India's Methane Mitigation Strategies Unveiled

India, as a participant in global climate change frameworks like the UNFCCC, Kyoto Protocol, and Paris Agreement, has been actively engaging in measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane. The significant sources of methane emissions in India, as reported in its third Biennial Update Report, are primarily from agriculture, waste, energy, and industrial processes.

The government’s approach to mitigate methane emissions includes a range of sector-specific strategies:

1. Agriculture Sector Initiatives:

National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA): Focuses on climate-resilient practices and methane reduction in rice cultivation.

ICAR’s NICRA Project: Develops technologies to reduce methane from rice, including System for Rice Intensification, Direct Seeded Rice, and Crop Diversification Programme.

2. Capacity Building:

Conducts programs through Krishi Vigyan Kendras to raise awareness about climate-resilient practices.

3. Animal Husbandry Measures:

National Livestock Mission: Includes strategies like Breed Improvement and Balanced Rationing to reduce methane emissions from livestock.

Promotion of green fodder production, silage making, chaff cutting, and total mixed ration for lower methane emissions.

4. Waste Management Initiatives:

Gobar-Dhan Scheme: Encourages cattle waste utilization and biodegradable waste recovery.

New National Biogas and Organic Manure Programme: Aims at clean energy production and reduction of methane emissions from villages.

These measures collectively contribute to India’s broader goal under the Paris Agreement of reducing emission intensity and improving energy efficiency without specific sectoral obligations.

SRIRAM’s