Rice farmers can earn through carbon trading

Rice farmers have the potential to reduce their carbon emissions and earn through carbon trading if certain policy changes are implemented by the government, according to the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice).

- Jasper Emmanuel Arcalas

In a policy brief, PhilRice pointed out that the rice industry, which is the country's second largest greenhouse gas (GHG) emitter, can be reformed to allow local farmers earn and sell carbon credits to boost their profits.

The Department of Agricultureattached agency noted that rice farming accounts for 52 percent of farming accounts for 52 percent of the total agriculture emissions.

"Hence, rectifying certain practices in rice cultivation can substantially help reduce GHG emissions," PhilRice said.