BASF, a global chemical giant, has unveiled new findings from its global low-carbon field trials on rice. The trials, conducted in collaboration with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), show that carbon dioxide equivalent emissions from rice cultivation can be cut by 30% without reducing yields, offering a promising solution for sustainable agriculture.
Trial Background & Objectives
Rice is a staple food for more than 3.5 billion people worldwide, playing a crucial role in ensuring global food security. However, traditional rice farming methods pose significant challenges: they account for approximately 10% of total greenhouse gas emissions in the agricultural sector and consume large amounts of freshwater.
To address these issues, BASF and IRRI launched a global low-carbon field trial project in the Philippines in 2024. The core objective of the project was to evaluate technologies and intervention measures suitable for climate-smart rice cultivation, aiming to balance yield maintenance with emission reduction and water conservation.
Trial Details & Key Findings
Over two consecutive growing seasons, researchers from BASF and IRRI carried out the trial in Laguna Province, the Philippines. A set of targeted intervention measures were tested, and the results proved highly encouraging.
First, in terms of emission reduction, the trial confirmed that greenhouse gas emission intensity from rice fields could be reduced by 30% while keeping rice yields unchanged. This breakthrough directly addresses the long-standing dilemma of choosing between yield and environmental protection in rice farming.
Second, three specific measures were identified as highly effective. Rice alternate wetting and drying irrigation, direct-seeded rice cultivation, and improved straw management not only significantly cut carbon emissions but also reduced freshwater usage, dualizing the benefits of environmental protection and resource conservation.
Additionally, the trial verified the accuracy of BASF’s AgBalance® Life Cycle Assessment Model in estimating on-farm carbon emissions. This solves a common problem faced by farmers—lack of reliable tools to track carbon emissions during food production. With this model, farmers can potentially access new business models such as carbon markets, creating additional value for their agricultural operations.
Stakeholder Comments
Marko Grozdanovic, Senior Vice President of BASF and Global Head of Strategic Marketing for Agricultural Solutions, emphasized the importance of on-site testing. “Last year, we shared the first results of our global low-carbon field trials on five key crops. These latest findings on rice once again remind us that climate-smart solutions must be implemented and scaled up in the most critical scenario—the field. Only through testing in real field environments can we deliver meaningful and reliable outcomes,” he said.
Yvonne Pinto, Director General of IRRI, highlighted the role of the trial in enhancing climate resilience. “The global field trials conducted in collaboration with BASF clearly demonstrate that climate-smart rice production not only has carbon reduction potential but also helps farmers adapt to extreme weather and complex field conditions. This aligns perfectly with IRRI’s focus on science-driven partnerships. We look forward to continuing this collaborative momentum and exploring more new opportunities together,” she stated.
Project Context & Future Plans
The global low-carbon field trial on rice is part of a broader commitment by BASF’s Agricultural Solutions business. The company aims to reduce carbon dioxide equivalent emissions from five key crops by 30% by 2030. To achieve this goal, multiple teams around the world are collaborating across dimensions: internally, they coordinate across R&D, operations, and commercial departments; externally, they work with customers and supply chain partners to develop customized solutions.
Grozdanovic also noted the need for multi-party collaboration to drive change. “While we have made progress in our field trials, we recognize that research alone cannot drive real transformation. As part of a complex value chain, we understand that to make a meaningful impact, we must collaborate with farmers, research institutions, and industry partners. Through our Global Carbon Farming Program, we will continue to work on translating insights into practical actions, helping farmers access carbon markets, adopt climate-smart agricultural practices, and create verified climate benefits,” he added.
