction of 52.5% (IQR: 45–60%; n = 16 studies), thriving on 600–700 mm. Similarly, based on field experiments, an average decrease in energy consumption of 24.5% (IQR: 6.4–42.5%; n = 9 studies) and a 56% reduction in methane emissions (IQR: 34–78%; n = 9 studies) were observed. Regenerative rice contributes to Sustainable Development Goals 2 (Zero Hunger), 12 (Responsible Production and Consumption), 13 (Climate Action), and 15 (Life on Land), while reducing environmental impact compared to a puddled rice system. To evaluate its potential for scaling, this review examines existing research on regenerative rice production systems and proposes directions for future research, extension, and policy advocacy.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Divisions: | Global Research Program - Resilient Farm and Food Systems |
| CRP: | UNSPECIFIED |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Climate change, Puddled Rice ecosystem, Regenerative rice, Water saving, Methane emissions, Energy use efficiency |
| Subjects: | Others > Rice Others > Climate Change Others > India |
| Depositing User: | Mr Nagaraju T |
| Date Deposited: | 22 Apr 2026 08:43 |
| Last Modified: | 22 Apr 2026 08:43 |
| URI: | http://oar.icrisat.org/id/eprint/13608 |
| Official URL: | https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/... |
| Projects: | UNSPECIFIED |
| Funders: | UNSPECIFIED |
| Acknowledgement: | The authors sincerely acknowledge the technical support provided by Ms. Bhavani Prasanna and Ms. Lakshmi Joysula. |
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