Achieving both methane reduction and increased farmer income: Presenting a scalable model geared toward the international credit market.
Green Carbon Inc. (CEO: Jun Okita, hereinafter “Green Carbon”), which develops a nature-based carbon credit generation and sales business, has released the “AWD Project Report: Thailand 2025,” which summarizes the results of its demonstration project for Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) （※1）in paddy fields conducted in Thailand.
This report provides a detailed overview of the verification of methane reduction effects based on direct measurements, as well as the evaluation of impacts on crop yields and farmer profits, conducted in collaboration with local universities and farmers. It also outlines project designs aimed at future large-scale deployment.
The report is a comprehensive document that demonstrates the feasibility of AWD implementation in Thailand from the perspectives of environmental value, economic viability, and investment eligibility.
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◆ Background of AWD Implementation in Thailand
Thailand is one of the world’s leading rice producers and exporters, with the agricultural sector accounting for approximately 18% of the country’s total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Emissions from rice cultivation represent about half of that figure, making the rice sector one of the most critical areas for climate change mitigation.
Furthermore, in recent years, Thailand has seen rapid progress in the development of institutions and infrastructure related to carbon credits, as outlined below:
| The Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM)（※2） between Japan and Thailand |
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| A framework has been established to utilize credits generated through greenhouse gas reduction projects to achieve the NDCs (Nationally Determined Contributions) of both Japan and Thailand. In the agricultural sector, reduction technologies based on direct measurement, such as AWD, hold the potential to be included in future JCM methodologies. |
| Article 6 Framework (International Transfer of Carbon Credits) with Singapore （※3） |
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| Thailand is one of the few Asian countries that has established a framework for the international transfer of carbon credits under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement with Singapore. This opens up possibilities for utilizing high-quality emission reductions generated within Thailand to meet international compliance demand, such as from Singaporean companies. |
| Bilateral Carbon Credit Cooperation with Switzerland |
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| Bilateral carbon credit cooperation with Switzerland is also underway, with emission reduction projects, including those in the agricultural sector, being considered and implemented. These initiatives demonstrate that Thailand is positioning itself as a provider of internationally reliable emission reductions. |
| Guidelines for the International Transfer of Carbon Credits by DCCE (The 3% Rule)（※4） |
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| The Thai government (DCCE) has established a guideline setting a 3% cap on the international transfer of carbon credits relative to total emissions (International Carbon Credit Guideline, DCCE 2025). This framework is designed as an institutional foundation to provide credits to the international market with environmental integrity while ensuring domestic greenhouse gas reduction achievements. |
Given this background, Thailand has emerged as one of the few key countries in Asia capable of simultaneously implementing “emissions reductions from rice cultivation” and “participation in the international credit market.”
◆ Project Overview
Green Carbon conducted AWD demonstration projects across multiple regions in Thailand in collaboration with local farmers and universities (such as Naresuan University, Mahidol University, and RMUTP).
In this project, emphasis was placed on obtaining quantitative and empirical data through the following initiatives:
- Installation of water level monitoring pipes
- AWD training for local farmers
- Direct measurement of methane emissions using chambers
- Data collection regarding crop yield, quality, and production costs
- Questionnaires and interviews with participating farmers
◆ Key Results
AWD is characterized by its ability to simultaneously achieve methane reduction, improve farmer profitability, and create added value, such as the generation of high-quality carbon credits and the production of eco-friendly (low-carbon) rice.
1. Methane Emission Reduction Effects
- Methane emissions were reduced by an average of approximately 49% through the implementation of AWD.
- Recorded reduction: 2.97 tCO₂e / ha / season.
- Obtained highly reliable data geared toward the generation of international carbon credits.
2. Impact on Yield and Farmer Income
- Increased yields were confirmed in many plots (with some cases exceeding 40%).
- One farmer owning 25 rai (4 ha) of paddy fields recorded an income increase of approximately 130% compared to the previous year (an increase of approx. 100,000 THB = 3,200 USD per season).
3. Farmer Acceptance
- 100% of participating farmers expressed a desire to continue AWD.
- Confirmed high praise for reduced water usage, improved yields, and contributions to environmental conservation.
◆ Future Outlook
Green Carbon believes that a phased expansion on a project-by-project basis, rather than a nationwide rollout all at once, is the most realistic approach for Thailand. We aim for sustainable and market-linked AWD deployment by advancing projects at the following scales:
- Up to 50,000 ha per project
- Estimated annual reductions: 5 tCO₂e / ha / year
- Cumulative reductions per project by 2030: Approximately 1 million tCO₂e
- Scalable according to the frameworks and requirements of JCM, Article 6 (for the Singapore market), and DCCE regulations
◆About Report (download)
This report provides a summary of the following:
- Background on rice cultivation and GHG emissions in Thailand
- AWD demonstration results (emission reductions, yields, and farmer income)
- Farmer questionnaires and acceptance analysis
- Future large-scale deployment and investment potential
○Download the full report here
※1: Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD)
A water management method in rice cultivation that involves alternating periods of flooding and natural drying of the paddy field every few days, based on monitored water levels. Compared to continuous flooding, AWD significantly reduces water usage and contributes to the conservation of water resources.
※2: Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM)
A mechanism where Japan and partner countries cooperate to reduce or remove greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, sharing the quantified results between both nations. In Japan, these quantified reductions can be utilized as carbon credits. The Japanese government has set targets to secure approximately 100 million t-CO2 in cumulative carbon credits by fiscal 2030 and approximately 200 million t-CO2 by fiscal 2040.
※3：Article 6 Framework (International Transfer of Carbon Credits) with Singapore
Reference https://www.mti.gov.sg/newsroom/singapore-signs-implementation-agreement-on-carbon-credits-collaboration-with-thailand/
※4：DCCE Guidelines for the International Transfer of Carbon Credits (The 3% Rule)
Reference https://www.dcce.go.th/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/International-Carbon-Credit-Guideline-1.pdf#:~:text=3.%20Any%20transfer%20of%20carbon%20credits%20which,whether%20entirely%20or%20partially%2C%20for%20the%20use
◆Green Carbon, Inc.
Representative: Jun Okita, CEO
Head Office: PREX North 9F, 2-3-2 Kojimachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Established: December 2019
Business Activities: Development and sales of carbon credits, agriculture-related projects, environmental projects, other related businesses, and ESG consulting
Website: https://green-carbon.co.jp/en/
◆ About Green Carbon
Guided by the vision of “Harnessing the power of life to save the Earth,” Green Carbon develops and supports projects that generate, register, and sell nature-based carbon credits both in Japan and abroad. The company is also engaged in agriculture-related businesses, R&D initiatives, and ESG consulting.
Its business activities span Japan, Southeast Asia, Australia, and South America, creating credits from rice paddies, biochar, forest conservation, carbon farming, mangrove planting, and cattle methane reduction. In Japan, Green Carbon obtained certification in FY2023 for the country’s first and one of the largest-scale rice paddy J-Credit projects (approx. 6,220 t). In FY2024, the company plans to expand this initiative to around 40,000 ha (approx. 80,000 t).
Green Carbon also provides “Agreen,” a one-stop platform service that streamlines the entire process of credit registration, application, and sales. By simplifying procedures and documentation, the service reduces the administrative burden on credit creators.
◆Green Carbon’s social media
Youtube ：https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYO4WnGOHDaVB1ikxheZasA
note ：https://note.com/green_carbon/
Facebook：https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557429326458
X ：https://mobile.x.com/GreenCarbon2019
Linkedin ：https://www.linkedin.com/company/green-carbon-inc/
Wantedly：https://www.wantedly.com/companies/greencarbon2019