Breakthroughs in high-quality, low-emission rice cultivation

(Chinhphu.vn) - Three pilot models of the 2025 Summer-Autumn crop recorded impressive results, affirming the effectiveness of the Project on 1 million hectares of high-quality, low-emission rice associated with green growth and the potential to change the face of Vietnamese agriculture.

High-quality, low-emission rice model associated with green growth in Ca Mau - Photo: VGP/LS

Building on the success of 2024, with a 30-50% reduction in seed quantity, saving 30-70 kg of nitrogen/ha and increasing productivity by up to 13.7%, three pilot models of the Summer-Autumn crop in 2025 under the Project "Sustainable development of 1 million hectares of high-quality and low-emission rice cultivation associated with green growth in the Mekong Delta by 2030" continue to record outstanding achievements.

Accordingly, Hiep Xuan Phu Cooperative (An Giang) achieved a yield of 6.48 tons/ha - an increase of 9% and an increase in net profit of 8.1 million VND/ha compared to the control. Hong Phat Cooperative (Ca Mau) achieved a yield of 6.73 tons/ha (an increase of 4.6%) with a net profit increase of 4.6 million VND/ha compared to the control farmers. My Thanh Bac Agricultural Service Cooperative (Dong Thap) also successfully applied advanced techniques. Results from 150 pilot hectares confirmed the feasibility of the model in different ecological zones.

Breakthrough from advanced technology and engineering

The key to success lies in the synchronous application of technical processes developed according to the "Handbook of technical processes and production of high-quality and low-emission rice in the Mekong Delta" issued by the Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection ( Ministry of Agriculture and Environment ).

The technique of mechanized row sowing combined with deep fertilization brings outstanding efficiency. With only 70 kg of seeds/ha instead of 140-200 kg like traditional farming, farmers save 50-65% of seeds, equivalent to 0.9-2.2 million VND/ha. Applying mechanized row sowing combined with fertilization and specialized nutrient management helps reduce 6-17 kg of nitrogen/ha. In particular, applying integrated pest management (IPM) has significantly reduced the number of spraying times: An Giang reduced from 9 to 8 times, Ca Mau and Dong Thap from 11 to 8 times and from 9 to 6 times.

Dr. Nguyen Van Hung, Senior Scientist of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), commented: "The results from three pilot models for the 2025 Summer-Autumn crop are clear evidence of the feasibility of high-quality, low-emission agriculture in Vietnam. The harmonious combination of modern technology and local farmers' knowledge has demonstrated the effectiveness of applying practices on 1 million hectares and upgrading the rice value chain. Reducing agricultural inputs (seeds, fertilizers, pesticides), reducing greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining productivity shows that Vietnam is pioneering the global green agriculture trend. IRRI always accompanies and is ready to cooperate in developing models and replicating technologies to serve the Program."

Scientists and people participate in the high-quality, low-emission rice model - Photo: VGP/LS

Economic and environmental efficiency go hand in hand

A key achievement is the transition to sustainable straw management. Instead of burning straw, which causes pollution, farmers collect it to produce straw mushrooms or compost, creating a closed value chain. This solution not only reduces emissions but also brings in additional income, while improving the arable land - the true meaning of "green circular agricultural economy".

Within the framework of the above pilot models, MRV activities (measurement, reporting and verification of greenhouse gas emissions) have also been implemented according to the MRV guidelines of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and technical support from IRRI, recording many positive results and valuable lessons.

Data collection was systematically conducted through digital platforms such as Kobo Toolbox and FarMoRe. Water level monitoring using measuring tubes and field photography was carried out effectively, greatly supporting accurate data reporting. Some challenges were also noted, especially in field management, monitoring and timely data aggregation by SPOT unit. These are important experiences to help guide and implement MRV activities better in the next rice crop.

The MRV pilot is not only a technical step but also a demonstration of the multi-sectoral, multi-level coordination capacity between domestic agencies and international partners such as IRRI. The initial results have laid the foundation for replicating the model, towards a greener, more efficient and more sustainable Vietnamese agriculture.

Ms. Le Kieu Hieu, Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection of Ca Mau province shared: " Through monitoring the implementation of the model in the locality, we have recorded a positive change in farmers' awareness. From initial doubts, farmers are now enthusiastically applying new techniques because they see practical benefits. Straw management both protects the environment and creates new income. Ca Mau commits to actively expanding the model in the locality to accompany other provinces in sustainable rice cultivation."

Sharing the same opinion, Mr. Nguyen Hong Phuc, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director of Hong Phat Agricultural Service Cooperative, said: "The members use high-quality rice varieties certified as OM18, mechanized row sowing combined with burying fertilizer, alternate wet and dry water management (AWD), fertilizing in specialized areas, and integrated pest management (IPM) to help the rice grow healthy and have fewer pests. Collecting straw to grow mushrooms and make organic fertilizer not only protects the environment but also increases income. The results exceed expectations both economically and environmentally. This is the right direction for the future of agriculture."

A solid foundation for the future

With consecutive positive results from 2024 to the Summer-Autumn crop of 2025, the 1 million hectare project has built a solid foundation for the replication phase. Effective cooperation between the Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection, local Departments of Agriculture and Environment, IRRI and international partners through the WorldBank-MomP, CGIAR-Sustainable Farming, CGIAR-Scaling for Impact, USDA-Fertilize Right, MKCF-RiceEco, and AcceLER projects has created important resources for research and implementation.

The World Bank and CGIAR organizations play a key role in providing financial support and technology transfer, enabling Vietnam to deploy this model on a large scale.

Up to now, the pilot models have confirmed that Vietnam is completely capable of developing an agriculture that is both economically efficient and environmentally friendly. This success not only opens up prospects for the rice industry but also orients sustainable development for the entire agricultural sector, contributing to affirming the country's position on the world agricultural map.

Le Son

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/nhung-buoc-tien-vuot-bac-trong-canh-tac-lua-chat-luong-cao-phat-thai-thap-102250913232742306.htm