Dr. Takanori Okamoto, a researcher at JIRCAS and a member of the SATREPS VaryAla Project (Output 3), traveled to Madagascar from November to December to begin field environmental analyses related to paddy rice productivity and greenhouse gas emissions.

During this trip, paddy field experimental plots were established at four sites representing major soil types and climatic conditions in Madagascar, and rice transplanting and fertilizer application were completed.
In addition, to establish a monitoring system for ferrous iron (Fe²⁺) concentrations throughout the growing season, soil samples were collected before and after transplanting, and analytical procedures for measuring ferrous iron concentrations were developed and adapted for implementation by local partner institutions.
Furthermore, to strengthen the sample storage system, a solar-powered refrigerator was installed, and technology transfer was conducted to enable regular sample collection and storage throughout the study period.