In intensive systems, where rice is grown two to three crops a year, rice straw is either left in the field or burned. This practice causes hazardous air pollution, increased emission of greenhouse gases, and loss of nutrients from farmers’ fields.
For decades, IRRI has been leading the charge in finding optimal solutions to sustainably manage and increase the value of rice straw.
Through collaboration and learning-based alliances, we work with different institutions and communities around the globe in crafting practical solutions that will ensure safe, sustainable, and resilient rice farming systems through efficient and sustainable rice straw management. This includes research on how rice straw can be used for energy and other potentially profitable uses.