Because of the need to feed and clothe the increasing human population, agricultural production has been increasing worldwide. This increased agricultural production would not be possible without the increased input of plant available nitrogen. The use of synthetic fertilizer increased from near zero six decades ago to about 450 million tons annually today. However, the nitrogen added is not used efficiently and large losses can occur (Frenery, 2011). Much oflossesoccur in the form of nitrous oxide (N2O)emissionsthrough biological nitrification and de-nitrification processes, ammonia volatilization especially in alkaline conditions, leaching where rainfall exceeds evapotranspiration, and run-off. It was estimated that the inefficiencies and overuse of synthetic fertilizer in the agricultural systems of some GMS countries cause as much as 18% of global N2O produced by the fertilizers that enters the atmosphere. Nitrous oxide is an important long-lived greenhouse gases and its atmospheric life-time is 120 years. It has heat-trapping ability 289 times greater than that of carbon dioxide. Thus, the governments of the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS) are increasingly concerned about the risks posed by rising and inefficientuse of synthetic nitrogen fertilizers and its impact on climate change as well as on soil, water, and the environment. To reduce the impact of N2O emission from agricultural sector, it needs to manage the application of fertilizer nitrogen very efficiently. Thus, the “Improving the Efficiency of Nitrogen Cycle Management in the GMS” project has been proposed.

The project is being implemented under ADB TA 8163 REG: Implementing the GMS Core Agriculture Support Program Phase 2 (CASP 2) and funded by ADB, Government of Sweden (Sida), Nordic Development Fund (NDF) and Water Finance Partnership Facility (WFPF), Switzerland. It is a short term technical support, research and demonstration project. The focal implementing partner in Myanmar is DoA. The DoA has acquired the guidance by NSSU and technical supportby NIRAS’ expert at Working Group on Agricultural Secretariat in Bangkok in the implementation of LoA activities.

Under the output 3 of CASP 2: Increased adoption of gender-responsive and climate friendly agriculture, the Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) Management project focuses on integrated nutrient management system to mitigate nitrogen nutrient losses due to N2O emission in crop production through improving the efficiency of nitrogen cycle management. Furthermore, it also focussesonimproving crop productivity and enhancingmarket access for NUE farmers.

The project has been implemented in two regions such as Dakhinathiri, and Pokebathiri Township in Nay Pyi Taw and Shwebo Township in Saggaing Region. Firstly, the project conducted preliminary survey to understand the current status of nutrient management practices and gender issues on decision-making process,gender roles and gender needs in farming system of targeted regions. To disseminate knowledge regarding potential economic benefit through efficient nitrogen management practices, twenty model demonstration farms (at least 20% women managed model farms) for rice crop and 30 demonstration farms (at least 20% women managed model farms) for maize were conducted in those two regions. These demonstration farms will be linked to market network. To promote the market access, contract-farming system was developed in collaboration with the private sector under the project. Among the 50 model demonstration farms, 2 model farms for rice crop and 2 model farms for maize crop have been selected to be experimental sites and established to become the long-term model farms on NUE. In addition, in order to prove how integrated nitrogen nutrient management improve nitrogen use efficiency of crop and reduce nitrous oxide emission from rice field, practical field measurement of nitrous oxide in rice field was conducted. To strengthenknowledge of climate friendly agriculture and efficient nitrogen management practices to improve nitrogen use efficiency incropping, training to trainers, training to farmersand exchange visitsare also included in the project’s activities. From the findings and achievement of preliminary survey, research, field days and exchange visit relating to nitrogen fertilizer management issues, plus a policy study and national dialogue, the recommendations for policy support to promote NUE will be identified and submitted to MOALI for endorsement.

It is expected that the project’s introduced best Nitrogen (N₂) management practice by applying chemical nitrogen fertilizer together with biochar and other organic sources will: l) increasenumber of NUE farms by 30%; of which, 30% are managed by female farmers; 2) increase yield of NUEfarms by 15% compared to conventional practices; 3) increase nitrogen fertilizer use efficiency by 30% which result in an increased income of 20 % for crops/land benefiting from NUE. Results by the end of February 2018 (or by end of project) will be compared with the baseline estimates madeearly 2017, prior to the start of the project.

There are 6 main outputs with 12 indicators to be achieved, by the end of project as shown in Table 1.

Table 1. Outputs Indicators and Targets

Project Immediate Outcome:

As the Project commenced in October 2017, the achievement of project outcome cannot be seen yet. However, NUE farmers have got knowledgeon how to effectively utilize by-products of milling rice such as rice husk through making biochar instead of burning. Farmers realize that leaf colors of plants consistently show green color under the application of chemical fertilizers together with organic sources. Achievement of specific stated outcome will be assessed and discussed in the next progress report.