Practical farming changes could cut cancer-linked arsenic in rice by up to 65%

Dr Jajati Mandal recently led training workshops for farmers and agricultural input dealers in the arsenic contaminated regions of Nadia, North and South 24 Parganas, and Murshidabad districts of West Bengal, India demonstrating practical ways to reduce the amount of arsenic absorbed by rice grains. Six farmer training programmes were delivered reaching approximately 300 farmers.  

Not only can rice absorb up to ten times* more arsenic takes it up predominantly in the inorganic form.  For people who rely on rice as a dietary staple in arsenic-affected regions, long-term exposure may contribute to elevated risk of  bladder, lung, liver, skin and kidney cancers, as well as other illnesses, such as cardiovascular and vascular diseases, and Type 2 diabetes.*  

The workshops focused on practical changes farmers can make immediately, including allowing rice fields to dry between irrigation instead of keeping them continuously flooded, and applying of zinc- and iron-enriched vermicompost, an organic fertiliser produced using earthworms.* 

Research led by Jajati and colleagues along with collaborators from Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, India has shown that combining these approaches can reduce arsenic concentrations in rice by around 50-65%, while also improving crop yields. 

Jajati said: “Rice is one of the world’s most important staple foods, but it can also be one of the biggest dietary sources of inorganic arsenic. By making relatively simple changes to the way rice is grown, farmers can significantly reduce the amount of arsenic that ends up in the grain. 

“These are practical methods that farmers can adopt without expensive new technology, making them realistic options for reducing arsenic contamination while maintaining productivity.” 

Although the research is taking place in India, the challenge of reducing dietary exposure to inorganic arsenic is relevant internationally. As the UK relies heavily on imported rice, advances in farming methods that reduce arsenic uptake at source could contribute to wider efforts to minimise consumers’ long-term exposure. 

The findings are particularly relevant because the UK Food Standards Agency* advises that children under five should not be given rice milk as a substitute for other milks because of naturally occurring inorganic arsenic. Young children are among those most exposed because they eat more food relative to their body weight, while emerging evidence suggests exposure during pregnancy and early childhood may affect foetal and infant development.* 

Rather than relying solely on tighter food standards after harvest, Jajati’s work demonstrates that arsenic can be reduced where it matters most – on the farm. By equipping growers with practical, evidence-based techniques, the programme aims to produce safer rice before it reaches the food supply, benefiting farming communities and farming alike.