Abstract: Rice fields are one of the largest sources of methane (CH₄), a potent greenhouse gas, contributing significantly to global warming. Elucidating the underlying mechanisms and mitigating CH₄ emissions from paddy fields is crucial for combating climate change while ensuring sustainable food production. This review investigates the biological processes governing CH₄ generation in rice fields, focusing on how soil microorganisms generate CH₄ under waterlogged, anaerobic conditions. It also explores the mechanisms by which CH₄ escapes into the atmosphere through plant-mediated transport, diffusion, and bubbling. Several factors influencing CH₄ emissions are discussed, including soil composition, water management, exogenous organic matter application, rice variety selection, and local climate conditions. Strategies that can be implemented to reduce CH₄ emissions are assessed, such as alternate wetting and drying (AWD) controls, urea deep placement (UDP), biochar application, optimized fertilizer use, and breeding rice varieties with low CH₄ emissions. Novel solutions, such as the enhancement of methane-consuming bacteria in soils using microbial-based approaches, are explored. The importance of integrating innovative technologies, improved farming practices, and interdisciplinary research is emphasized to develop practical, scalable strategies for reducing CH₄ emissions. By addressing these challenges, we can advance towards the attainment of sustainable agriculture and global climate goals. This review aims to serve as a comprehensive resource for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners seeking to understand and mitigate CH₄ emissions from rice cultivation.

Key words: methane, soil microorganisms, methanogens, methanotrophs, greenhouse gases