Carbon Footprint in Paddy Production: A Study on Farmers in Khulna District, Bangladesh
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70112/arss-2026.15.2.4433Keywords:
Carbon Footprint, Paddy Farming, Sustainable Agriculture, Khulna DistrictAbstract
Paddy production is essential for food security but is also an important source of greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane and nitrous oxide. This study estimates the carbon footprint of paddy production and identifies its key determinants among farmers in Khulna District, Bangladesh, with particular attention to farming systems, irrigation, crop-residue management, training and CSA adoption. Primary data were collected through face-to-face interviews with 200 paddy farmers selected using a multi-stage sampling procedure from four villages in Dacope and Batiaghata upazilas during September–October 2024. Greenhouse gas emissions were converted into carbon-dioxide equivalents using established emission factors and global-warming potentials. Descriptive statistics, an independent-samples t-test and ordinary least squares regression were used to assess emission patterns and determinants. Diesel-powered irrigation increased the carbon footprint by 3.35 CO₂-eq units, whereas rain-fed irrigation reduced it by 5.23 units. CSA tools reduced emissions by 12.29 units. Composting and soil incorporation of crop residues reduced emissions by 10.33 and 9.19 units, respectively, compared with residue burning. Modern and mixed farming systems reduced emissions by 6.25 and 8.31 units, respectively, relative to traditional farming. The model explained 48.02% of the variation in carbon footprint. The findings indicate that cleaner irrigation, CSA technologies and sustainable residue management can reduce emissions without undermining paddy production. The study links farm-level carbon-footprint estimates with socioeconomic and management factors in a climate-vulnerable coastal setting. It provides locally grounded evidence for policies promoting farmer training, improved water management, cleaner energy and low-emission residue practices in Bangladesh’s rice sector.
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