Agrocloud Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of cloud services and technology integrator Key Alliance Group Bhd, announced a landmark collaboration with the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) and KDDI, a global telecommunications
company, to decarbonise Malaysian paddy cultivation.
This project is the first of its kind 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.
“We are excited to be partnering with NCIA and KDDI on this important project,” said Vishnu Nair, Managing Director of Agrocloud Sdn Bhd. “Decarbonising Malaysian paddy cultivation is a crucial step in achieving our national Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This project will not only help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but eventually supplement the income of paddy farmers.”
The project will focus on the development and implementation of new technologies and practices that can reduce methane emissions from paddy fields. These technologies include the use of alternative weeding 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.
KDDI will play an advisory role in the project and will also provide technical experience in the development of software tools that will be required when the project is scaled across Malaysia and
regionally.
“We are committed to supporting Malaysia’s transition to a low-carbon economy,” said Masaki Matsuura, Managing Director of KDDI Malaysia Sdn Bhd. “This project is a valuable opportunity to demonstrate the potential of technology to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture.”
The project is expected to be completed within 18 months. Upon successful completion, the project will begin the process of converging Malaysian paddy cultivation down the decarbonisation path. This will create new revenue streams for paddy farmers through the sale of carbon credits.
