IRRI and Thailand Rice Department strengthen collaboration on climate change initiatives

A delegation from the Thailand Rice Department (TRD) recently visited the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) Headquarters in the Philippines, strengthening the two institutions’ shared commitment to advancing sustainable rice production in Thailand and across the region.

The delegation, including Thai Rice Department Agricultural Research Officers Duangporn Vithoonjit, Kanoknop Klinla-or, and Ithipong Assaranurak, met IRRI scientists, engaging in meaningful discussions, seminars, and facility tours on 15-16 February 2024.

Several meetings were conducted with experts from IRRI's Rice Breeding Innovations (RBI) and Sustainable Impact through Rice-based Systems (SIRS) platforms providing valuable insights and revealing promising areas of collaboration. Among the topics discussed are the ongoing joint and related projects including ORYZA-DSSAT modeling, carbon markets, and the second phase of Reducing Methane Emissions from Rice (REMET-Rice).

In line with Thailand’s position as the top rice exporter in Southeast Asia, accounting for 8.2 M tons in annual exports according to USDA reports, as well as a role model in premium quality rice production, the discussions also highlight TRD’s interest in understanding premium grain quality traits and the fast-paced changing of consumer preferences beyond aromatic rice, underscoring the nutrition component and the value chain that can be created around it.

Also part of TRD's agenda was to conduct a brief seminar highlighting the department's ongoing work on climate change and future programs. This seminar, conducted by TRD Agricultural Research Officer Kanoknop Klinla-or showcased Thailand's dedication to addressing climate change challenges particularly the department’s efforts in greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation and adaptation strategies.

This visit highlighted the progress made in the longstanding partnership between IRRI and Thailand. The joint five-year work plan, signed the previous year by IRRI Thailand Country Representative Dr. Bjoern Ole Sander and Thai Rice Department Deputy Director General Dr. Chitnucha Buddhaboon, serves as the blueprint for collaborative efforts discussed during the visit.

"As we enter the next phase of our collaboration, our focus is on operationalizing the components outlined in our work plan. We will initiate some research priorities but also foster joint proposal development,″ said Dr. Sander.

The Thailand Rice Department and IRRI are set to identify the focal point for each of the six components under the TH-IRRI Collaborative Work Plan. This next step aims to streamline communication and coordination among TRD and IRRI scientists. Additionally, IRRI also discussed possibilities for potential internships, training, and Ph.D. scholarship opportunities for Thai nationals. These coordinated efforts underscore the commitment of TRD and IRRI to fostering a robust and mutually beneficial partnership.