The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) of Japan, the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), and partners launched the “Development of Rice Cropping Systems Toward Carbon Neutrality and Food Security in ASEAN Countries” project at IRRI Headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna. This five-year initiative, part of the ASEAN-CGIAR Innovate for Food Regional Program, aims to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in rice production, a significant contributor to global agricultural emissions. 

Rice is crucial for global food security but also a major source of methane emissions, accounting for about 11% of agricultural GHG emissions. The project, starting in the Philippines and Vietnam, seeks to develop sustainable agricultural practices across ASEAN countries. Key objectives include identifying GHG emission hotspots through life cycle assessment, co-developing low-carbon crop management practices, and ensuring long-term food security while achieving carbon neutrality. 

Dr. Joanna Kane-Potaka highlighted the project’s significance, stating, “This project is a transformative milestone for agriculture in the ASEAN region, integrating sustainability into rice farming and reducing the agricultural sector’s environmental impact.” MAFF Deputy Director General Teruya Sakaida expressed pride in Japan’s contribution, emphasizing IRRI’s capability in scaling low-carbon rice cropping systems. 

The project will focus on developing and testing integrated low-carbon farming practices, establishing partnerships with stakeholders, and scaling these innovations across ASEAN countries. It aims to create an inventory of promising technologies, evaluate their performance, and publish findings to support widespread adoption. Dr. Jongsoo Shin of IRRI emphasized the project’s role in combating climate change and enhancing agricultural sustainability, benefiting both farmers and the environment. 

Sources: 

https://www.adobomagazine.com/sustainability/the-international-rice-research-institute-launches-project-to-make-agricultural-practices-more-sustainable/ 

https://ricenewstoday.com/irri-vietnam-launches-model-rice-fields-to-promote-sustainable-agriculture/