The JIRCAS research proposal has been provisionally* selected as a new research project in the field of environment and energy for the FY2023 Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development (SATREPS) program, which is jointly implemented by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
In this research, JIRCAS will scale up its research on reducing methane emissions from rice paddies through water management, which has been conducted in Pursat Province, Cambodia, with the aim of social implementation. Through this research, we will also contribute to the development of the “Sustainable Food Systems Strategy MIDORI" in the Asia-Monsoon region.
*Temporary measure until an agreement is reached in working-level discussions with the partner country institution and the joint research can officially begin.
Title of Research Project：Development and Social Implementation of Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Technologies in Paddy Fields of West Tonle Sap Lake by Establishing a Large Paddy Area Water Management System
Principal Investigator : IZUMI Taro, Rural Development Division
Main Partner Institution : Royal University of Agriculture, Cambodia
Summary of Research Project :
This esearch aims to establish an efficient water management system for the Damnak Ampil irrigation district in Pursat Province, Cambodia, where irrigation and drainage facilities have been developed through Japanese ODA. In addition, a large-scale "methane emission reduction water management system" will be developed to reduce methane emissions while maintaining the quality and yield of paddy rice by introducing the alternate wetting and drying (AWD) technology. We will also establish a methodology to effectively measure, report, and verify (MRV) greenhouse gas emissions from rice paddies in the target area through the use of ICT such as tower monitoring and drones. Furthermore, the methodology will be used to develop a method for generating "high quality" carbon credits to be used as an incentive for farmers. The developed "methane emission reduction water management system”, the MRV methodology, and the methodologies for generating and utilizing "high quality" carbon credits will be packaged together to create a model that simultaneously achieves climate change mitigation and improves farmers' livelihoods.
JST Press Release： https://www.jst.go.jp/pr/info/info1620/index_e.html
JICA Press Release：https://www.jica.go.jp/english/news/press/2023/20230518_41.html
SATREPS is a program implemented as part of efforts to strengthen “science and technology diplomacy" and promotes international joint research on global-scale issues based on the needs of developing countries. Through the activities of SATREPS, including the newly selected project above, JIRCAS will actively respond to the SDGs and contribute to the international community by solving global-scale issues through international joint research.