Mitsubishi Corporation's rice-paddy methane reduction project approved under J-Credit scheme

TOKYO / Japan, 28 June 2023: Mitsubishi Corporation (MC) has announced that its application for the registration of its Rice-paddy methane-reduction project under Japan's J-Credit Scheme has been approved by the certification committee.

This project, aimed at reducing rice-paddy methane emissions by prolonging mid-season drainage periods, is part of MC's commitment to decarbonization initiatives.

Methane emissions from rice paddies contribute to approximately 40 percent of Japan's total methane emissions. In response to the challenges faced by Japan's agricultural sector, the Ministry of Forestry, Agriculture and Fisheries introduced the MIDORI strategy in May 2021. One of the key goals of this strategy is to reduce methane emissions.

Methane is generated in rice paddies when bacteria decompose organic materials such as rice straw and fertilizer. However, by extending the mid-season drainage periods during wet-land rice cultivation, methane emissions can be significantly reduced by up to 30 percent.

MC's project aims to monitor and evaluate the efforts made by rice growers to reduce methane emissions using this method. By accurately calculating the reduction amounts, MC facilitates the registration and certification of credits. This provides rice growers with an additional source of revenue, as the earned credits can be exchanged for monetary compensation.

To improve efficiency, MC plans to implement a support system leveraging technologies such as Agri-note, developed by MC Group company WaterCell Inc. Through this project, MC also intends to promote rice produced by growers actively engaged in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, thereby incentivizing farmers to embrace environmentally conscious practices.

Collaborative work with rice growers will commence in selected regions of the country during this fiscal year. The goal is to expand participation and encourage more growers, businesses, and stakeholders in Japan's agricultural sector to join the initiative over time.

MC's commitment to carbon neutrality, outlined in its roadmap, aims to transform the company into a net-zero greenhouse gas emissions entity by 2050. Under the "Midterm Corporate Strategy 2024 - Creating MC Shared Value," MC has pledged to drive energy (EX) and digital (DX) transformations to build a sustainable future. Through this project and other initiatives, MC continues to address the challenges faced by society and industry.

MC aims to optimize its activities across the agricultural products supply chain, including rice distribution and the provision of farming support systems. By reducing greenhouse gas emissions and creating economic value, the project will contribute to the decarbonization of Japanese agriculture while revitalizing regional communities.

About J-Credit Scheme

The J-Credit Scheme is a carbon-credit system jointly operated by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Ministry of the Environment, and Ministry of Forestry, Agriculture and Fisheries. It certifies and quantifies the reduction or removal of CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions resulting from energy conservation, renewable energy usage, forest management, and environmental protection efforts.

About MIDORI Strategy

The Strategy for Sustainable Food Systems - MIDORI aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, decrease the use of fossil-fuel-derived fertilizers, and mitigate other environmental impacts within Japan's agricultural sector. It also includes initiatives to preserve biodiversity, such as sustainable fishing practices.

About WaterCell Inc

WaterCell Inc., an MC Group company, specializes in digitizing and sharing farming data, as well as developing information platforms for producers. Their "Agri-note" farmer-support system is among the innovative solutions provided by the company.