Seoul, Republic of Korea (ROK) – 17 April 2026 — The SMART-RICE Project was officially launched at the National Institute of Green Technology (NIGT), marking the start of a 24-month regional initiative to advance climate-smart rice production through digital innovation and regional collaboration.
The launch brought together project partners, technical experts, and advisory members from Cambodia, Viet Nam, and ROK, alongside representatives of the Mekong–Republic of Korea Cooperation Fund (MKCF), managed by Mekong Institute (MI). The event served as a platform to align partners on implementation priorities, governance arrangements, and expected results.
The SMART-RICE Project—“AI and Satellite-Based MRV for AWD-Enabled Sustainable Rice Cultivation in the Mekong Region”—aims to deploy advanced Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) systems combined with a Dynamic Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) Scheduler. These technologies will be piloted across 60 hectares of rice fields in Takeo Province, Cambodia, and An Giang Province, Viet Nam, working directly with smallholder farmers.
By integrating AI and satellite data, the project seeks to deliver measurable greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions, improve water-use efficiency, and support the generation of verified carbon credits—demonstrating how digital tools can translate into both environmental and economic benefits for farmers.
The launch featured a comprehensive project overview, presentation of baseline findings, and a first Project Advisory Committee (PAC) discussion. These sessions helped validate the implementation approach, refine monitoring frameworks, and strengthen coordination among partners, ensuring the project is positioned to deliver practical and scalable results.
Participants highlighted the importance of combining technological innovation with strong partnerships. The involvement of regional institutions, research organizations, and private sector partners is expected to enhance knowledge exchange and support the adaptation of solutions to local contexts.
As Fund Manager of the MKCF, MI plays a key role in ensuring the project’s quality, coherence, and impact—facilitating collaboration among partners and supporting the translation of innovative concepts into field-level implementation.
The SMART-RICE Project represents a concrete step toward low-emission, climate-resilient agriculture in the Mekong region, demonstrating how data-driven solutions and regional cooperation can support sustainable development while opening new opportunities for climate finance.
MI, through the MKCF, will continue to support the project’s implementation and share lessons learned to inform the scaling of climate-smart agricultural practices across the region.
