Rice constitutes one of DFI's top Scope 3 product categories. (Image source:

Aiming to reduce GHG emissions in the rice industry, leading Asian retailer, DFI Retail Group has launched a low-carbon rice cultivation pilot programme in 2024 in Thailand

DFI seeks to promote the adoption of sustainable agriculture practices and enhance environmental awareness among its supply chains. This innovative programme successfully produced 110,000kg of certified low-carbon rice in 2024, achieving a minimum 30% reduction in GHG emissions on the rice fields compared to conventional cultivation methods.

Rice constitutes one of DFI's top Scope 3 product categories, accounting for approximately 6% of total Scope 3 emissions based on 2023 data. Traditional rice farming involves flooding fields for extended periods, which creates anaerobic conditions in the soil. This lack of oxygen allows microbes to release methane into the atmosphere, significantly impacting climate change.

In response, DFI collaborated with agricultural experts, the Thai government, and researchers to develop a low-carbon rice cultivation programme. The pilot programme partnered with 30 local farmers to implement sustainable farming techniques. These include:

• Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD): The programme uses an irrigation technique called AWD, reducing flooding to about 10 days. This approach not only conserves water, but also reduces methane emissions while maintaining production yields.
• Straw burning prohibition: Farmers were provided support to eliminate open-field burning of rice straw, significantly reducing carbon dioxide emissions and air pollution.
• Soil and fertiliser management: Soil quality and fertiliser application were closely monitored, with guidance from agricultural experts. Soil samples were also analysed to optimise nutrient use and minimise nitrous oxide emissions.

"Beyond value and quality, we are committed to sustainability. This programme exemplifies our dedication to pursuing sustainable goals," said group chief Legal, Governance and Corporate Affairs officer, Erica Chan. "We wish to influence the industry, our stakeholders across the value chain to take collective action towards a sustainable future." 

The Minister emphasised the availability of suitable technology to produce high quality seeds. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The Ministry of Agriculture in Indonesia has decided to set a target to make the country into the world's largest palm oil producer by 2025

Deputy Minister of Agriculture Sudaryono mentioned Indonesia's target to set prices at the earliest. Furthermore, he urged farmers and palm oil entrepreneurs to view palm oil plantations in the country as high-priority agricultural areas that contribute to the national economy. 

The Minister emphasised the availability of suitable technology to produce high quality seeds. Most importantly, the presence of B50 provides Indonesia the option to optimally absorb its palm oil outputs. To ensure a suitable contribution to the Indonesian economy, the government has also calculated the amount of palm oil that needs to be exported and allocated for domestic use.  

The initiative aims to boost palm oil yield and disease resistance. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

In an attempt to maintain productivity in the palm oil industry, Indonesia's Ministry of Agriculture has implemented a DNA tracing technology that enables industry players to access fruit quality

This technology is used in the period prior to sowing, when the seeds are thoroughly analysed to determine their quality. In partnership with a laboratory in north Sumatra's capital city of Medan, the ministry will also use this technology to establish standardisation and certification for top quality palm oil seeds. Despite these efforts however, counterfeit seeds are still making rounds in the market. 

Through this initiative, the ministry not only aims to boost yield and disease resistance, but also improve oil palm quality at the farmer level by providing adequate training and technical assistance. On the whole, the palm oil industry serves as an efficient means of employment that significantly contributes to national revenue. 

The mentorship programme is open to individuals seeking mentorship as well as industry professionals interested in offering their mentorship services. (Image source: Alltech)

Alltech has continued its collaboration with Expana's Women in Food & Agriculture (WFA) Mentorship Programme, which has been successful in matching more than 1,500 professionals, creating meaningful rela tionships that foster career growth and leadership development in the food and agriculture sectors

The programme aims to provide mentorship opportunities that help in supporting women across the global food and agriculture sectors. The initiative not only empowers women at various career stages but also addresses the critical shortage of mentors, which is considered a sector-wide challenge across the industry. This growing initiative tackles this issue by encouraging individuals with a range of experience and backgrounds to apply to be a mentor. 

"Mentorship is not a one-way street- it’s a collaborative journey that benefits both mentor and mentee. Everyone who takes part finds it incredibly rewarding," said Patrick Charlton, vice president of Europe at Alltech and a former mentor in the programme. "There are talented women out there looking to grow their careers; they simply need guidance and support. You can be part of that change."  

The mentorship programme is open to individuals seeking mentorship as well as industry professionals interested in offering their mentorship services. Applications for the free-to-join programme are now open.  The programme welcomes applications from across the global food and agriculture sector, and applicants will be personally matched based on their preferences and professional objectives.