IFAD workshop highlights pathways to reduce methane in agriculture
Reducing methane emissions from agriculture will depend on how effectively scientific insights are translated into everyday farming practices—supported by strong institutions, clear guidance and farmer-driven delivery systems—speakers said at a workshop held today in Dhaka.
The day-long event, entitled 'Methane Reduction in Agriculture: Bangladesh Perspective', was organised by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Bangladesh Country Office. It aimed to share evidence on rice methane mitigation, promote adoption of proven climate-smart practices such as Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) and strengthen understanding of greenhouse gas (GHG) dynamics among IFAD-financed project personnel. The session marked the first in a four-day workshop series under IFAD's Reducing Agricultural Methane Programme (RAMP).
Dr Mohammad Khaleduzzaman, Director General of Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI), speaking as Special Guest, said,
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'Evidence from our research shows that AWD can reduce methane emissions by 37 to 40 per cent. Short-duration rice varieties also increase yield potential—another option to mitigate methane emissions. But we must apply these findings through collaboration among government, non-government organisations, IFAD and other partners', he said.
Dr Jiban Krishna Biswas, Plant Physiologist and Environmental Scientist, presented on 'Climate-smart agriculture: Addressing GHG emissions', focusing on practical pathways to cut methane while maintaining productivity and improving water efficiency.
Opening the workshop, Dr Valantine Achancho, IFAD Country Director for Bangladesh, 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 said.
He outlined three priorities for scaling up methane reduction: developing clear, evidence-based AWD guidance; aligning institutional delivery systems across training, extension and irrigation; and building strong data and learning mechanisms to track and refine actions.
Other speakers included Md Mozammel Haque, Senior Scientific Officer, BRRI, who presented 'Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Bangladesh: Sectoral Trends and Mitigation Opportunities', and Md Mahbubul Alam, Principal Scientific Officer and Head of Irrigation and Water Management Division, BRRI, who shared 'Translating AWD Science: Evidence-based Guidelines for Effective Adoption'.
Discussions underscored that AWD can significantly reduce methane and irrigation water use without compromising yields, provided enabling conditions such as reliable water control, proper land levelling and timely irrigation scheduling are ensured. Participants identified demonstration plots, farmer-to-farmer learning and practical monitoring tools as key to accelerating adoption across IFAD-financed projects.
The workshop concluded with participatory group work, defining next steps to translate lessons into field guidance, training modules and light monitoring systems to support national reporting and policy dialogue.
