Low-emission rice: a viable horizon from Latin America

By Fernando Barrera - Extension Specialist at the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture

 

Rice has historically been one of the cornerstones of food security in Latin America. However, within the current context of climate crisis, this crop faces an urgent paradox: while it ensures the daily nourishment of millions of people, it also contributes significantly to methane emissions - a greenhouse gas with a global warming potential many times greater than that of carbone dioxide. 

​

In light of this reality, Latin America has the opportunity to lead an agricultural transition that is environmentally responsible, socially inclusive and technically viable. Moving in that direction is the project 'Sustainable Rice Production in Latin America', funded by the Global Methane Hub and currently implemented in Chile, Uruguay, Ecuador and Brasil. 

​

This regional effort is led by diverse key stakeholders. The project promotes a comprehensive approach that combines applied research, technology adoption, business model design, public policy analysis, and the development of financial mechanisms to scale up sustainable rice practices.

​

The technical strategies include the use of efficient irrigation systems, strategic drainage, crop rotation evaluation, and ecological weed management. At the same time, a robust greenhouse gas emissions measurement system is being developed, with the aim of building emission factors tailored to local production contexts.

​

But the change goes beyond agronomy. The project also addresses structural financing barriers, explores new business models, and contributes to the discussion on climate mitigation targets in the rice sector of each country. In parallel, it works directly with producers through a participatory innovation approach, strengthening their knowledge and practices for sustainability.

​

This initiative shows that climate-smart rice production is not only possible — it is essential. Science, public policy, financing, and local knowledge can come together to build an agriculture that meets today’s challenges without compromising tomorrow’s needs.

​

The transition to sustainable, methane-free rice is not a theoretical experiment — it is a roadmap in motion, a collective effort placing Latin America at the forefront of agricultural climate action. Along this path, each ton of methane avoided, each producer engaged, and each adapted production system represents not just a technical win, but an act of intergenerational responsibility.

​

Through rice, we are planting the seeds of the future.