Khmer Times

The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), in collaboration with Cambodia’s General Directorate of Agriculture (GDA) of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), recently conducted an in-depth training session on Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions from rice cultivation, focusing on globally accepted quantification methods.

The training is part of the Accelerating Scaling of Low-Emissions Rice in Southeast Asia (AcceLER) project, a key initiative supported by the Global Methane Hub. The project’s goal is to help Southeast Asian nations reduce methane emissions from rice cultivation by 15% by 2030, contributing to global climate targets.

The training session attracted over 35 participants, including technical officers, researchers, and policymakers engaged in sustainable agriculture, climate change mitigation, and rice-based systems in Cambodia. The event was an opportunity for participants to gain hands-on experience and valuable insights from IRRI experts. These experts led practical sessions that equipped attendees with the knowledge to advance sustainable and low-emission rice farming practices.

One of the primary goals of the training was to highlight the critical role rice cultivation plays in global methane emissions. Flooded paddy fields create anaerobic conditions, making rice production a significant source of methane. Understanding the sources and methods of GHG quantification is crucial for designing strategies to reduce emissions and support climate action.

Key topics covered during the training included identifying the sources and impacts of GHG emissions from rice fields, an introduction to standardized quantification methodologies, best practices for reducing emissions while maintaining productivity, and the importance of accurate data collection for GHG quantification. Participants also learned to use tools like SECTOR (Source-selective and emission-adjusted GHG calculator for cropland) and FarMoRe (Farm Monitoring and Reporting) to estimate emissions from rice farming activities.

The training also emphasized the need to strengthen the capacity of government officials and policymakers to understand and implement GHG quantification methods. This will ensure more informed decision-making and better alignment with international climate agreements such as the Paris Agreement’s Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF).

The training was relevant to Cambodia’s efforts to develop its Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) framework for tracking methane mitigation actions in the rice sector.

By equipping stakeholders with the necessary skills and knowledge, the training empowers Cambodia to advance climate-smart rice production while contributing to the global fight against climate change. Through these efforts, Cambodia can track its progress more effectively and make meaningful strides toward achieving its climate goals.

Nurmi Pangesti, the IRRI Country Representative to Cambodia, said, “This training is a crucial step toward empowering local experts in quantifying GHG emissions, which will ultimately inform policy and enhance Cambodia’s capacity to report mitigation outcomes in compliance with international standards.”

Published Date: March 27, 2025