Bayer, with over 125 years of presence in India, has extensive experience supporting smallholders and advancing rice agronomy. We collaborate with 11 carefully selected grassroots organizations, each boasting deep local ties and expertise in empowering rural communities.

Our approach emphasizes key partnerships and meticulous management systems. Each partner undergoes diligent vetting to ensure they meet our high standards for effective project execution, maximizing impact and efficiency.

The field officers, recruited from local farming communities by our partners, form the backbone of this initiative. Trained in sustainable rice farming practices, and carbon farming mechanism, these officers provide comprehensive training, guidance and handholding support to the farmers throughout the cropping season following a systematic and structured approach.

Voluntary farmer enrollment occurs through local village meetings, where we discuss the limitations of traditional farming methods, such as Puddled Transplanted Rice (PTR), and introduce the benefits of sustainable practices. We also transparently discuss potential challenges and risks associated with adopting new methods. Eligible farmers, with at least 0.5 hectares of land and controlled irrigation systems, are onboarded after clear communication about The Good Rice Alliance and its objectives.

This collaborative approach enhances farmers’ productivity while fostering long-term project sustainability through building strong relationships. The project generates measurable environmental benefits, contributing directly to climate change mitigation while reducing farmers’ input costs and water usage.