Project overview
The Sustainable Paddy Program is a Verra-registered carbon-offset initiative (VCS 3655) implemented by Agricapita Innotech Private Limited. It reduces methane emissions from rice cultivation by replacing continuous flooding with Alternate Wetting and Drying and Direct Seeded Rice. The project supports small and marginal farmers through sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, and improved livelihoods.
Location and expansion
The first phase is implemented in Jangaon district, Telangana. The grouped project is designed to expand into other rice-growing regions across India.
Objectives
- Significantly reduce methane emissions from rice paddies.
- Improve irrigation-water efficiency.
- Improve soil health and crop productivity.
- Empower rural farming communities.
- Generate high-integrity carbon credits under Verra’s VCS Program.
Technology and methodology
- Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD): apply irrigation intermittently instead of continuously flooding fields; farmers use field water tubes to monitor water levels and decide when to irrigate.
- Direct Seeded Rice (DSR): sow seed directly in the field without transplanting, reducing water and labour needs.
- Applied methodology: AMS-III.AU, Methane emission reduction by adjusted water management practice in rice cultivation, Version 4.0.
Environmental and agroecological benefits
- Methane reductions of up to 48%.
- Water savings of 15–30%.
- Improved soil aeration and organic-matter retention.
- Greater resilience to drought, pests, and disease.
- More use of organic inputs and less dependence on chemical fertilizers.
Social impact
- More than 3,185 farmers engaged in the first season.
- Local employment for field staff and agronomists.
- Technical training and participation opportunities for women.
- AgriCapita mobile-app support for advisory, data logging, and best practices.
- Field-level training and awareness campaigns delivered in regional languages.
Project features
- Grouped project under Verra’s VCS Program.
- Agricultural Land Management project using Improved Cropland Management.
- Fixed ten-year crediting period from 2022 to 2032.
- Project start date and first dry event: July 30, 2022.
- Field tubes, geotagged monitoring, and mobile-based advisory for technology demonstration and evidence collection.
Sustainable Development Goal contributions
- Goal 2: Zero Hunger.
- Goal 5: Gender Equality.
- Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation.
- Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.
- Goal 13: Climate Action.