THE Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) said it has entered into a partnership with a Japanese agriculture technology firm to reduce rice-farm emissions.
In a statement, PhilRice said that it signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Sagri Co., Ltd., and the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) for a project seeking to reduce methane emissions in rice farming and provide carbon credits to rice farmers.
“This initiative brings cutting-edge Japanese agri-tech to the Philippine rice sector, allowing us to optimize water management, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and generate economic benefits through carbon credits,” Project Lead Kristine S. Pascual said.
A pilot farm will be set up in Sto. Domingo, Nueva Ecija.
“The research project will utilize Japan’s satellite-based big data, artificial intelligence, and machine learning technology to monitor methane reduction through the Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) irrigation method,” PhilRice added.
PhilRice said the project will compare AWD to conventional continuous flooding this dry season.
According to the agreement, PhilRice will provide technical expertise, while NIA will identify project areas, schedule irrigation, and offer technical support to farmer participants.
Sagri will oversee data analysis, predictive modeling, and remote sensing in collaboration with PhilRice.
Ms. Pascual added that the project will use on-the-ground and remote sensing approaches to validate AWD’s effectiveness in reducing methane emissions.
“By integrating Sagri’s satellite-based water level detection and carbon credit monitoring system, the research project aims to come up with a robust methodology that can be integrated with the Joint Credit Mechanism (JCM) methodology, a program that promotes low-carbon technologies in partner countries including the Philippines,” she said.
Through the JCM, the Philippines can harness international collaboration, access cutting-edge technology, and obtain funding to speed up the adoption of AWD. — Adrian H. Halili