Green Innovations in Agriculture: The Role of Microbes in Climate Change Mitigation

Agriculture is a major contributor to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with India’s agricultural sector alone accounting for 19.13% of the country’s total emissions. Microorganisms act as source, as well as sink in agricultural GHG emission production. Microbial-driven carbon sequestration stabilizes atmospheric CO2 with aid of autotrophic microbes, e.g., cyanobacteria and microalgae, which capture CO2 through the Calvin-Benson cycle, reduce CH4 and N2O emissions, and simultaneously enhance soil fertility. Persistence of purple non-sulfur bacteria, such as, Rhodopseudomonas palustris TN110 successfully achieved an 80% reduction in CH4 emissions in rice/paddy fields, as per studies conducted. Methanotrophy acts as first line defence against methane production, by converting it into CO2 and H2O. Similarly, microbial solutions address N2O emissions, by using plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs), such as Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens and Bacillus spp., by providing enhanced expression of nosZ gene, necessary for conversion of N2O to N2. Beyond direct mitigation, microorganisms decompose organic wastes, diverting the routes leading to GHG emissions caused by their burning. The Pusa decomposer, mushroom and bioethanol production, microbes as feed-additives, suggest indirect usage of microorganisms to reduce GHGs. Though such solutions possess somewhat challenges, however, policy support, continued research, and farmer adoption can unlock the full potential of microbial interventions in achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. By leveraging microbial processes, agriculture can transition toward a more sustainable and climate-resilient future.