The sustainable rice project is expected to benefit over 50,000 farmers in the state over the next three years while improving economic, social, and environmental outcomes.
New Delhi, July 22, 2021 — Corteva Agriscience, the global agriculture company, and the 2030 Water Resources Group (2030 WRG), hosted by the World Bank Group, signed a project to promote sustainable rice production in Uttar Pradesh. The project has been conceived to build the capacity of farmers on the Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) technique of rice cultivation thus enabling sustainable livelihoods for farmers. Corteva will co-lead the project as the technology and knowledge partner for DSR.
This project called “Enhancing Landscape level Sustainability for Rice Production in Uttar Pradesh” provides a framework for Corteva, 2030 WRG and a task force of multiple stakeholders who will work towards transforming 40,000 acres of land from traditional methods of transplanting rice to the DSR technique. This three-year project will promote sustainable livelihood in agriculture, build the capacity of farmers on the DSR technique of rice cultivation through various training programs, field demonstration sessions, market linkages, market-based sustainability financing and agronomy assistance leading to their socio-economic empowerment.
Through the project, Corteva will also assist farmers with hybrid seeds and mechanized sowing services as well as, help in soil testing and management of weeds and pests on the farms. Applying these practices can lead to 35-37% reduction in water usage in rice farming, better soil health and reduced greenhouse gas emissions (by 20-30%), supporting climate resilient precision agro-forestry in the state.
Commenting on the new project, Tim Glenn, Executive Vice President, Chief Commercial Officer of Corteva Agriscience said,
“Corteva Agriscience works closely with farmers to provide tools and advice they need to achieve their goals while strengthening the resilience of their farming community. This includes practical, on-farm agricultural practices like direct-seeded rice (DSR), that help farmers protect the environment while being economically viable. This project implements holistic agronomic interventions that encourage farmers to adopt DSR. We are pleased to collaborate with WRG to help build the capacity of Farmer Producers Organizations to operate as sustainable and market-oriented agri-enterprises.”
Karin Krchnak, Program Manager of 2030 WRG, said,
“India is one of the world's largest producers of rice, accounting for 20% of global rice production. However, the process of growing rice is complex and input-intensive compared to other crops. In recent years, climate variability and lowering water tables have adversely impacted the rice cultivators in the country. The project will ensure that the farmers get access to integrated solutions that deliver transformative value chains. It will also support the state government to strengthen sustainability outcomes in rice production, putting emissions reduction, private sector-driven market linkages, and agricultural water demand management at the core of sustainable agricultural growth and rural development in Uttar Pradesh.”
The project will also assist market-driven value chain strategies by linking market off-takers with suppliers and producers, through innovative Drip-to-Market-Agro-Corridors (DMACs) and Public-Private-Partnerships (PPPs).
About Corteva
Corteva Agriscience is a publicly traded, global pure-play agriculture company that provides farmers around the world with the most complete portfolio in the industry - including a balanced and diverse mix of seed, crop protection and digital solutions focused on maximizing productivity to enhance yield and profitability. With some of the most recognized brands in agriculture and an industry-leading product and technology pipeline well positioned to drive growth, the company is committed to working with stakeholders throughout the food system as it fulfills its promise to enrich the lives of those who produce and those who consume, ensuring progress for generations to come. Corteva Agriscience became an independent public company on June 1, 2019 and was previously the Agriculture Division of DowDuPont. More information can be found at www.corteva.com.
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2030 Water Resources Group (2030 WRG) is a public, private, civil society global multi-donor trust fund hosted by the World Bank Group (WBG). 2030 WRG supports stakeholders in collective decision making, and in co-designing out-of-the-box solutions that promote strong socio-economic development across all sectors connected to water. The partnership was incubated at the World Economic Forum (2008–2012) and formally administered by the International Finance Corporation (2012–2017) before being hosted by the WBG (2018). The engagement of 2030 WRG in India began in 2010 with a national-level hydro-economic analysis that paved the way for partnerships at state level. Currently, 2030 WRG supports partnerships in Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh; and collaborates with the national government based on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). 2030 WRG has also received a mandate from the Government of Madhya Pradesh to help address the state’s water challenges. Multi-stakeholder platforms supported by 2030 WRG have demonstrated positive outcomes catalyzing sustainable, innovative solutions to close the demand-supply gap in the water sector. More information can be found at www.2030wrg.org. Follow 2030 WRG on LinkedIn Twitter and YouTube.
Media Contacts:
Corteva Agriscience
Bhavna Imran
Corteva Agriscience
+91 9701185424
Bhavna.imran@corteva.com
2030 Water Resources Group
Alida Pham
2030 Water Resources Group
+1 202 823 6896
apham4@worldbank.org
