IRRI - International Rice Research Institute
IRRI - International Rice Research Institute
09/16/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/16/2024 15:41
Vietnam’s 1-Million Hectare Rice Program shows promising results
Soc Trang Province, Vietnam (September 4, 2024)-The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), in collaboration with the International Rice Research Institute, conducted a seasonal review meeting for the 1-Million Hectare High Quality and Low Emission Rice Program. The meeting coincided with the Harvesting Day of a pilot farm in Soc Trang Province.
The program, to be implemented across the 12 provinces in the Mekong River Delta (MRD), aims to promote sustainable, high-quality rice production and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The 7 pilot models, representing diverse ecological subregions and soil types, were implemented in 5 selected provinces in MRD from the summer-autumn 2024 season.
Mr. Le Thanh Tung, Deputy Director of the Department of Crop Production (DCP), presented the seasonal report on the 7 pilot farms. The report highlighted significant increases in farmer profits (12-20%) and yields compared to traditional methods. Input costs were reduced by 10-15%, lowering production costs. However, challenges such as a lack of commitment among cooperative members and misrepresenting the program's objectives were identified.
Dr. Nguyen Van Hung, senior scientist at IRRI, shared insights into the farming efficiency and profitability of the pilot farms. Dr. Hung reported that the pilot models applying mechanized direct seeding reduced seeding rates by at least 50%, reduced N application by 30%, and increased yield by more than 7%. This increase is partly due to reduced lodging, a common issue in rice production," he shared.
Dr. Mai Van Trinh, Director of the Institute for Agricultural Environment, reported on the greenhouse gas emission reduction achieved in the pilot models. For example, the Can Tho pilot model reduced emissions by up to 12 tons of CO2 equivalent per hectare compared to traditional practices. The pilot models in Tra Vinh and Soc Trang also achieved impressive reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, showcasing the potential of low-emission rice farming practices to mitigate climate change.
Dr. Tran Thanh Nam, Vice Minister of MARD, emphasized the program's importance in raising farmers' awareness of sustainable farming practices and improving their livelihoods. He said, "Many farmers were initially skeptical about the program, believing that reduced inputs would lead to lower yields. However, numerous farmers were eager to join the program after one crop of pilot farming models."
Vice Minister Nam also emphasized that cooperatives should be strengthened to achieve the program's success, businesses should participate in producing high-quality, low-emission rice, and new rice varieties should be developed. He added that continued support from all levels of government and international organizations is needed to ensure the program's success.
As part of the event, the Vietnam Rice Industry Association, MARD's implementing partner in this program, awarded a certificate to Hung Loi Cooperative for successfully implementing a high-quality and low-emission rice farming model. A farming contract was also signed between Hung Loi Cooperative and Ong Tho Company. Additionally, DCP distributed the sustainable farming technical guidelines to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development representatives of the 12 Mekong Delta provinces to promote the program's adoption.
Another event highlight showcased the potential of mechanization in promoting the rice straw-based circular economy.
The event was attended by over 400 stakeholders, including government officials, international organizations, private sector representatives, and cooperatives and farmers.