Policy Framework for Myanmar Rice Production and In-Depth Study on Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Abstract

This study assesses the interactive nature of rice and climate change in the context of Myanmar, one of the largest rice-producing countries. In the first section, special emphasis is given to the current situation of Myanmar’s rice production as affected by climate change alongside with possible adaptation strategies. Since only a small share (23.6 %) of the rice area is irrigated, low precipitation climate extremes directly translate into either drought problems due to limited access of water in case of drought or flood problems due to limited drainage. Moreover, more than half of the national rice production derives from the Ayaryewady delta, so that Myanmar’s food security is very susceptible to impacts triggered tropical cyclones such as “Nargis” in 2008. The scope of adaptation to climate change is elaborated at different levels ranging technical options for increasing resilience of the rice crop to policies that alleviate risks for farmers.

In the second section, the study provides a quantification and mapping of CH4 emissions, the most important greenhouse gas (GHG) from flooded rice fields. These results are set into perspective of a possible reduction of CH4 emissions through Alternate Wetting and Drying in irrigated rice that has been shown an efficient mitigation strategy in other countries. Myanmar’s rice production, however, is dominated by rainfed systems, so the mitigation potential of water-saving irrigation is constrained to 18% of the total emissions from rice production. In turn, other options such as improved straw management will be crucial for lower GHG emissions in rainfed rice areas.