#Sustainability #India #New Delhi #Good Rice Alliance #BeZero Carbon

The Good Rice Alliance Achieves Prestigious 'Ae' Rating from BeZero Carbon

In a significant milestone for sustainable agriculture, The Good Rice Alliance (TGRA) has been awarded an 'Ae' rating by BeZero Carbon, a distinguished independent carbon rating agency, which reflects the project's commitment to environmental sustainability and the effectiveness of its carbon reduction strategies. This recognition is part of TGRA's ongoing efforts to promote sustainable rice farming practices across India, primarily in collaboration with smallholder farmers.

Collaboration with Stakeholders

The initiative sees Bayer, a global leader in life sciences, partner with GenZero, which is focused on decarbonizing the global economy, and Shell Energy India Private Limited, part of the multinational Shell Plc. Together, they support farmers in adopting practices that lead to substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions through sustainable agriculture. The collaboration aims to establish methodologies that allow farmers to generate high-integrity carbon credits.

Understanding the 'Ae' Rating

The 'Ae' rating, indicated as “single A, e,” signifies not only strong carbon emissions impact but also high confidence in the successful implementation of the project. This rating confirms that each credit issued by TGRA is likely to offset one ton of CO2 equivalent, an essential factor given that rice cultivation is a significant contributor to methane emissions in the agricultural sector, responsible for approximately 10% of the global methane output.

According to Suhas Joshi, head of the India Carbon Initiative at Bayer, “We are incredibly proud of this milestone. The 'Ae' rating not only validates the scientific and operational rigor of TGRA but also exemplifies our collective commitment... We aim to set a quality standard for the nature-based carbon market.”

Impact on Farmers and Ecosystems

Since its inception in May 2023, TGRA has been working alongside smallholders across 13 Indian states to implement practices such as Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) and Direct Seeded Rice (DSR). These methods are designed to significantly cut water usage and greenhouse gas emissions without compromising yields. By October 2024, TGRA expects to include more than 12,000 farmers, managing approximately 35,000 hectares of land, thereby working to reduce methane emissions by nearly 120,000 tons per year.

The environmental benefits are profound: current estimates indicate that delivering sustainable rice farming practices can minimize water usage by up to 30%, translating to a savings of more than 12.5 million cubic meters of water each season across the farmland in question.

Looking Ahead

The Good Rice Alliance's rigorous measurement, reporting, and verification processes assure that all agricultural practices not only adhere to high standards but also contribute to a sustainable agricultural ecosystem aligned with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. TGRA is poised to take a crucial role in the global effort to mitigate climate change while enhancing the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.

Through continued emphasis on technological innovation and stakeholder collaboration, the alliance strives to maximize co-benefits for communities and the environment alike. As the world grapples with climate change, initiatives like TGRA could play a pivotal role in shifting to sustainable farming practices that also support economic growth for vulnerable farmers.

Overall, the recognition from BeZero Carbon amplifies TGRA’s mission of sustainably transforming rice farming, showcasing how agricultural practices can evolve to ensure long-term viability and resilience in the face of environmental challenges.