The Asian Development Bank (ADB), in collaboration with the Government of Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (JMAFF), established the Expert Committee (EC), together with ASEAN participating countries such as the Philippines and Viet Nam and well-established research institutes. This initiative aimed to share Japan’s knowledge and experiences in paddy field management to increase food production while reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the agriculture sector of the ASEAN region, contributing to sustainable agricultural practices and climate change mitigation.

Based on the discussions in the inaugural meeting of the EC on 31 January 2024 and the second EC meeting on 12 March 2024, the third EC meeting was held in Manila on 10 April 2024. At the third EC meeting, the ADB provided an opportunity for the EC to have an intensive discussion on laying out the issues and arguments for establishing a reliable methodology, including the quantitative conditions for drainage, monitoring parameters, and eligibility criteria for the application. The EC engaged in the discussions, seeking a balance that would ensure both the reliability and availability of the methodology with scientific evidence. A summary of the minutes of the third EC meeting is available below.

Summarizing the results of the discussions so far, the ADB planned to hold the fourth EC meeting on 14 May 2024, where it would present the draft methodology focusing mainly on the Philippines. As there were still issues to be further discussed to develop the methodology in Viet Nam, the EC Secretariat decided to divide the review process into two parts. The draft methodology in Viet Nam would be finalized after the development of the methodology in the Philippines.

These collaborative efforts represented a significant step forward in enhancing the environmental sustainability of the agriculture sector. The proceedings and outcomes of the pivotal meetings would be documented and made available on ADB's website.