By Leander C. Domingo

LOW-CARBON rice farming practices and technologies as well as carbon credit opportunities in agriculture were introduced to more than 100 stakeholders from across the rice value chain in a workshop led by the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (Searca) on April 23.

Arnan Araza of Leads Agri Digital and Climate-Smart Agriculture gave an overview of climate change and its impact on the Philippine rice sector. He detailed different strategies to reduce greenhouse gas and carbon emissions from rice farming through climate-smart agriculture, including alternate wetting and drying (AWD) irrigation, and efficient water and fertilizer management.

The adoption of AWD irrigation is supported by digital tools such as reporting and verification systems, drones and environmental sensors. Araza added that these technologies are instrumental in accurately verifying both emissions and the corresponding carbon credits, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Bryan Baltazar, Science and Technology fellow at the Department of Science and Technology in Region 3 (Central Luzon), discusses the basics of methane emission measurement in rice-based farming systems. PHOTO FROM SEARCA

Araza urged the participants, composed of rice farmer groups and associations, irrigators’ associations, and key officials from the municipal agricultural office and local government units to take proactive steps through policymaking, community initiatives or individual lifestyle changes to contribute to climate resilience in agriculture.Jovino de Dios, the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) Agronomy Soils and Plant Physiology Division head, presented practical and water-efficient techniques that can significantly reduce carbon emissions in irrigated rice systems. He said, “Proper water management is one of the most accessible and impactful solutions for smallholder farmers.” Bryan Baltazar, Department of Science and Technology Region 3 (Central Luzon) Science and Technology fellow, discussed the basics of methane emission measurement in rice-based farming systems. Citing methodologies such as the static chamber method, micrometeorology and remote sensing, he explained how these tools aid in understanding the environmental impact of rice farming and in facilitating participation in climate finance mechanisms like carbon credit programs.

Raffy Rey Hipolito, Santa Rosa municipal administrator, emphasized the importance of multi-stakeholder and inter-institutional collaboration in addressing climate change at the community level.

Maria Christina Corales and Stella Faye Estrella, both from the Searca Emerging Innovation for Growth Department (EIGD) program, gathered stakeholders’ feedback and attitudes toward adopting low-carbon practices, the support they need and interest in participating in pilot projects for carbon credit initiatives.

Eric Reynoso, Searca EIGD program head, called on stakeholders to “continue working together toward cultivating not only rice but also resilience, opportunity and a more sustainable future for rural communities.” Searca held the workshop in partnership with Leads Agricultural Products Corp., PhilRice and the municipal government of Santa Rosa in Nueva Ecija province.

Published Date: May 10, 2025