Bayer Aims to Expand Direct-Seeded Rice Farming to 1 Million Hectares in India by 2030

Bayer announced a new approach to rice cultivation called the Direct-Seeded Rice (DSR) system on UN World Food Day.

This system, introduced at the 6th International Rice Congress in Manila, aims to transition from traditional puddled rice cultivation to direct-seeded rice. This shift can benefit farmers by reducing water usage by up to 40%, cutting greenhouse gas emissions by up to 45%, and decreasing the reliance on manual labour by up to 50%.

Bayer's DSR system aligns with their commitment to regenerative agriculture, which seeks to help farmers produce more while also restoring the environment. It has the potential to transform rice farming in India, with 75% of rice fields expected to adopt this method by 2040, compared to just 11% currently.

By 2030, Bayer plans to implement the DSR system on one million hectares in India, supporting over two million smallholder rice farmers through its DirectAcres program.

DirectAcres, already in progress, has shown significant success, with 99% of Indian farmers achieving successful plant establishment and 75% experiencing higher returns on investment compared to traditional rice farming. Bayer intends to introduce DirectAcres in other rice-growing countries in the Asia Pacific region, starting with the Philippines in 2024.

Bayer's approach combines advanced seeds, crop protection solutions, and digital platforms like FarmRise to empower farmers. This new system reduces the need for standing water, making access to crop protection solutions crucial. Bayer is also developing a new herbicide specifically for rice to aid weed management in the DSR system.

Rice is a critical global crop, but its production contributes to climate change and consumes vast amounts of water. The DSR system has the potential to reduce water use, greenhouse gas emissions, and the labour challenges faced by smallholder farmers in India due to urbanization.

To bring about this transformation in rice cultivation, Bayer is collaborating with organizations like the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and participating in the Direct Seeded Rice Consortium (DSRC). Their goal is to create an ecosystem of experts to advance adoption and bring innovative solutions to scale.

In summary, Bayer's Direct-Seeded Rice system aims to revolutionize rice farming, reduce environmental impact, and improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers, with a focus on sustainability and regenerative agriculture.