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Project by Singapore lab to cultivate rice sustainably wins WEF award

Decarbonising Rice: A Sustainable Solution for a Greener Future

Decarbonising rice is a pioneering project that seeks to reduce methane emissions, conserve water, and increase rice yields.

Rice paddies are particularly prone to methane production due to the anaerobic conditions and the presence of microorganisms that thrive in these environments.

  • Organic matter in the soil is broken down by microorganisms.
  • The microorganisms produce methane as a byproduct of their metabolism.
  • The methane is released into the atmosphere through various pathways, including diffusion and microbial activity.The Impact of Methane Production on the Environment

    • The methane produced in rice paddies has a significant impact on the environment. It contributes to global greenhouse gas emissions, which are a major driver of climate change.

    IRRI said that the growing population is expected to drive a 30 per cent increase in rice demand by 2050. More frequent extreme weather events driven by climate change, such as drought and floods, threaten rice production.

    Trials in Laos

    The trials in Laos began in July 2024, marking the first step in the global rollout of the new technology. The trials were conducted in a controlled environment, with the aim of assessing the efficacy and safety of the technology in a real-world setting. The results of the trials in Laos will provide valuable insights into the performance of the technology in a tropical climate and with local crops. • The trials in Laos were conducted in a variety of settings, including rice paddies and forests. • The technology was tested in different soil types and under varying weather conditions.

    The Resilience of Temasek Rice

    Temasek rice, a type of rice that originated in Southeast Asia, has been found to possess remarkable resilience in the face of adversity.

    Understanding the Methane Emissions from Rice

    Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming. It is released through various natural and human activities, including agriculture. Rice cultivation is a significant source of methane emissions, accounting for approximately 15% of global emissions. The main reason for this is the anaerobic decomposition of organic matter in flooded rice paddies.

  • The type of rice variety used
  • The water depth and flooding schedule
  • The use of organic amendments
  • The presence of microorganisms

    • Measuring Methane Emissions

    Researchers use a technique called closed system to measure methane emissions from rice.

    Expanding to countries with a similar growing method to that of Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia, the programme is targeting countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. These countries share similar cultural and geographical characteristics with Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia, making them ideal for the expansion of the programme. Programme Expansion Strategy The programme is designed to expand to countries with traditional rice growing practices, focusing on regions with similar cultural and geographical characteristics to Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia.

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