A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about Methane.

Methane is a greenhouse gas, which is responsible for 30 per cent of the warming since preindustrial times, second only to carbon dioxide. A report by the United Nations Environment Programme observed that over a 20-year period, methane is 80 times more potent at warming than carbon dioxide.

There are various sources of methane including human and natural sources. Human sources of methane include landfills, oil and natural gas systems, agricultural activities, coal mining, wastewater treatment, and certain industrial processes

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Measures to Reduce Methane Emissions

India has been persistent in its commitment to developing and implementing climate change policies. The following are ongoing attempts to limit methane emissions:

National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA): It involves climate-resilient practices such as methane reduction in rice agriculture which helps to significantly reduce methane emissions.

National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) project: The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has developed several technologies with mitigation potential for methane from rice viz.

(a) System for Rice Intensification: The technique has potential to enhance rice yield from 36-49% with about 22-35% less water than conventional transplanted rice;

(b) Direct Seeded Rice: The system reduces methane emissions as it does not involve raising nurseries, puddling and transplanting. Unlike transplanted paddy cultivation, standing water is not maintained in this system and

(c) Crop Diversification Programme: Methane emissions is avoided due to diversion of paddy to alternate crops like pulses, oilseeds, maize, cotton and agroforestry.

Capacity-building programmes are conducted through Krishi Vigyan Kendras across the country to create awareness on climate-resilient practices.

National Livestock Mission: It includes Breed Improvement and Balanced Rationing. Feeding better quality balanced rations to animals helps to minimise methane emissions from livestock. The Government of India also promotes for green fodder production, silage making, chaff cutting, and total mixed ration.

Gobar (Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources) –Dhan’ scheme: It supports biodegradable waste recovery and conversion of waste into resources and reduction of methane emissions.

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COP28 President Designate Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber called upon the oil and gas industry to phase out methane emissions by 2030 and align in favour of comprehensive net-zero emission plans by or before 2050.

According to the Paris-based International Energy Agency (IEA), methane emissions are among the top causes of global warming. Fossil fuel operations generate over one-third of all methane emissions from human activity. Thus, action on methane is seen as one of the most effective measures the energy sector can take to mitigate climate change

Other Points to Consider

Global Methane Pledge

Global Methane Initiative

Waste to Energy