Translating research into practice is key to reducing agricultural methane: Experts

Reducing methane emissions from agriculture will depend on how effectively scientific insights are translated into everyday farming practice, supported by strong institutions, clear guidance, and farmer-driven delivery systems, said agricultural experts at a workshop today. 

The International Fund for Agricultural Development's (IFAD) Bangladesh office in Dhaka organised the four-day workshop titled "Methane Reduction in Agriculture: Bangladesh Perspective" to share evidence on rice methane mitigation, advance adoption of proven climate-smart practices such as Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) and build a common understanding of greenhouse gas dynamics among IFAD-financed project personnel. 

Speaking as a special guest at the first day-long session, Mohammad Khaleduzzaman, director general of the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI), said, "In our country, evidence from our research shows that up to 40% AWD can reduce methane if we introduce short-duration varieties, and the yield potential increases. That could be another option to mitigate our methane emissions. We have the option, but we need to apply. That needs collaboration between government, non-government organisations, partners like IFAD and other actors." 

Jiban Krishna Biswas, a plant physiologist and environmental scientist, delivered his presentation on "Climate-smart agriculture: Addressing GHG emissions." He stressed the practical pathways to reduce methane emissions while maintaining productivity and improving water efficiency.

IFAD Country Director for Bangladesh, Valantine Achancho, after inaugurating the workshop, said, "Bangladesh can cut methane from rice 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."

He also outlined three immediate priorities for scale, which are a clear and evidence-based AWD guidance that is simple to teach and monitor; institutional delivery systems that align training, extension and irrigation management; and strong data and learning mechanisms to track results and refine action.

Md Mozammel Haque, senior scientific officer at BRRI, spoke on "Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Bangladesh: Sectoral Trends and Mitigation Opportunities," while Md Mahbubul Alam, principal scientific officer and head of the Irrigation and Water Management Division at BRRI, presented on "Translating AWD Science: Evidence-based Guidelines for Effective Adoption."

Discussions highlighted that AWD can reduce methane emissions and irrigation water use without compromising yields when enabling conditions are in place, such as reliable water control, land levelling and timely irrigation scheduling. 

Demonstration plots, farmer-to-farmer exchange and practical monitoring tools were identified as critical to building confidence and accelerating uptake across IFAD-financed projects.

The workshop concluded with participatory group work, agreeing on next steps to translate lessons into field guidance, training modules, and light monitoring systems that can feed national reporting and inform policy dialogue.