Inside Tilda’s push to slash rice emissions through smarter water management

Tilda has expanded its sustainable basmati rice programme to nearly 4,000 farms in northern India, covering 15,000 hectares, with the aim of reducing methane emissions, water use, and fertiliser inputs through techniques such as alternate wetting and drying (AWD) and integrated pest management. The programme has achieved a 45% reduction in methane emissions, a 36% drop in overall CO₂-equivalent emissions, 20% less fertiliser use, and 37 billion litres of water saved, while also increasing yields and farmer profitability. Technical support, financial incentives, and market-linked premium payments have driven farmer participation, and research partnerships are exploring further innovations, such as microbial biofertilisers and direct-seeded rice. Tilda’s immediate focus is on scaling the programme to its full basmati supply chain, aiming for a 50% emissions reduction by 2030