In a milestone step towards sustainable, climate-resilient agriculture, the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Kerala on 02 July 2025 to provide technical support for co-developing and scaling up low-emission rice production practices across the state. This collaboration is a key component of the Kerala Climate Resilient Agri-Value Chain Modernization Project (KERA), supported by the World Bank. Bringing together public institutions, research partners, and local farming communities, the initiative aims to transform Kerala’s rice-based agricultural systems into models of low-emission, climate-smart, high-resilience food production.
The KERA project, with technical assistance from IRRI, is set to co-develop and introduce pioneering Low Emission Packages (LEPs) and digital water management systems that will help rice farmers in Kerala mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while maintaining productivity and profitability. The focus is on promoting evidence-based agronomy, sustainable water management, carbon finance, and institutional capacity development.
A Strategic Collaboration for Climate Action
The partnership brings together:
Government of Kerala: Steering the initiative through the Department of Agriculture Development and Farmers’ Welfare, Department of Irrigation, and Soil Survey & Soil Conservation Department.
International Rice Research Institute (IRRI): Leading technical partner responsible for science, innovation, MRV development, capacity building, and project management.
Kerala Agricultural University (KAU): Key national partner to co-lead experiments, training, and research initiatives.
Centre for Water Resources Development and Management (CWRDM): Hydrology and water management partner to guide irrigation interventions.
Padasekhara Samitis and Water User Associations: Farmer collectives and grassroots organizations engaged in piloting and scaling the innovations.
Addressing a Climate Imperative
Rice cultivation in Kerala, especially in the districts of Palakkad and Thrissur, contributes significantly to the state’s agricultural GHG emissions due to waterlogged field practices and high methane emissions. The KERA project identifies these regions as pilot zones for deploying low-emission agronomic practices and improved irrigation scheduling using Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) and digital monitoring tools.
These districts are known for their distinct rice ecosystems—Palakkad’s upland canal-irrigated systems and Thrissur’s wetland kole lands—both vital to the state’s food security and agricultural economy. The initiative targets over 45,000 farmers and 22,000 hectares of rice land for initial scaling.
“IRRI’s water-saving interventions are pivotal in enhancing water utility without compromising crop productivity. These sustainable technologies also pave the way for future participation in carbon trading mechanisms. It’s an honour to be associated with IRRI and KAU in advancing such transformative solutions,” remarked Dr. B. Ashok IAS, APC, Principal Secretary and Project Director, KERA/Dr. Vishnuraj P IAS, Additional Project Director, KERA.
This initiative strongly aligns with IRRI’s new 5-year strategy to drive innovation for climate resilience in rice-based agri-food systems. Together, we will build scalable models tailored to canal-fed systems, develop inclusive tools for decision-making, and create open, democratized data systems that unlock opportunities for innovation and enterprise,” noted Dr. Yvonne Pinto, Director General, IRRI.
“With the KERA project, we enable a shift from conventional rice production to climate-smart farming practices that benefit farmers, safeguard the environment, and secure the future of our food systems,” said Dr. Prakashan Chellattan Vettill, IRRI Senior Economist and Project Lead, KERA-AWD
“Kerala has long been a leader in agricultural innovation, and this project will further reinforce its position as a pioneer in climate-responsive agri-value chain development,” added Dr. Anton Urfels, IRRI Senior Water Scientist and Co-Lead of the project.
A Pathway to Global Leadership in Climate-Smart Rice
The broader objectives of KERA-AWD are threefold. First, it aims to identify, target, and co-develop low-emission agronomic and water-management practices that support low-carbon rice production. Second, it seeks to scale these greenhouse gas mitigation strategies across Kerala to ensure widespread adoption. Finally, the initiative aspires to connect farmers to credible payment mechanisms for ecosystem services, such as carbon offset markets, positioning Kerala as a model for integrative, evidence-led, and scalable mitigation programming.
The KERA-AWD component goes beyond technical solutions; it’s a transformative platform for innovation, co-creation, and long-term sustainability. It leverages IRRI’s global expertise, Kerala’s strong institutional framework, and participatory, farmer-led models, to establish a replicable framework for climate-smart rice cultivation across South Asia.
The project also fosters inclusive and adaptive learning environments. It actively engages youth, women farmers, cooperatives, and research scholars to ensure the principles of sustainability, equity, and resilience are deeply embedded in the next generation of farming systems.
A Model for India’s Agricultural Transition
The MoU signed today underscores a strong commitment by all partners to collaboratively build a low-carbon, resilient, and inclusive rice production system in Kerala. It reinforces a shared vision where farmers are central to climate action, empowered by science, supported by policy, and enabled through digital innovation. This strategic collaboration lays the foundation for sustainable rice intensification in Kerala and reflects the state’s aspiration to lead India’s transition to climate-smart agriculture.
By integrating emission reduction strategies with livelihood enhancement, digital water governance, and carbon market readiness, the KERA project positions Kerala as a living laboratory for climate innovation in agriculture. The tools, insights, and frameworks emerging from this initiative will play a critical role in shaping future-oriented agricultural policies, attracting green investments, and informing global dialogues on sustainable rice systems, espciallyin smallholder-dominated landscapes.
