Suphan Buri: WAVE BCG Co., Ltd. (WAVE BCG) has partnered with PTT Energy Public Company Limited (PTG) to introduce the “Sustainable Rice, Reduce Methane with Alternating Wet and Dry Rice” project. This initiative collaborates with farmers in Suphan Buri Province to implement low-carbon agricultural practices on 500 rai of rice fields.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Korakot Songwunpiyaphan, CEO of WAVE BCG, stated that the company’s 2025 business plan includes the “Climate Project,” which focuses on developing and managing greenhouse gas emission reduction projects. Beginning with the agricultural sector, the project aims to introduce the “Alternate Wetting and Drying” (AWD) technique to Thai farmers in Suphan Buri and Pathum Thani provinces, covering more than 3,300 rai of rice fields. This method is intended to reduce methane emissions and assist organizations in meeting their greenhouse gas reduction targets, thereby contributing to global warming mitigation.
The project involves training farmers in the AWD method, utilizing an application to track early results and monitor the planting season. Data collection and carbon credit certification will occur by the third year. The initiative is recognized as a voluntary greenhouse gas reduction project under the Thailand Standard (T-VER), having undergone a public hearing process on March 30, 2025, at Wat Noen Mahachet in Suphan Buri Province.
The AWD technique is expected to decrease methane emissions significantly by allowing soil to dry intermittently, thus reducing anaerobic decomposition. Methane is known to contribute to global warming at a rate 25-28 times that of carbon dioxide. Additionally, this method is anticipated to enhance rice yields by promoting stronger root growth and disease resistance.
The market for carbon credits from the agricultural sector, particularly through AWD rice farming, is gaining traction in Thailand and internationally. The agricultural sector is the second-largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Thailand, with a significant portion originating from rice farming. In 2023, Thailand’s rice cultivation area was reported at 61.9 million rai, with potential for AWD farming on 10.6 million rai. This presents a crucial opportunity for developing carbon credits, with the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 0.3-0.4 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per rai using the AWD method.