1MH rice project creates strong impact thanks to social resources

According to a report by the Planning and Finance Department at the preparatory meeting for the review conference (scheduled for the end of this week), during the 2024–2025 period, the Project titled Sustainable Development of One Million Hectares (1MH) of High-Quality, Low-Emission Specialized Rice Associated with Green Growth in the Mekong Delta to 2030 focuses on implementing approximately 180,000 hectares of rice, mainly inherited from production areas under the VnSAT project.

In the next phase, up to 2030, the program will expand by an additional 800,000 hectares while upgrading infrastructure systems serving production. This is considered an important step in restructuring the rice sector toward higher quality, lower emissions, and climate change adaptation, in line with Vietnam’s green growth commitments in the new period.

Currently, six localities (after administrative mergers) have registered to participate. Among them, An Giang has the largest area, with approximately 530,000 hectares, followed by Dong Thap with 190,000 hectares and Tay Ninh with about 140,000 hectares. The proactive registration of large areas by localities demonstrates strong grassroots-level consensus and farmers’ confidence in the project’s long-term effectiveness, especially as rice production faces increasing pressures on costs and markets.

By the end of 2025, the rice cultivation area under the project exceeded 354,000 hectares, nearly doubling the initial plan. Over the past two years, dozens of production models have been implemented across localities. Notably, 100% of rice output from these models has been covered by purchase contracts signed with enterprises. This has significantly reduced the situation of bumper crops facing falling prices, ensured stable market outlets and enabled farmers to confidently invest in new cultivation processes with higher technical requirements.

Production areas have simultaneously applied various technical advances such as mechanical sowing, efficient water management and sustainable cultivation processes. As a result, 100% of the rice area in the models has been provided with proactive irrigation and drainage. Mechanization and process optimization not only help reduce labor costs but also limit post-harvest losses, laying the foundation for digital transformation in field management in the near future.

A key component of the project is the Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV) system for emission reductions. In 2025, this process was piloted in 11 models. Initial results show high feasibility, as both technical staff and farmers were able to apply it effectively. The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has also issued Decision No. 4801/2025/QD-BNNMT on piloting MRV in rice areas under the project.

The new cultivation models have helped reduce emissions by 3-4 tons of CO2 equivalent per hectare compared to traditional production methods. At the same time, the income of rice farmers participating in concentrated models increased by an average of 13.4%.

In addition to economic efficiency, the project has initially established a low-emission green rice brand. To date, more than 5,000 hectares of rice have been certified under this label. The low-emission rice brand is expected to create a clear competitive advantage for Vietnamese rice as global consumers increasingly prioritize environmental factors and product traceability.

Deputy Minister Tran Thanh Nam stated that over the past two years, the MRV process has been adjusted twice to better align with production realities. He emphasized that units directly involved in the project need to further clarify the direct benefits to farmers when shifting production methods, such as reducing seed rates, lowering input costs, and improving production efficiency.

According to the Deputy Minister, although no direct state budget has been used, the project has mobilized various social resources, including support from international organizations and local authorities. Most activities have been implemented flexibly by localities in accordance with the legal framework of Decree No.112/2024/ND-CP on support and development of rice cultivation land.

In the coming period, one of the key directions highlighted by the Deputy Minister is the treatment of straw in the fields to promote a circular economy in rice production. At the same time, the project will continue to strengthen participation in community agricultural extension and will cooperate with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) to expand low-emission cultivation models.

According to the Ministry’s leadership, although implemented for only two years, the project has already created a significant impact and attracted attention from both farmers and enterprises. “The project has strong vitality because it meets the practical needs of producers and the market,” Mr. Nam remarked.

After two years of implementation, the Project titled "Sustainable Development of One Million Hectares of High-Quality, Low-Emission Specialized Rice Associated with Green Growth in the Mekong Delta to 2030" has achieved many positive results. The area applying new cultivation processes has increased rapidly, nearly doubling the plan, while generating higher incomes for farmers and expanding export markets.