NAKHON RATSIMA — The Royal Irrigation Department is advancing efforts to increase forested areas to combat global warming through the planting of 4,072 saplings on over 20 rai or 32000 square metres of land at the Lam Chae Water Delivery and Maintenance Project in Khon Buri District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province.
This area serves as a pilot project for reinforcing irrigation areas, aiming towards the Carbon Credit Project. The activity was held on July 25, 2024, during celebrations honoring His Majesty the King’s 72nd birthday anniversary.
Mr. Wiwat Thitirattana-ast Director of Engineering division Regional Irrigation Office 8, and Mr.Somkiet Wiriyakulnant, Deputy Governor of Nakhon Ratchasima Province, jointly presided over the event. Representatives from provincial and district government agencies, local administrative organizations, residents, students, state enterprises, private sector organizations, and the media attended.
Youth representatives participating in the tree planting came from Ban Khokbaibua School, Ban Khokkrachai Nonkoom School, and Ban Mapbkrad School.
Viwat stated that the Royal Irrigation Department is prepared to enhance its operations to achieve carbon neutrality and net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2065.
Additionally, policies have been established to align with the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives’ Agricultural Climate Change Adaptation Action Plan 2023-2027, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 1 million tons.
The Lam Chae Reservoir project has been actively engaged in reforestation efforts since 2021, having planted around 38 rai of forest. They have also participated in landscape enhancement and expansion of green spaces.
This year, they plan to grow an additional 20 rai of forest. The tree species planted include Yang Na, Makha Mong, Pradu Paa, and Payung, some of which were cultivated from seedlings by the Lam Chae Reservoir project’s staff. Reforestation activities will continue into the following year.
Furthermore, the Royal Irrigation Department plans to expand reforestation areas by implementing irrigation projects in various localities to survey potential areas for reforestation.
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Plan to Reduce Global Warming in Rice Cultivation
The Agricultural Action Plan to Address Climate Change 2023-2027 of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 1 million tons. The Royal Irrigation Department has been tasked with promoting and supporting alternate wetting and drying (AWD) rice cultivation in collaboration with the Rice Department.
The Royal Irrigation Department initiated the concept of AWD rice farming in 2015. In 2016, it was presented at the 2nd World Irrigation Forum and received the WatSave Awards.
The team has created a manual for AWD rice farming to guide farmers. This method has seen increased adoption among farmers. It has led to a reduction in water usage from 1,200 cubic meters per rai to no more than 860 cubic meters per rai. Additionally, it reduces fertilizer usage by 30-40% per rai and increases crop yields by 20-30% per rai.
Please note: 1 rai is equal to 1,600 square meters
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