Emission-reducing rice farming increases profits by 2.2 million VND/ha

Recently, the Department of Crop Production, in collaboration with the Dong Thap Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, has organized a preliminary evaluation of the pilot model of the 1 million hectares of high-quality, low-emission rice project, which is implemented on an area of over 43 hectares by 20 households in Lang Bien commune under Thang Loi Agricultural Service Cooperative (Thap Muoi district, Dong Thap).

According to Mr. Nguyen Van Hung, Director of Thang Loi Agricultural Service Cooperative, the model reduces by 80 kg of seed/ha, decreases the amount of fertilizer by 20-40%, and reduces the number of spraying pesticides. Straw is collected from the field. From there, farmers reduce production costs, increase rice grain quality, increase profits, reduce environmental pollution, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions (reduced by 4.92 tons CO2e/ha).

The model's rice production profit is 2.2 million VND/ha higher than the control. In addition, farmers have an additional income of 800,000–900,000 VND/ha thanks to selling straw.

With the model's effectiveness, the model is expected to be replicated in eight districts with a total area of 1,325 hectares and implemented continuously in three crops. 

Mr. Nguyen Phuoc Thien, Vice Chairman of the Dong Thap Provincial People's Committee, requested the Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to continue to coordinate with Thap Muoi district to well implement the pilot model in Lang Bien commune as well as develop a specific plan for replication in the remaining districts.

In the coming time, the Dong Thap Provincial People's Committee hopes that businesses and sponsors will continue to support and accompany the province in implementing the model. It is recommended that the province's agricultural sector research and invest in modern machinery and equipment to provide machinery rental services to farmers and cooperatives. At the same time, promote dissemination to farmers about the 1 million-hectare rice project.