A Bold Step Towards Healthier Food and Regenerative Farming
PAI Impact Report – Danone 2024
When combined with Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD)—a climate-smart irrigation technique—rice cultivation becomes significantly more sustainable. Unlike traditional continuous flooding, AWD allows the soil to dry at regulated intervals before re-irrigation, improving water-use efficiency without compromising yields. Within RiceVitalize™, AWD has demonstrated the potential to reduce water consumption by over 200% compared to conventional methods, while also lowering nitrous oxide emissions. This makes AWD a key strategy for advancing low-carbon rice farming.
This integrated approach to sustainable agriculture aligns closely with the values of RiceVitalize™’s key partners. One of the leading collaborators, Danone Indonesia, recognizes the initiative as a strategic component of its Danone Impact Journey—a sustainability roadmap anchored in three pillars: Health, Nature, and People & Communities.
“RiceVitalize™ aligns with our commitment to improving health through food while advancing environmental sustainability and empowering communities,” said Karyanto Wibowo, Senior Director of Public Affairs and Sustainability at Danone Indonesia. “By supporting the development of a biofortified rice ecosystem, we aim to strengthen nutrition access, enhance smallholder farmer livelihoods, and contribute to a healthier planet—demonstrating how business can be a force for good.”
To further validate the environmental benefits, RiceVitalize partnered with IPB University to assess greenhouse gas emissions from different cultivation practices. The study found that PPAI Technology® reduced methane emissions by up to 24% compared to conventional approaches, while AWD significantly minimized nitrous oxide emissions and enhanced water efficiency. These findings highlight the potential of combining PPAI and AWD as a scalable and practical solution for sustainable, climate-resilient rice production—achieving environmental gains without sacrificing productivity.
The pilot phase of RiceVitalize™ has delivered impactful results, highlighting its potential to drive sustainable and resilient rice production. By integrating PPAI Technology® and Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD), the program has accelerated the shift toward low-carbon rice farming. These practices have successfully reduced synthetic pesticide use by up to 50%, improved soil and water health, and enhanced farmer well-being. In addition, the adoption of sustainable straw decomposition methods has helped mitigate air pollution by replacing harmful traditional straw-burning practices.
The program’s resilience-based approach was particularly evident during severe rodent infestations that devastated crops across the region. Farmers engaged in RiceVitalize™, supported by comprehensive end-to-end assistance, maintained productivity—demonstrating not only the technical efficacy of PPAI Technology® but also the value of consistent, field-based support. This hands-on guidance built strong farmer trust, reinforcing that RiceVitalize is more than a technology package—it is a reliable partnership, especially in times of crisis.
The initiative also shows strong promise in tackling hidden hunger through its focus on biofortified rice cultivation. The selected seed varieties not only deliver yields of up to 6.28 tons per hectare but also offer up to 25-50% more essential micronutrients like zinc and iron. This dual impact on both agronomic performance and nutritional quality marks a significant step toward improving food security and combating nutrient deficiencies in vulnerable communities.
Heni Sugiharti, Head of Economic Affairs for Banyuwangi Regency, remarked, “I’m pleased with the impact of RiceVitalize™—more than 2,000 mothers and children now have access to nutritious food through the distribution of biofortified rice. This program not only strengthens food security and dietary quality for our communities but also supports our regional strategy to curb inflation through sustainable agriculture.”
As the journey toward a healthier and more regenerative food system continues, RiceVitalize™ stands out as a model of inclusive innovation and cross-sector collaboration. By aligning sustainable agricultural practices with nutritional outcomes and environmental stewardship, the initiative demonstrates how scalable solutions can create lasting change. With a solid foundation in place, RiceVitalize is well-positioned to expand its reach—empowering more farmers, nourishing more communities, and contributing to a sustainable and climate-resilient future.
About PT Terra Agro Yields
PT Terra Agro Yields is Indonesian agri life-science company and is currently the only one that has innovation in the development of pesticide-reducing products (pesticide reductants). Starting from this innovation, PT Terra Agro Yields is committed to helping agricultural business actors to implement agricultural practices that are sustainable, environmentally friendly, safe for users, and also cost-efficient.
For more information visit www.tagroyields.com.
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