Carbon Rice Program – Alternate Wetting and Drying
(AWD) Method
Program Overview
The Carbon Rice Program by UPL Sustainable Agri Solutions Limited (UPL SAS) and
[Link] aims to promote sustainable rice cultivation practices among farmers across
East Godavari, West Godavari, NTR, and Krishna districts. This initiative is part of UPL’s
broader Sustainability and Climate Action Program, focused on reducing Greenhouse Gas
(GHG) emissions, improving water efficiency, and enhancing farmer income through carbon
credit generation.
The program introduces Improved Agricultural Management Practices (IAMPs) such as:
• Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) in paddy fields
These practices are internationally recognized for reducing methane emissions and
conserving water without affecting yield or quality.
Program Objectives
1. Reduce GHG Emissions: Lower methane generation from flooded paddy fields using
AWD and DSR methods.
2. Promote Sustainable Agriculture: Encourage responsible water and soil management
for long-term productivity.
3. Empower Farmers: Provide training, technical assistance, and awareness sessions
free of cost.
4. Generate Carbon Credits: Quantify and verify emission reductions under standards
such as Verra’s Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) and Gold Standard (GS).
5. Deliver Farmer Benefits: Ensure that farmers receive up to 60% of carbon revenue
generated from their participation in the program.
About AWD – Alternate Wetting and Drying
Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) is a water-saving irrigation technique in which rice
fields are not kept continuously flooded but allowed to dry intermittently before re-irrigation.
This method:
• Reduces methane emissions by up to 40%
• Saves 25–30% of irrigation water
• Enhances soil aeration and root development
Intern
al
Program Benefits for Farmers
- Free Technical Support: Farmers receive awareness sessions, training, and field-level
guidance through UPL SAS and [Link] field officers.
- Access to Carbon Revenue: Farmers are eligible for up to 60% of carbon credit
proceeds.
- Sustainable Water Use: Improved irrigation efficiency and reduced dependency on
groundwater.
- Improved Farm Resilience: Better soil health, energy savings, and long-term
sustainability.
- Recognition and Participation: Farmers become part of a global effort to combat
climate change.
Farmer Commitments
By joining the Carbon Rice Program, farmers voluntarily agree to:
1. Adopt AWD practices on their rice fields.
2. Work exclusively with UPL SAS for this program for 20 years, ensuring no double
enrollment.
3. Allow UPL SAS to monitor and collect relevant farm data for verification purposes.
4. Grant rights to UPL SAS for generation and sale of carbon credits under Verra or
similar carbon standards.
5. Receive agreed proceeds from carbon sales in cash or kind, as per mutual timelines.
6. Use the [Link] mobile app for digital enrollment and advisory support.
7. Provide valid proof of land ownership and previous cultivation data.
8. Inform UPL SAS if farmland ownership is transferred, ensuring the new owner
continues the sustainable practices.
Data Privacy and Consent
Farmers’ personal information (such as name, contact, Aadhaar, PAN, and land documents)
will be securely collected and used only for this program.
All information will be held in compliance with applicable data protection laws and retained
for the duration of program participation.
Awareness and Capacity Building
Through continuous Local Stakeholder Consultations (LSCs), awareness meetings, and
village-level demonstrations, UPL SAS and [Link] educate farmers on:
• The environmental impact of traditional flooded rice
Intern
al
• Benefits of low-emission farming
• How carbon credits are generated, verified, and shared
• The role of Verra frameworks in ensuring global credibility
Carbon Credit Mechanism
• UPL SAS registers the project under Verra’s Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) or
equivalent programs.
• Verified emission reductions are converted into Voluntary Carbon Units (VCUs).
• VCUs are sold to corporate buyers seeking to offset their carbon footprint.
• 60% of the net proceeds are shared with participating farmers.
• Remaining funds support project operations, verification, and field services.
Program Duration
Each participating farmer commits to the Carbon Rice Program for 20 years, allowing long-
term sustainability, consistent monitoring, and continued access to carbon income
opportunities.
Program Governance
This initiative is implemented by UPL Sustainable Agri Solutions Limited (UPL SAS) through
its digital and sustainability platform [Link], with field execution support from Cluster
Officers and trained agronomy teams.
It is aligned with national and global sustainability goals, including:
• India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)
• The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 2, 12, and 13)
• The Sustainable Rice Platform (SRP) principles
Conclusion
The Carbon Rice Program is more than an emission reduction project—it is a movement
toward sustainable, profitable, and climate-smart rice farming. By adopting AWD and other
improved practices, farmers become key contributors to global climate action while
improving their productivity and income stability.
Intern
al