The initiative has a strong focus on paddy cultivation. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The Government of Odisha, India, through its Directorate of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment (DAFE), has partnered with India-based International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) to pilot a farmer-centric carbon market

The Carbon Standards for Incentivizing Farmers for Regenerative Agricultural Practices (CSIFRA) project was launched in 2023 and is being implemented in the districts of Sambalpur, Bargarh, and Subarnapur in Odisha, India. It ties in with the Indian Government’s Voluntary Carbon Market scheme and aims to integrate smallholder farmers into carbon markets

The initiative involves testing regenerative farming practices under real field conditions, with a strong focus on paddy cultivation. It aims to establish scientifically validated carbon standards by precisely measuring greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions at the farm level.

Dr Himanshu Pathak, director general of ICRISAT, noted the project has the potential to generate income for farmers through carbon credits, while advancing climate-resilient agricultural practices.

“Agriculture is often criticised for its GHG emissions, yet our agri-food systems—our very source of sustenance—suffer the worst of climate change. Carbon credits can reverse this trend, empowering farmers to be both climate-responsible and more profitable,” he said.

Carbon farming involves agricultural practices designed to capture and store atmospheric CO₂ in soil and plant biomass while reducing on-farm GHG emissions. Key practices include no-till or reduced-till, cover cropping, crop rotation, agroforestry, compost and biochar application, precision nutrient and water management.

Engaging farmers

In a series of awareness sessions, farmers and agriculture officials were introduced to the workings of carbon markets and the benefits they offer, as well as the impact of regenerative practices on rice yields, soil carbon levels, and greenhouse gas emissions.

Farmers also shared their success stories. One reported that green manuring improved his soil health and allowed him to reduce inorganic fertilizer use, while another observed lower fertilizer costs, fewer irrigation cycles in Direct-Seeded Rice (DSR) plots, and yields comparable to traditional transplanted paddy.

More than 50 stakeholders participated in the sessions, with over 40% expressing willingness to adopt carbon farming practices. Participants recommended forming farmer cooperatives to ease market access and called on policymakers to integrate carbon farming into existing agricultural schemes.

These changes resulted in a significant increase in grain yield.

Scientists have successfully transferred a gene from sunflowers to rice, significantly increasing its grain yield and enhancing its resistance to drought and salt stress.

This breakthrough research, led by Zhejiang Normal University in China, offers promising potential for developing climate-resilient crops.

The gene in question, known as HaGLK, plays a crucial role in the development of chloroplasts, where photosynthesis occurs. It also helps plants cope with harsh environmental conditions, such as drought and salinity. Sunflowers are known for thriving in arid and saline environments, which led researchers to hypothesise that transferring the HaGLK gene to rice could provide similar stress tolerance.

"We hypothesize that overexpression of the HaGLK gene in rice may enhance its tolerance to salt stress, drought resistance, and photosynthetic capacity. To test this hypothesis, we constructed the overexpression of HaGLK rice transgenic plants and analysed their photosynthetic performance, agronomic traits, and stress resistance," said the research team.

By inserting the HaGLK gene into rice plants, the researchers compared the modified plants with a control variety, Zhonghua 11. The modified rice showed higher levels of chlorophyll, larger chloroplasts, and an improved photosynthetic rate. These changes resulted in a significant increase in grain yield, with improvements of 13.06% and 12.60% in two separate transgenic lines.

The study also found that the gene did not interfere with overall plant development. In fact, it led to some physical changes, including wider leaves and longer panicles. The higher yield was primarily attributed to an increased number of grains per panicle. While the shape of the grains changed slightly, there was no significant difference compared to the control variety.

In addition to the yield boost, the HaGLK-modified rice also showed improved resistance to drought and salt stress. The plants developed longer roots and stems during germination, experienced less wilting, and had higher survival rates compared to the unmodified variety. Furthermore, the HaGLK-modified rice was better able to close its stomata quickly, reducing water loss and helping the plant survive in harsh conditions without sacrificing photosynthesis.

The findings suggest that the HaGLK gene could be a valuable tool in developing high-yield, resilient rice varieties suited to challenging environmental conditions. "Future research should aim to elucidate the mechanisms by which heterologous HaGLK expression modulates photosynthetic efficiency and stress responses in rice," the researchers concluded.

