Global Pattern in Rice Productivity and Greenhouse Gas Emission Efficiency

Abstract

Aims: Rice is a staple food for a large proportion of the global population. Rice fields emit greenhouse gases, including CO₂, CH₄ and N₂O. The present study aimed to estimate the emission intensity, growth rate and instability index of these gases from rice fields. Place and Duration of Study: Secondary data were collected for 22 years, from 2000 to 2022, from FAOSTAT. The major rice-producing countries were considered for the study. Methodology: The analytical tools used in the study were emission intensity, compound annual growth rate and the Cuddy-Della Valle Instability Index. Results: The results showed that emission intensity decreased in all major rice-producing countries. Rice production increased substantially, whereas emissions from rice fields increased moderately, indicating an improvement in emission efficiency. In Vietnam and China, production increased moderately, while emissions declined in Vietnam and increased slightly in China. Conclusion: The results showed that global rice production increased significantly, while CO₂eq emissions increased modestly. This difference indicates improvements in production efficiency. Although rice systems have become more greenhouse gas efficient by delivering higher output with lower emissions per unit of production, uneven adoption of practices such as optimised irrigation and fertiliser scheduling may continue to limit progress at the country level.