In a bid to achieve sustainable rice production and enhance food security, farmers across six Asian countries have successfully increased their rice yields using nuclear-derived climate-smart agricultural practices. This initiative, supported by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), is making significant strides in addressing the challenges posed by water shortages and climate change.
IMPORTANCE OF RICE IN ASIA
Rice is a dietary staple for 60% of Asia’s population, with the continent accounting for 90% of the world’s rice production. Spanning over 135 million hectares and employing over 300 million people, rice farming is integral to the region’s economy and food security. However, climate change and water shortages have led to a production deficit, making it crucial to increase rice yields to meet the demands of a growing population and improve farmers‘ livelihoods.
CLIMATE-SMART AGRICULTURE AND NUCLEAR TECHNIQUES
Under the IAEA’s technical cooperation program, farmers in Bangladesh, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, and Vietnam have adopted climate-smart agricultural practices enhanced by nuclear and isotopic techniques. These practices have led to a significant increase in rice production, with yields rising from 1 to 2.5 tons per hectare in some regions.
CASE STUDY: PAKISTAN’S SUCCESS IN RICE PRODUCTION
In Pakistan’s Punjab and Sind provinces, farmers were trained to implement climate-smart technologies based on IAEA/FAO research. This approach, known as the IAEA/FAO Integrated Option, involves the optimal combination of chemical and organic fertilizers tailored to local soils and crops. As a result, basmati rice yields increased by 188%, and long-grain rice by 176% in field trials across six regions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Sind provinces. This boost in rice production has not only enhanced food security but also promoted sustainable farming practices that can be replicated in other countries.
IMPACT IN BANGLADESH
In Bangladesh, the adoption of these innovative practices has been transformative for local farmers. Babul Hossain, a Bangladeshi farmer, shared that the IAEA-recommended methods significantly increased his farm’s productivity, providing additional income and inspiring neighbouring communities to adopt similar practices. Additionally, climate-smart agriculture has reduced ammonia emissions in rice fields by around 36%, according to Mohammad Jahangir, a professor at Bangladesh Agricultural University. This reduction in emissions helps decrease air pollution, protect human health, and safeguard ecosystems.
ROLE OF THE JOINT FAO/IAEA CENTRE
The Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture plays a pivotal role in developing and disseminating these climate-smart agricultural practices. By leveraging nuclear techniques, the Centre helps optimize fertilizer and water use, increase agricultural efficiency, and maintain soil health. According to Javed Shah, a scientist at the Nuclear Institute of Agriculture in Tandojam, Pakistan, the success of the IAEA Integrated Option exemplifies how combining chemical and organic fertilizers can lead to higher yields and better soil health.
A PATH TO SUSTAINABLE FARMING AND GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY
The Joint FAO/IAEA Centre’s efforts are part of a broader initiative to promote climate-smart agriculture, combat climate change, and enhance global food security. In 2018, the Centre developed the Rice Production Guidelines, providing farmers with best management practices based on isotopic techniques. These guidelines have helped farmers across Asia improve rice productivity and food security.
ATOMS4FOOD INITIATIVE
In 2023, the IAEA and FAO launched the Atoms4Food initiative to further expand the use of innovative nuclear techniques in agriculture. This initiative aims to enhance global food production, ensure food safety, reduce food losses, and improve nutrition in the face of climate change challenges.
The success of climate-smart agriculture in Asia, supported by nuclear techniques, highlights the potential for sustainable farming practices to significantly increase rice productivity. By combining innovative methods with local expertise, farmers across the region are enhancing food security, protecting the environment, and paving the way for a more sustainable future. As these practices continue to be adopted and refined, they offer a promising model for addressing the global challenges of food security and environmental sustainability.