The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) of Japan, in partnership with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and other collaborators, has embarked on an ambitious project to transform rice cropping systems in ASEAN countries. On June 24, 2024, stakeholders gathered at IRRI Headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna, to kick off the “Development of Rice Cropping Systems Toward Carbon Neutrality and Food Security in ASEAN Countries” initiative. This five-year project focuses on integrating sustainable agricultural practices with a carbon-neutral strategy, starting with the Philippines and Vietnam. 

Rice is a vital crop, providing over 20% of the global caloric intake. However, it is also a significant contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with methane from rice fields accounting for about 11% of global agricultural emissions. This project, part of the ASEAN-CGIAR Innovate for Food Regional Program, aims to reduce these emissions and promote circular agriculture, aiming for climate neutrality in rice production. 

Dr. Joanna Kane-Potaka, Deputy Director General for Partnerships and Impact at IRRI, emphasized the significance of this collaboration. She described it as a transformative milestone for ASEAN agriculture, aiming to integrate sustainability into rice farming and reduce the agricultural sector’s environmental impact. 

Japan, the first Asian country to contribute to this program, is committed to enhancing the resilience of ASEAN agri-food systems against climate change while ensuring food security. MAFF Deputy Director General Teruya Sakaida expressed confidence in IRRI’s capabilities to deliver and scale low-carbon rice cropping systems successfully. 

The project will focus on reducing GHG emissions, developing low-carbon crop management practices, and ensuring long-term food security. Implementation strategies include co-developing and testing integrated low-carbon farming practices, identifying intervention areas in rice-growing environments, and establishing partnerships with public and private sector stakeholders. 

Dr. Jongsoo Shin, IRRI Regional Director for Asia, emphasized the project’s pivotal role in combating climate change while ensuring food security. By integrating innovative low-carbon practices into rice farming, the initiative aims to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance agricultural sustainability, paving the way for a resilient and sustainable future for rice production in the ASEAN region. 

Source: 

https://www.irri.org/news-and-events/news/japan-and-irri-kick-rice-carbon-neutrality-project-asean-region 

https://ricenewstoday.com/japan-and-irri-launch-rice-carbon-neutrality-project-in-the-asean-region/