Agricultural scientists and experts on Wednesday said that reducing methane emissions from agriculture depends on how effectively scientific knowledge is translated into farming practices, supported by strong institutions, clear guidelines, and farmer-driven delivery systems.
They made the remarks at a day-long workshop titled 鈥楳ethane Reduction in Agriculture: Bangladesh Perspective鈥�, organised by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Bangladesh Country Office at a hotel in the capital, said a press release.
Opening the first session of the four-day workshop series under IFAD鈥檚 Reducing Agricultural Methane Programme, IFAD country director for Bangladesh, Valantine Achancho, said, 鈥楤angladesh can cut methane from rice cultivation while protecting yields, lowering water use, and strengthening rural livelihoods. Today is about connecting science, policy, and field practice so that innovation translates into impact.鈥�
Speaking as a special guest, Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) director general Mohammad Khaleduzzaman said research evidence showed that methane emissions could be reduced by up to 37 to 40 per cent through the Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) technique.
鈥業f we introduce short-duration varieties, yield potential increases. That could be another option to mitigate methane emissions. We have the options but need to apply them, which requires collaboration between the government, NGOs, partners like IFAD, and other stakeholders,鈥� he added.
Plant physiologist and environmental scientist Jiban Krishna Biswas presented on 鈥楥limate-smart Agriculture: Addressing GHG Emissions鈥�, emphasising practical pathways to reduce methane while maintaining productivity and improving water efficiency.
BRRI senior scientific officer Mozammel Haque discussed 鈥楪reenhouse Gas Emissions in Bangladesh: Sectoral Trends and Mitigation Opportunities鈥�, while BRRI principal scientific officer Mahbubul Alam spoke on 鈥楾ranslating AWD Science: Evidence-based Guidelines for Effective Adoption.鈥�
