Members of Parliament (MPs) on Sunday, November 2, 2025, embarked on a field visit to rice farms near Akuse in the Eastern Region to observe firsthand the methane emissions associated with rice cultivation.
The visit formed part of a broader initiative to deepen lawmakers’ understanding of agricultural greenhouse gases and inform policy responses to climate change.
In a statement on Parliament’s official Facebook page, it explained that the field trip followed a technical workshop on methane reduction strategies in agriculture, where experts identified rice paddies as a major source of methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
During the visit, the MPs engaged with local technicians and agricultural experts who explained how anaerobic conditions in flooded rice fields contribute to methane release, particularly during mid-growth stages when water levels are carefully maintained to support plant health.
They also toured the farms, interacted with farmers, and discussed mitigation options such as alternate wetting and drying techniques, improved seed varieties, and access to low-emission technologies.
Several MPs emphasized the need to align national climate goals with the realities of rural livelihoods, calling for expanded training, extension services, and affordable inputs to support farmers in adopting sustainable practices.
“What we saw today reinforces the need for practical, farmer-centered solutions that protect livelihoods while protecting the climate,” the statement highlighted.
Parliament is expected to incorporate insights from the visit into a broader policy framework that promotes sustainable agriculture, considers subsidies for climate-smart technologies, and strengthens extension programs in rural communities.