Mangrove afforestation and seagrass restoration.

Taiwan has approved two new blue carbon methodologies aimed at enhancing mangrove and seagrass ecosystems to help meet its net-zero emissions target by 2050

These new carbon reduction strategies - Mangrove Afforestation and Seagrass Restoration - were developed collaboratively by the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) and the Ocean Affairs Council (OAC).

A "carbon sink" is a natural system that absorbs more carbon dioxide (CO₂) than it releases, playing a vital role in tackling climate change by reducing greenhouse gases. Taiwan’s new methodologies will now calculate and manage the carbon stored in mangroves and seagrasses, both of which are considered blue carbon sinks.

The Mangrove Afforestation methodology involves planting mangroves in designated areas, such as abandoned salt pans, fish farms, and reservoirs, to increase carbon storage in the ecosystem. According to the MOA, the site must have been free from industrial activities for at least two years before the project begins. Moreover, the initiative should not interfere with existing industries to avoid negatively impacting local livelihoods. The species of mangrove used must be suitable for the local conditions. Developers are also required to manage hydrology, sediment, salinity, and water quality to optimise growth and carbon capture while preventing the overgrowth of mangroves.

Similarly, the Seagrass Restoration methodology focuses on planting seagrass in marine and coastal areas, including artificial wetlands. Like the mangrove strategy, developers must ensure the right conditions for seagrass growth, managing water movement, sediment, salinity, and water quality. Marine life can only be removed from the area if necessary to protect the seagrass.

Before starting, developers must verify land use legality, conduct environmental assessments, and hold public consultations. All findings must be documented.

Taiwan is committed to using blue carbon ecosystems to achieve its net-zero target by 2050. The government hopes these new methodologies will encourage more organisations to take part in blue carbon projects. A 2023 study found that seagrass beds cover around 5,481 hectares in Taiwan, while mangroves span 681 hectares.

In addition to the new blue carbon methods, Taiwan has also added three new agricultural carbon offset methodologies since 2024. The MOA continues to refine these strategies to help companies access voluntary carbon credits.

Cassava is also an essential source of income for smallholder farmers.

Vietnam and Japan are set to launch a circular cassava production model aimed at making cassava farming more sustainable while increasing the value of one of Vietnam’s top exports.

The project, a partnership between Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), is expected to begin in September.

Approved in December, the initiative will focus on improving the value, quality, and sustainability of Vietnam’s cassava industry, which ranks as one of the country's 13 key exports. According to MAE, Vietnam is the third-largest exporter of cassava and cassava-based products. Cassava is also an essential source of income for smallholder farmers, especially in rural regions, and a staple food for many.

This project will be Vietnam’s first circular cassava production model, incorporating smart soil health monitoring and advanced technologies like sensors, satellites, and drones to monitor both soil and crops. A significant goal is to develop a sustainable supply chain for cassava starch that also supports carbon storage and promotes eco-friendly farming practices.

A key feature of the project is the integration of carbon measurement methods (MRV), which will allow for better monitoring and smart management of the value chain.Hoang Trung, deputy minister, highlighted that one of the primary objectives is to shift cassava farming towards a circular system by selecting carbon-storing cassava varieties and introducing sustainable farming methods.

“The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment will provide full support to ensure that JICA and its partners can implement all project components efficiently and on schedule,” said Trung.

This initiative aligns with the Ministry's Sustainable Cassava Industry Development Scheme, which runs through to 2030, with a long-term vision set for 2050.

The pilot project, led by Takuro Shinano, professor of Hokkaido University, will take place in Tay Ninh province, selected for its suitable climate, reliable water access, worker safety, and strong potential for scaling up. The working group, in collaboration with Tay Ninh’s department of agriculture and environment, conducted field surveys before choosing the site.

Shinano, professor emphasized that the project aims to establish a solid technical foundation for Vietnam, backed by technology transfers from Japanese partners and the International Centre for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT). The initiative will also include training programmes for Vietnamese technicians in Japan, installation of laboratory equipment, and provision of tools for the design and analysis facility in Tay Ninh.