An Giang to unlock mechanized rice straw collection potential via mapping

Turning rice straw into a resource

The An Giang Department of Agriculture and Environment has coordinated with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) to hold a consultation workshop on assessment of large-scale mechanized rice straw collection potential across the province.

This marks the first time that a multidimensional, map-based approach has been applied in Viet Nam to evaluate the potential for mechanized rice straw collection. An Giang has been selected as a locality to provide practical feedback in order to refine the model.

According to experts, rice production in Viet Nam generates approximately 45–50 million tons of straw annually, with the Mekong Delta alone accounting for about 24 million tons. However, much of this biomass has yet to be effectively utilized. Open-field burning after harvest is still widespread (around 54%), causing environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

In addition, the practice of burying rice straw in waterlogged fields increases methane emissions and poses a risk of organic toxicity, which can affect subsequent crops. This remains a challenge that many rice-growing localities are seeking to address.

Dr. Katherine Nelson, a scientist of IRRI in Viet Nam, said that instead of treating rice straw as waste, it is necessary to regard it as a valuable resource. When mechanically collected and properly utilized, rice straw can serve as an input for mushroom production, organic fertilizers, biochar, animal feed, or biomass energy.

Sharing the same view, Mr. Le Van Dung, Deputy Director of the An Giang Agricultural Extension Center, noted that if collection, transportation, and consumption are well organized, rice straw can both increase farmers' income and help reduce field management costs, cut emissions, and create additional livelihoods in rural areas.

Mapping collection zones

The workshop focused on the introduction of methods to assess the potential for mechanized rice straw collection by crops. The approach integrates multiple factors, including cropping calendars, machinery accessibility, soil conditions, weather, transport infrastructure, and the current operations of straw collection facilities.

Based on input data, the research team developed zoning maps of collection potential at multiple levels, ranging from low to very high. This approach enables management agencies to clearly identify areas suitable for developing mechanized straw collection services, as well as those requiring additional infrastructure investment or adjustments in production organization.

At the workshop, representatives from specialized agencies, cooperatives, and enterprises directly exchanged views on the accuracy of the maps at each commune and production zone. Many comments focused on differences between crops, on-farm transport conditions, hauling distances, and market demand for rice straw.

Mr. Tran Thanh Hiep, Deputy Director of the An Giang Department of Agriculture and Environment, emphasized that accurately identifying areas suitable for mechanized straw collection would deliver dual benefits, reducing greenhouse gas emissions while expanding sustainable rice value chains and generating additional income for farmers.

An Giang province is currently at the peak of harvesting the 2025-2026 winter-spring rice crop, with more than 323,000 hectares harvested and an average yield of 7.78 tons per hectare, up 2.25% compared to the plan. Along with these results comes a very large volume of straw and residue. Each year, An Giang generates about 7 million tons of straw. If effectively managed, this abundant biomass source can become an important resource.

According to Mr. Le Van Dung, Deputy Director of the An Giang Provincial Extension Center, rice straw can be used for mushroom cultivation, organic fertilizer production, livestock feed, biomass pellets, or as raw material for bioproducts. On average, 1 ton of dry straw yields about 100 kg of fresh mushrooms, with the remaining residue returned to the soil to improve it, contributing to a circular system in agricultural production.