India's Strategies for Sustainable Methane Reduction

India’s Role in Global Climate Change Efforts

India has been an active participant in various global climate change frameworks, including the UNFCCC, Kyoto Protocol, and the Paris Agreement. The nation is committed to implementing strategies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, with a particular focus on methane.

Sources of Methane Emissions in India

According to India's third Biennial Update Report, the primary contributors to methane emissions are:

• Agriculture
• Waste Management
• Energy Production
• Industrial Processes

To tackle these challenges, the government has devised a comprehensive approach that includes various sector-specific strategies.

Sector-Specific Strategies for Methane Mitigation

India's initiatives to mitigate methane emissions can be categorized into several key areas:

Agriculture Sector Initiatives

• National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA): This program emphasizes climate-resilient practices aimed at reducing methane emissions, particularly in rice cultivation.
• ICAR’s NICRA Project: This initiative focuses on developing technologies that minimize methane emissions from rice, incorporating methods like the System for Rice Intensification, Direct Seeded Rice, and the Crop Diversification Programme.

Capacity Building

Efforts are being made through Krishi Vigyan Kendras to enhance awareness regarding climate-resilient agricultural practices.

Animal Husbandry Measures

• National Livestock Mission: This mission includes strategies for breed improvement and balanced rationing to lower methane emissions from livestock.
• Promotion of practices such as green fodder production, silage making, chaff cutting, and total mixed ration to further reduce emissions.

Waste Management Initiatives

• Gobar-Dhan Scheme: This initiative encourages the utilization of cattle waste and the recovery of biodegradable waste.
• New National Biogas and Organic Manure Programme: Aims to produce clean energy while concurrently reducing methane emissions from rural areas.

These collective measures contribute significantly to India's overarching goals under the Paris Agreement, which include reducing emission intensity and enhancing energy efficiency, all without imposing specific sectoral obligations.

Through these initiatives, India is not only addressing the pressing issue of methane emissions but also reinforcing its commitment to global sustainability efforts.