Answer

The Global Methane Pledge (GMP), launched at COP26, aims to reduce global methane emissions by 30% from 2020 levels by 2030. Despite being the world’s third-largest methane emitter(2024), India has refrained from joining the pledge, citing concerns over its agricultural economy and livelihoods of small and marginal farmers.

Reasons for India Not Signing the Global Methane Pledge

• Agricultural Dependence: India’s agriculture sector, especially rice cultivation and livestock, accounts for over 60%of its methane emissions. 
• Livelihood Concerns: Methane mitigation measures may threaten the livelihoods of millions dependent on subsistence farming and dairy farming.
  Example: India has over 80 million dairy farmers, and changes in livestock management could impact their income.
• Trade Implications: Reducing methane emissions in paddy cultivation could affect India’s status as a leading rice exporter with a share of approximately 40 per cent of worldwide exports.
• Emission Classification: India views its methane emissions as “survival emissions”, essential for sustenance, unlike the “luxury emissions” of developed nations. 
• Sovereignty in Climate Commitments: India prefers to adhere to commitments under the UNFCCC and Paris Agreement, avoiding external pledges.
  Example: The GMP operates outside the UNFCCC framework, leading India to exercise caution in participation.
• Focus on CO₂ Reduction: Although A molecule of methane traps more heat than a molecule of CO2, India prioritizes reducing carbon dioxide (CO₂), which has a longer atmospheric lifespan of hundreds of yearsor more.
• Technical and Financial Constraints: Implementing methane reduction technologies requires significant investment and infrastructure, posing challenges.
  

Alternative Strategies Adopted by India to Address Methane Emissions

• National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA): Promotes climate-resilient practices to reduce methane emissions in agriculture.
  Example: Adoption of System of Rice Intensification (SRI) has led to a 22-35% reduction in water usage and lower methane emissions.
• National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA): Develops technologies to mitigate methane emissions in farming.
  Example: Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) technique reduces methane emissions by eliminating the need for puddling and transplanting.
• National Livestock Mission: Enhances livestock productivity while reducing methane emissions through better feeding practices.
  Example: Promotes balanced rationing and green fodder production to lower enteric fermentation in cattle.
• Harit Dhara Feed Supplement: An anti-methanogenic feed additive developed by ICAR to reduce methane emissions from livestock. 
• GOBARdhan Scheme: Encourages conversion of cattle dung and organic waste into biogas, reducing methane release.
• Waste Management Initiatives: Implements solid waste management practices to curb methane emissions from landfills.
  Example: Cities have adopted organic waste processing and biomethane production for public transport fuel.
• Crop Diversification Programs: Promotes cultivation of low-methane-emitting crops to reduce reliance on paddy.
  Example: Encourages farmers to shift to pulses, oilseeds, and millets, which have lower methane footprints.

India’s decision to abstain from the Global Methane Pledge stems from concerns over agricultural livelihoods and economic implications. Nevertheless, the country is proactively implementing domestic strategies to mitigate methane emissions, balancing environmental responsibilities with socio-economic realities to achieve sustainable development goals.

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