Japan and IRRI Launch Rice Carbon Neutrality Project in the ASEAN Region

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ByJi-hyun

The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) of Japan, as well as their partners, gathered at the IRRI Headquarters located in Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines, to launch the “Development of Rice Cropping Systems Toward Carbon Neutrality and Food Security in ASEAN Countries” project.

The project is a key component of the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) CGIAR (Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research) Innovate for Food Regional Program. A five-year initiative, the project aims to attain climate neutrality and circular agriculture by significantly reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in rice production.

“Rice provides more than 20 percent of global caloric intake [and] while the crop has been crucial for food security, it is also a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, with methane from rice fields accounting for about 11 percent of agricultural emissions globally,” IRRI said in a statement.

Dr. Joanna Kane-Potaka, IRRI deputy director general for strategy, engagement, and impact, emphasized the significance of the collaboration, “This project is a transformative milestone for agriculture in the ASEAN region. It signifies a concerted effort to integrate sustainability into rice farming, a critical step toward reducing the agricultural sector’s environmental impact. We are excited to further strengthen our partnership with MAFF and pioneer solutions that benefit the agriculture sector.”

MAFF Deputy Director General Teruya Sakaida said, “Japan is proud to be the first Asian country to contribute to this program, which aims to enhance the resilience of ASEAN agri-food systems against climate change while achieving food security. I believe in IRRI’s research, development, and communication capabilities in delivering and scaling low-carbon rice cropping systems successfully.”

Starting in the Philippines and Vietnam, the project aims to set the stage for sustainable agricultural practices across ASEAN countries based on demand and partnership development. Additionally, IRRI stated that the initiative’s overall objective is centered on developing low-carbon rice cropping systems that will result in producing scaling strategies for reducing GHG emissions. Hot spots for innovation will be identified through life cycle assessment and validating rice innovations.

The institute also expounded on the other objectives of the project including developing low-carbon practices, management systems with stakeholders, and developing and proposing strategies for scaling the innovations across Southeast Asia.

“This project represents a pivotal moment in our efforts to combat climate change while ensuring food security in the ASEAN region. By integrating innovative low-carbon practices into rice farming, we aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions significantly and enhance agricultural sustainability. Our collaboration with MAFF and ASEAN member states will drive impactful solutions that benefit both farmers and the environment, paving the way for a more resilient and sustainable future for rice production,” said Dr. Jongsoo Shin, IRRI Regional Director for Asia and the ASEAN-CGIAR Innovate for Food Program Lead.

Hailing from California, USA. Ji-hyun is a Korean American 🇰🇷🇺🇸 with two growing boys who eat their weight in rice each week. After graduating UCLA & becoming a mom she started We Know Rice as a guide for all the students and moms out there looking to cook healthy and filling meals.