GURUN, Nov 13- Two rice farmers from Pendang, Kedah were invited by the United Nations to attend the international conference - the 2024 U.N. Climate Change Conference (COP29) - in Baku, Azerbaijan from November 17th to 20th.

This was made possible through a cooperation with a MOSTI-status company, Bio Nexus Free The Seed, which is based in Gurun, Kedah.

The international conference officially commenced yesterday until November 22nd.

Free The Seed chief executive officer P. Ramaness said the selection of the two farmers was based on their commitment in reducing carbon emissions from the burning of rice straw.

"These two rice farmers will get a firsthand look at the 'no seed' activities for ways to reduce climate warming, as well as gain new knowledge since they are able to see for themselves the innovations that will be presented at COP29, which upon their return they can share with other farmers," he said when met by reporters in Gurun.

Meanwhile, the two farmers, Abdullah Mohamad, 58, and Keria Saad, 60, from the Pendang Selatan Area Farmers’ Organisation (PPK), expressed their gratitude for being selected to attend the conference.

Both will leave for Baku this Friday.

"When I go (to Baku) later, I hope to get the best possible experience and knowledge to bring back and share with other farmers," said Abdullah.

"I'm very happy to be chosen to go there, even though I'm busy with matters at the paddy field," said Keria.

Free The Seed company manufactures biodegradable products, which replace plastic and polystyrene, by using rice straw to help with environmental sustainability.

From 2018 until now, in collaboration with farmers at the Pendang Selatan Area Farmers’ Organisation (PPK), the company has purchased up to 4,500 metric tonnes of rice straw.