UK agritech firm Straw Innovations has launched a rice farming machine designed to boost yields, cut emissions and strengthen food security in Asia.
The launch marks a major step in its expansion into the Philippines, Indonesia and India.
The machine, called the Straw Traktor, has been shown to increase rice production by up to 65% a year while halving methane emissions, one of agriculture's most potent greenhouse gases. It enables farmers to harvest rice three times a year instead of two, while improving soil health and generating new income streams from what was once treated as waste.
The Straw Traktor was officially unveiled at the Rice Straw Bioenergy Hub (RSBH) in Pila, Laguna, Philippines – the first facility of its kind globally.
Developed by Straw Innovations, in partnership with Aston University, SEARCA, Koolmill Systems and funded by Innovate UK, the hub demonstrates how rice straw can be transformed into biochar, renewable energy, compost and livestock bedding.
Representatives from the British Embassy Manila, the Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA) and local government officials attended the launch, underscoring growing international collaboration on sustainable agriculture.
Rice is a staple for over half the world's population, with 90% produced in Asia. But extreme weather, population growth and inefficient farming methods have strained production and intensified the climate impact of rice cultivation. Paddy fields are a major source of methane – a gas more than 80 times more potent than CO₂ – largely due to the burning and decomposition of leftover straw.
Founder and director of Straw Innovations, Craig Jamieson, said: "This new system brings together world-leading technologies and business models for the first time to set a new benchmark for rice processing globally. For rice-producing communities and the environment, it's nothing short of transformational.”
The Straw Traktor works in flooded conditions, collecting straw from fields and rotavating the soil to prepare for the next planting. It also spreads biochar, a soil amendment that boosts fertility and carbon sequestration, raising yields by an additional 10%.
The machine's design caters to smallholder farmers, offering a high return on investment through added revenue from upcycled products.
At the RSBH, Straw Innovations' solution is integrated with Koolmill's energy-efficient rice milling technology, Takachar's Takavator biochar system, and the Biogas Hub, forming a low-emission model for sustainable rice production.
Research by Aston University and SEARCA will assess the system's socio-economic and environmental impacts, helping to scale the approach across Asia.
The roll-out of the Straw Traktor in Indonesia and India is being supported by Innovate UK, UKAid and Takachar under the Energy Catalyst programme, with launches planned for next year.
Economic and climate counsellor at British Embassy Manila, Lloyd Cameron, added: "Businesses which treat climate risks as opportunities will define the markets of the future. When UK science meets Philippine innovation, rice straw becomes more than a byproduct, it becomes part of the solution. That partnership lies at the core of the Rice Straw Bioenergy Hub: harnessing new technology, developing local business models and increasing productivity."
SEARCA center director Mercedita Sombilla commented: "Aligned with SEARCA's mission to empower farmers, the development of rice straw management solutions will not only contribute to reduction of greenhouse gas emissions but also enable communities to turn agricultural wastes into livelihood opportunities that increase incomes".
"The promotion of policy-backed innovative technologies and strategies indeed help drive the use of climate smart practices that are beneficial to agriculture and environment."