How I’m helping rice farmers in India harness the power of fungi in the soil

India, a land where agriculture is not just an occupation but a way of life, faces a critical challenge in its dominant crop: rice. As the world's second-largest producer and consumer of rice, India's agricultural practices have a profound impact on its environment, economy, and social fabric. Traditional rice cultivation, characterized by continuous flooding of paddy fields, is incredibly water-intensive and a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane. This method, while ensuring food security for decades, has led to alarming rates of groundwater depletion and exacerbated climate change concerns. This background sets the stage for innovative, sustainable approaches like harnessing beneficial soil fungi through water-saving techniques.

What's happening now is a focused effort to transform rice cultivation by integrating ecological wisdom with modern agricultural science. The core idea is to promote water-saving techniques such as Direct Seeding of Rice (DSR) and Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD). DSR involves sowing rice seeds directly into the field rather than transplanting seedlings from a nursery, eliminating the need for continuous standing water in the initial stages. AWD, on the other hand, is a water management practice where irrigation water is applied a few days after the disappearance of the ponded water, allowing the soil to dry out temporarily. These methods drastically reduce water consumption, often by 30-50%. Crucially, these less waterlogged conditions create an aerobic environment in the soil, which is highly conducive for the proliferation of beneficial soil fungi, such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). These fungi form symbiotic relationships with plant roots, extending the root system's reach and significantly improving the uptake of essential nutrients like phosphorus, nitrogen, and micronutrients. The thriving fungal networks also enhance soil structure, reduce the need for chemical fertilizers, and, by preventing anaerobic conditions, substantially cut down methane emissions from paddy fields.

Key stakeholders in this green agricultural shift include the farmers themselves, who are the ultimate adopters and beneficiaries. Agricultural scientists and research institutions, such as the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and various state agricultural universities, are pivotal in developing, validating, and disseminating these techniques. Government bodies like the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, state agricultural departments, and agencies like NABARD provide policy support, financial incentives, and extension services. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and international research bodies like the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) also play a crucial role in outreach, capacity building, and collaborative research.

This initiative matters immensely for India. Environmentally, it addresses critical issues of water scarcity, especially in states like Punjab and Haryana, which are the rice bowls of India but face severe groundwater depletion. By reducing methane emissions, it contributes to India's commitments under the Paris Agreement to combat climate change, aligning with its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Economically, it promises reduced input costs for farmers (less water, labor, and fertilizers), leading to increased profitability and potentially better resilience against market fluctuations. This directly impacts farmer livelihoods and contributes to rural economic stability. Socially, it promotes sustainable practices that can ensure long-term food security for a growing population while mitigating environmental degradation for future generations.

Historically, Indian agriculture has witnessed transformative shifts, most notably the Green Revolution of the 1960s and 70s. While the Green Revolution dramatically boosted food grain production and averted famine, it came with environmental costs, including intensive water use and chemical dependence. The current movement towards sustainable rice farming can be seen as the 'Next Green Revolution' – one focused on ecological balance and resource efficiency.

Several constitutional provisions and policies underpin these efforts. The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) in the Indian Constitution, particularly Article 48, mandates the State to organize agriculture and animal husbandry on modern and scientific lines and to take steps for preserving and improving the breeds. Article 48A further directs the State to endeavor to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country. These articles provide the constitutional mandate for government policies promoting sustainable agriculture. Schemes like the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) directly support such initiatives. The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) aims for 'Per Drop More Crop,' emphasizing efficient water use, which aligns perfectly with DSR and AWD. Additionally, the promotion of organic farming through schemes like Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) indirectly supports the enhancement of soil biodiversity, including beneficial fungi.

Looking ahead, the future implications are vast. Successful scaling up of these practices across India could revolutionize rice cultivation, making it significantly more sustainable and resilient to climate change. This requires robust extension services to educate farmers, availability of appropriate machinery for DSR, and continued policy support through incentives and subsidies. Further research into specific fungal strains best suited for different agro-climatic zones and rice varieties will also be crucial. This initiative is a vital step towards achieving several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land), positioning India as a leader in ecological agriculture and climate resilience.