Sustainability in Rice Cultivation

Sustainability in agricultural production, particularly in rice cultivation, serves as a cornerstone for balancing environmental, social, and economic parameters. As an annual plant, rice is cultivated from May to October, starting with soil preparation, which includes tilling, leveling, and adding fertilizers. Following this, fields are flooded with water, and sowing takes place. The plant develops in water throughout the summer, with harvesting occurring in the fall.

Modern irrigation methods, through extensive networks of canals and ditches, ensure efficient management of water resources. At the same time, sustainability in cultivation is achieved through the adoption of practices that:

  • Reduce environmental impact
  • Conserve natural resources
  • Promote the well-being of local communities

These practices encompass the entire production cycle, from the selection of rice varieties and field management to responsible water and fertilizer use, as well as the distribution of the final product.

Key Elements of Sustainability in Rice Cultivation

  • Efficient Water Use: Rice thrives in flooded fields, which maintain soil temperature, reduce weed growth, and enhance the recharge of aquifers. Simultaneously, rice paddies act as reservoirs that support biodiversity and ecological balance.
  • Biodiversity Protection: Flooded fields provide natural habitats that sustain and enhance local ecosystems.
  • Reduction of Chemical Fertilizer Use: Under the “Farm to Fork” (F2F) strategy of the European Union, the aim is to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers by 50% by 2030. This seeks to diminish water pollution and enhance biodiversity by promoting the adoption of organic and sustainable agricultural practices.
  • Economic Support through the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP): The CAP provides financial assistance to farmers for adopting sustainable practices, contributing to the reduction of environmental footprints and resource conservation.
  • Resilient Rice Varieties: The Ribe variety, primarily cultivated in the Po Valley, is a notable example of a resilient variety that retains its nutritional value and is easily digestible, making it a sustainable choice for growers.

Protected Ecosystems and Rice Cultivation

Sustainable rice cultivation is closely linked to the protection of significant ecosystems, such as the Axios-Loudias-Aliakmonas National Park in northern Greece and the Albufera Natural Park in Valencia, Spain. These areas, part of the Natura 2000 network, integrate rice cultivation with the protection of wetlands and biodiversity. Adherence to environmental guidelines contributes to the maintenance of ecological balance and sustainable development of local ecosystems.

Sustainability in rice cultivation is not only about environmental protection but also about the economic well-being of local communities. Implementing sustainable farming practices, combined with ecosystem conservation, is key to safeguarding natural resources and ensuring the long-term prosperity of both producers and nature.

©2023. All Rights Reserved.

Follow us on social media

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency (REA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

©2023. All Rights Reserved.

Follow us on social media