‘3 Reductions, 3 Gains’ paves the way for low-emission rice production

During this year’s winter-spring crop, Phu Gia Agricultural Cooperative in Phu Vang Commune, Hue, implemented a 20-hectare model applying the “3 Reductions, 3 Gains” technical approach, along with water and straw management measures, to promote low-emission rice production.

Field observations show that the rice plants are growing healthily and uniformly, with fewer pests and diseases and higher yields compared to traditional farming methods. Ms. Le Thi Ngoc, a participating farmer, said her family cultivates 0.5 hectares of rice. Previously, they used dense sowing methods that required large amounts of seeds and fertilizers, as well as frequent pesticide spraying.

“This season feels completely different after applying the ‘3 Reductions, 3 Gains’ model. Although the technical process is still new to local farmers, it is easy to implement and brings many advantages compared to traditional practices. Thanks to advanced cultivation techniques and better pest management, seed usage has decreased significantly, the fields are more ventilated, pest outbreaks are lower, production costs have fallen, and the rice is still growing well, especially with far fewer pesticide applications. Both I and other cooperative members are very encouraged,” Ms. Ngoc shared.

Mr. Dao Duc Toan, Director of Phu Gia Agricultural Cooperative, said the model has been supported and implemented by the Hue Agricultural Extension Center and has delivered promising initial results. The synchronized application of technical measures has not only reduced seed rates, nitrogen fertilizer use, and pesticide spraying frequency, but also improved rice grain quality. In addition, the combination of proper water management and post-harvest straw treatment has helped lower production costs, improve soil quality, and reduce environmental pollution.

“Recently, the cooperative coordinated with the Hue Agricultural Extension Center to organize a field workshop to evaluate the model. Farmers directly visited the fields and discussed both the advantages and challenges encountered during implementation. Field assessments from the 2025-2026 winter-spring crop showed that rice grown under the model was healthier, less affected by pests and diseases, and achieved higher yields compared to conventional farming methods,” Mr. Toan said.

The model simultaneously applies measures to reduce seed use, fertilizers, and pesticides, combined with Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) irrigation and straw management practices, including avoiding straw burning and instead incorporating or composting straw with microbial treatments.

In recent years, the Hue Agricultural Extension Center has implemented similar rice cultivation models, including the application of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), across various localities in Hue, helping farmers gain access to and adopt new scientific and technical advances in agricultural production.

Mr. Chau Ngoc Phi, Director of the Hue Agricultural Extension Center, said that during this winter–spring crop, the model has been implemented across 315 hectares at 18 cooperatives throughout Hue.

Initial results show that the model delivers clear advantages over traditional farming methods. Seed use has been reduced by around 20-30%, nitrogen fertilizer use by 15-20%, and pesticide spraying frequency has fallen to just two to three applications per crop, thereby lowering input costs. Rice yields under the model during the winter–spring season are estimated to increase by 5-10%, contributing to improved economic returns for farmers.

In addition, the application of alternate wetting and drying (AWD) irrigation has helped reduce methane emissions from rice fields compared to conventional cultivation methods. Post-harvest straw management has also minimized straw burning, improved soil quality, and reduced air pollution.

“Farmers participating in the model receive support covering 50% of the cost of purchasing straw balers; 50% of investment costs for rice transplanters, seeders, spraying equipment, drying systems, and processing facilities; and 50-70% of seed and agricultural input costs under production linkage projects. Farmers are also supported through training, technical transfer programs, and demonstration models, creating favorable conditions for adopting advanced cultivation methods and promoting sustainable, low-emission rice production,” Mr. Phi said.

According to the Hue Agricultural Extension Center, the “3 Reductions, 3 Gains” technique is part of the Integrated Crop Management (ICM) system, which combines nutrient management with Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The model applies synchronized technical measures suited to local ecological conditions in order to promote healthy crop growth, limit pest outbreaks, reduce pesticide use, and improve production efficiency.

The application of key IPM principles, including cultivating healthy crops, conducting regular field monitoring, enabling farmers to become field experts, managing pests effectively, and protecting natural enemies, serves as one of the scientific foundations of the “3 Reductions, 3 Gains” model. The Department of Agriculture and Environment of Hue has directed the simultaneous application of cultivation, biological, and chemical measures under IPM to implement the model effectively.

“In the coming time, we will intensify communication and dissemination efforts so that farmers can better understand and proactively adopt the model. We will continue developing and expanding low-emission rice production models tailored to the practical conditions of each locality. At the same time, we will strengthen training and technical transfer activities through hands-on approaches, helping farmers improve their ability to identify pests and use agricultural inputs safely and effectively.

We will also promote the role of cooperatives and local authorities in encouraging farmers to strictly follow technical procedures, especially in the management and environmentally friendly treatment of post-harvest straw,” said Mr. Chau Ngoc Phi, Director of the Hue Agricultural Extension Center.