International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and Kubota Corporation have partnered to launched an experimental initiative aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in rice cultivation. This pioneering project combines Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) and rice straw removal techniques to achieve carbon neutrality without compromising food security. The initiative seeks to advance sustainable farming practices while maintaining food security, addressing the dual challenges of climate change and agricultural productivity.
Rice cultivation practices, particularly water and straw management, are known to release substantial amounts of GHGs, contributing to climate change. AWD is a water-saving technique that involves controlled irrigation, allowing the water level to drop to a specific point before re-irrigation. This method has been shown to lower emissions effectively.
Similarly, removing rice straw from fields prevents additional GHG release caused by straw decomposition. Together, these practices form the core of the ongoing field experiment under the IRRI-Kubota collaboration.
The project examines the combined impact of AWD and rice straw removal on GHG emissions, while also monitoring rice growth, yield, and quality. It is part of a broader initiative, “Development of Rice Cropping Systems Toward Carbon Neutrality and Food Security in ASEAN Countries,” funded by Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF). The initiative aligns with regional goals to promote climate neutrality and circular agriculture.
By integrating Kubota's agricultural mechanization expertise with IRRI's research capabilities, the partnership aims to scale sustainable practices across the rice-growing regions of Southeast Asia. This collaboration highlights the importance of co-developing low-carbon solutions that are practical, efficient, and scalable.
The project hopes to strike a balance between achieving food security and mitigating climate change by co-developing integrated strategies.
