IRRI Unveils MASEA Project in SEA to Cut Methane Emissions in Rice Farming

MASEA intends to integrate farmers into carbon markets, offering financial incentives for climate-smart agricultural practices

By Vaishali Mehta
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IRRI Launches MASEA Project to Cut Methane Emissions in Rice Farming

The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) has launched a new initiative focused on reducing the environmental impact of rice farming in Southeast Asia (SEA). The Methane Accelerator for Southeast Asia (MASEA), with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), seeks to lower methane emissions from rice fields in the region, which is a major contributor to global agricultural greenhouse gases.

Addressing Methane Emissions in Southeast Asia (MASEA)

Southeast Asia is a critical region for global rice production and is vulnerable to the effects of climate change. The region’s rice cultivation practices, particularly in flooded rice fields, contribute significantly to methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas. MASEA aims to mitigate these emissions by introducing practical solutions that reduce methane while helping smallholder farmers adapt to the changing climate.

In addition to environmental goals, MASEA intends to integrate farmers into carbon markets, offering financial incentives for climate-smart agricultural practices. This approach seeks to bridge the gap between sustainability efforts and economic benefits, encouraging the adoption of methane-reducing technologies. The project is also working to address the high costs and logistical challenges associated with monitoring these agricultural practices.

Farmer Surveys in Thailand

To gain insight into the costs and benefits of methane-reducing technologies, IRRI has launched a survey involving 400 rice farmers in Thailand. The survey, which will run from 1 October to 15 December 2024, is being conducted across five provinces: Phitsanulok, Kalasin, Suphan Buri, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, and Chai Nat. The goal is to gather critical data on the effectiveness of these technologies and understand farmers’ attitudes toward integrating carbon markets into their operations.

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A key part of the survey took place from 13 to 14 November 2024 in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province. There, IRRI, in collaboration with Kasetsart University, engaged 40 farmers. In addition to collecting survey data, the team conducted choice modeling discussions to examine factors such as carbon price supply elasticities and farmers’ preferences on how carbon credits should be paid for. This research aims to better understand the financial and risk considerations of farmers, which will help shape interventions that balance environmental goals with the economic needs of rice producers.

A Path Toward Sustainable Agriculture

MASEA represents a concerted effort to integrate sustainability into rice farming systems across Southeast Asia. By engaging farmers in the process, the project encourages the adoption of practices that not only reduce methane emissions but also provide financial benefits through carbon markets. As MASEA progresses, it illustrates a collaborative approach that combines science with the realities of farming to address global climate challenges while supporting local agricultural communities.

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