Achievements from low-emission rice cultivation

Rice production meets and surpasses multiple targets

In 2025, against the backdrop of climate change, unpredictable weather patterns, and fluctuating agricultural input prices, An Giang’s Department of Plant Production and Protection still recorded positive results. These achievements reaffirm the pillar role of agricultural production, particularly the rice industry. Key indicators for cultivated area, yield, and total output essentially met and surpassed set plans. Furthermore, the scaling of numerous technical advances and sustainable production models has established an important foundation for 2026 and the period leading up to 2030.

According to the An Giang Department of Plant Production and Protection, the province has cumulatively sown over 1.34 million hectares of rice year-to-date, reaching 100% of the plan based on the 8.5% growth scenario. Harvested area has exceeded 1.2 million hectares, with a total output of over 8 million tons of rice, reflecting the immense efforts of the agricultural sector and farmers despite numerous challenges.

All rice crops throughout the year achieved positive results. The 2024-2025 seasonal crop reached an average yield of 5.38 tons/ha, exceeding the plan. Despite weather impacts, the 2024-2025 Winter-Spring crop achieved a yield of 7.58 tons/ha. The 2025 Summer-Autumn crop reached an estimated yield of 6.04 tons/ha, with output increasing by more than 3% compared to the target. The 2025 Autumn-Winter crop is currently being harvested, with an estimated yield of 5.74 tons/ha, higher than the initial plan.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Le, Deputy Director of the An Giang Department of Plant Production and Protection, stated: "The 2025 rice production results demonstrate the great proactivity of local authorities in strictly following seasonal schedules, applying technical advances, and adhering to professional recommendations. In particular, the gradual shift towards sustainable farming and reduced input costs has helped farmers stabilize yields and increase economic efficiency."

One of the most prominent highlights of An Giang’s crop production in 2025 is the implementation results of the "Sustainable Development of one million hectares of high-quality, low-emission rice cultivation associated with green growth in the Mekong Delta" project. This year, An Giang province set a target to participate in the project with an area of over 142,000 hectares, and actual results have exceeded expectations.

Specifically, the area applying three to five of the project's criteria (reduced seed usage, water management, reduced fertilizer, reduced pesticides, and straw collection) has expanded significantly. Over 150,000 hectares met three criteria, more than 108,000 hectares met four, and over 43,000 hectares fulfilled all five criteria. As a result, production costs have dropped markedly, while farmers' profits have increased by several million to nearly ten million VND per hectare.

Demonstration models in An Giang have shown clear economic and environmental benefits: costs are reduced by an average of over 4 million VND/ha, while yields and profits have increased by more than 9 million VND/ha compared to traditional farming. This serves as a significant motivation for farmers to confidently change their production habits.

In Go Quao commune, many farmers participating in the low-emission rice farming model reported visible efficiency as early as 2025. Mr. Nguyen Van T., a participating farmer, shared: “By following the new process, using lower seeding rates and reducing fertilizer and pesticide application, the rice still grows well without any drop in yield. Most importantly, costs are down, profits are up, and the fields are cleaner.”

This confidence is further reinforced as the 2026 rice crops are being sown following the high-quality, low-emission direction, promising to expand in both acreage and efficiency in the coming time.

Production linked with market outlets

Tri Ton commune, an area with a vast rice acreage, continues to affirm its role as a bright spot in agricultural development linked to value chain integration. Mr. Tran Van Cuong, Chairman of the Tri Ton Commune People's Committee, stated: “Tri Ton identifies agriculture as the economic backbone. We focus on developing production through partnerships with enterprises, linking farming with guaranteed off-take agreements. In particular, the 'One million hectares of high-quality, low-emission rice cultivation associated with green growth in the Mekong Delta' project has encouraged farmers to boldly participate in low-emission rice farming, thereby significantly increasing profits.”

According to Mr. Cuong, despite the impacts of weather and pests, Tri Ton's total cultivated area in 2025 met the set targets. Local trade and service activities have also grown strongly, effectively serving the people's lives and creating a supportive foundation for agricultural production.

In addition, many effective cooperatives, such as the Loc Phat 1 Cooperative, Chau Lang Cooperative, and TVP Nui To Organic Cooperative, have contributed to value chain integration, enhancing both productivity and product quality. Notably, Tri Ton boasts three national-level 5-star OCOP products: thick palmyra palm nectar, granulated palmyra palm nectar, and powdered palmyra palm nectar by Palmania JSC, along with four 3-star OCOP products, contributing to the diversification of rural livelihoods.

Entering 2026, An Giang’s Department of Plant Production and Protection is determined to continue expanding the area of high-quality rice, promoting mechanization and digital transformation, strengthening cooperatives, and enhancing linkages with enterprises for agricultural consumption and export. The focus will be on investing in in-field irrigation infrastructure and improving the organizational capacity of cooperatives and collaborative groups. Simultaneously, the province will invite enterprises to participate more deeply in the rice value chain and fruit processing for export.

The Plant Production and Protection Department will continue to accompany local authorities and farmers, focusing on technical training and raising awareness of sustainable, low-emission production. The goal is to simultaneously increase farmers' income and build the brand of An Giang’s high-quality, eco-friendly rice.

"With the achievements of 2025, alongside clear directions and solutions for 2026, An Giang's crop production and plant protection sector is gradually affirming its rightful path. This contributes significantly to green and sustainable agricultural development and enhances the value of An Giang’s rice grains," Ms. Nguyen Thi Le emphasized in her concluding remarks.

$ 1 = VND 26.340 - Source: Vietcombank.