KUALA LUMPUR: Japan's telco giant KDDI Group is set to take the lead in the charge of decarbonising Malaysian paddy cultivation.
The pioneering initiative aims to introduce new methodologies in upstream paddy cultivation to reduce the release of methane from submerged paddy fields.
KDDI, through unit KDDI Malaysia Sdn Bhd, announced that it would work with Agrocloud Sdn. Bhd, a subsidiary of cloud services and technology integrator Key Alliance Group Bhd, and the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority on the initiative.
"KDDI Malaysia will assume an advisory role in the project and contribute technical expertise to the development of essential software tools required for scaling the project across Malaysia and the region. We are dedicated to supporting Malaysia's transition to a low-carbon economy," said Masaki Matsuura, managing director of KDDI Malaysia.
"This project provides a valuable opportunity to showcase the potential of technology in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural practices,": he added.
The project's focal point is the development and implementation of new technologies and practices aimed at mitigating methane emissions from paddy fields.
These include the adoption of alternative wetting and drying techniques, directly seeded rice, the use of biochar, and the introduction of new varieties of rice that are less methane-intensive.
Agrocloud managing director Vishnu Nair said the decarbonisation is a crucial stride towards achieving the national Sustainable Development Goals.
"Beyond mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, this project will open new avenues of revenue for paddy farmers.
"The project will be concluded within 18 months, it aims to initiate the decarbonization process in Malaysian paddy cultivation upon successful completion. This, in turn, will generate additional revenue streams for paddy farmers through the sale of carbon credits."
NCIA chief executive Mohamad Haris Kader Sultan said this is a significant step forward for Malaysia's paddy industry.
"We have confidence in the success of this project, positioning Malaysia as a leader in sustainable agriculture."