Kuala Lumpur, 16 November 2023 – KDDI Malaysia, a global telecommunications company, is set to take the lead in the charge of decarbonizing Malaysian paddy cultivation. This pioneering initiative marks a significant milestone in Malaysia and aims to introduce new methodologies in upstream paddy cultivation that have proven to reduce the release of methane from submerged paddy fields.
Together with Agrocloud Sdn. Bhd, a subsidiary of cloud services and technology integrator Key Alliance Group Bhd, today announced a landmark collaboration with the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) 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 Sdn Bhd. “This project provides a valuable opportunity to showcase the potential of technology in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural practices.”
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 (AWD) techniques, directly seeded rice (DSR), the use of biochar, and the introduction of new varieties of rice that are less methane-intensive.
“We are excited to be partnering with NCIA and KDDI Malaysia on this important project,” said Vishnu Nair, Managing Director of Agrocloud Sdn Bhd. “The decarbonization of Malaysian paddy cultivation is a crucial stride towards achieving our national Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 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.
“This is a significant step forward for Malaysia’s paddy industry,” said En. Mohamad Haris Bin Kader Sultan, Chief Executive Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA). “We have confidence in the success of this project, positioning Malaysia as a leader in sustainable agriculture.”
All contributors to this project deserve commendation for taking this pivotal initial step towards attaining national SDG targets.
