Which of the following conditions in paddy fields is primarily responsible for the production of methane?

Low-oxygen conditions due to flooding

High rates of soil organic carbon sequestration

Excessive use of lime in acidic soil

The 'System for Rice Intensification' (SRI) is primarily promoted for which of the following purposes?

To reduce greenhouse gas emissions through precise seedling transplantation and controlled irrigation

To encourage the expansion of paddy cultivation into non-traditional regions

To increase the use of synthetic nitrogen fertilizers

To facilitate continuous flooding of fields

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26 July 2026

Methane emissions from rice fields

The topic directly addresses critical issues in Indian agriculture, specifically the environmental impact of paddy cultivation and the need for policy interventions like crop diversification, which are core themes in GS3.

Notes

Paddy fields are a major source of methane, with global GHG emissions from rice cultivation increasing by 90.4% between 1961-1980 and 2011-2020.
Emissions are driven by loss of soil organic carbon and methane-producing microbes that thrive in flooded, low-oxygen conditions.
India is the world's top rice producer, with paddy cultivation area increasing by 25% since the 1970s.
Factors increasing emissions include continuous irrigation, residue incorporation, and nitrogen fertilizer use.
Eastern India identified as a global methane hotspot for paddy cultivation.
Mitigation strategies include the System for Rice Intensification (SRI), improved irrigation, residue management, and reduced tillage.
Challenges to adoption include labour shortages, lack of technical knowledge, and regional variability in topography and soil.
Experts suggest crop diversification and integrated interventions, including procurement support for alternative grains, to reduce reliance on paddy.

Questions

Analyze the factors contributing to the rise in greenhouse gas emissions from paddy cultivation in India and discuss the potential of the System for Rice Intensification (SRI) in mitigating these emissions. 150 words

Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min

0 / 150 words 8:00
Given the environmental impact of intensive paddy cultivation, evaluate the necessity of crop diversification as a policy intervention. What role can institutional support and regional agricultural planning play in transitioning towards low-emission farming systems? 250 words

Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min

0 / 250 words 11:00

Prelims

Which of the following conditions in paddy fields is primarily responsible for the production of methane?

The 'System for Rice Intensification' (SRI) is primarily promoted for which of the following purposes?

Syllabus

Topics

Sources

India’s rice fields rank among world’s top methane sources

250words.in · https://250words.in/daily/2026-07-26/methane-emissions-from-rice-fields