Karnal Farmers Embrace Sustainable Rice Cultivation, Reducing Water Usage and Empowering Women

The community of farmers in Karnal, Haryana, India, has successfully embraced sustainable rice cultivation, dramatically reducing water usage and revolutionizing traditional farming methods. Situated approximately 120km from New Delhi, Karnal is a pivotal agricultural region where fields of sunlit paddy stretch along the motorway.

Challenge of Water Consumption

India, a global rice export leader, faces the critical issue of water-intensive rice cultivation. Producing over 135 tonnes of rice annually, the country grapples with the environmental impact of the traditional flooding of rice fields, which consumes 4,000 to 5,000 liters of water per kilogram of rice.

Sustainable Rice Project

Launched in 2020 by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Olam, the Sustainable Rice Project in Karnal aims to introduce environmentally friendly practices into paddy cultivation. Traditionally, rice fields were flooded before transplanting paddy, but Karnal's farmers have transitioned to three sustainable techniques.

Wet-and-Dry Method: Involves using a tube to monitor water levels in paddy fields.

Drip Irrigation: Ensures precise water delivery to the plant's roots.

Laser-Land Leveling: Distributes water evenly using laser levelers and tractors.

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Reducing Water Consumption

These innovative practices have resulted in a remarkable 15 to 20% reduction in overall water consumption without compromising crop yields, according to Nitin Gupta, Vice President of Global Agribusiness at Olam.

Empowering Local Women - Krishi-Sakhis

Beyond transforming farming practices, the Sustainable Rice Project addresses gender disparity in agriculture, particularly in Haryana, where female literacy rates are among the lowest in India. The project introduces Krishi-Sakhis, or Farmer's Friends, empowering local women to disseminate knowledge on sustainable farming practices and become integral members of the farming community.

Challenges

Transitioning farmers away from centuries-old practices proved challenging initially. Farmers, deeply rooted in tradition, were hesitant to abandon familiar techniques. The project also faced skepticism from the male-dominated farming community.

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Krishi-Sakhis Making a Difference

Krishi-Sakhis, despite initial resistance, have become catalysts for change. The women, like Seema Devi, visit farms regularly to educate farmers on sustainable practices. Initially met with skepticism, they now stand as proud members of their community, driving positive environmental change.

The Sustainable Rice Project in Karnal not only exemplifies a shift towards eco-friendly farming but also showcases the transformative power of empowering women in agriculture. As the community embraces sustainable practices, it marks a significant step towards a more environmentally conscious and inclusive agricultural landscape.

Conclusion

Karnal's journey highlights the potential for sustainable farming to revolutionize agriculture, offering a model for other regions grappling with water-intensive cultivation practices. The success of the Sustainable Rice Project highlights the importance of community engagement, gender empowerment, and innovative techniques in shaping the future of agriculture.

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