Ha Tinh expands SRI rice cultivation across 14 communes and wards

In the 2026 summer-autumn season, Ha Tinh Province is continuing to expand the adoption of the System of Rice Intensification (SRI), integrating mechanization, organic fertilizer use, and market-linked production models to improve farming efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and strengthen climate resilience.

Building on the positive results achieved during the spring crop, many localities have proactively expanded rice cultivation under organic and ecological production systems. These efforts are gradually creating concentrated commercial rice-growing areas connected to businesses through product off-take partnerships.

Expanding organic rice production through value-chain partnerships

During the 2026 spring crop, Can Loc Commune partnered with the Que Lam Group to pilot a 5.6-hectare rice production model based on the company's value-chain approach. The project used DT39 rice varieties and organic fertilizers while integrating production with guaranteed market access.

After one season, the model delivered promising results, including lower seed and input requirements, reduced pest pressure, lower production costs, and improved yields and grain quality. The company's commitment to purchasing the harvest also gave farmers greater confidence in production. Encouraged by these outcomes, the commune has expanded the linked cultivation area to 11 hectares for the 2026 summer-autumn crop.

According to Dang Phuc Tung, a farmer in Can Loc Commune, participants in the model rely entirely on organic fertilizers, avoid herbicides, and minimize the use of chemical crop protection products. As a result, rice production becomes safer while contributing to healthier soils and a more sustainable farming environment.

To encourage farmer participation, local authorities provide VND 6 million per hectare in support and cover 50% of seed costs. The partnering company offers direct technical guidance and guarantees the purchase of all freshly harvested rice.

According to Nguyen Thanh Canh, Deputy Head of the Economic Division of Can Loc Commune, value-chain partnerships not only improve economic returns but also help transform farmers' production practices toward a more organized, professional, and sustainable model.

In line with Ha Tinh Province's Organic Agriculture Development Plan for 2024-2030 and Directive No. 03-CT/TU on promoting ecological agriculture, many localities are actively expanding organic, low-emission rice production models. Supporting these efforts, the Que Lam Group continues to provide production inputs, technical assistance, and market linkages to help farmers adopt sustainable farming practices and secure stable outlets for their products.

Advancing mechanization and low-emission rice production

Alongside enterprise-linked production zones, low-emission rice farming is gaining momentum across Ha Tinh Province. During the 2026 summer-autumn season, the Ha Tinh Agricultural Extension Center, in collaboration with local authorities, is implementing a 25.4-hectare project titled "Application of SRI techniques linked to market-oriented rice production." The project covers 13.1 hectares in Ky Xuan Commune and 12.3 hectares in Thach Ha Commune.

The model integrates a range of advanced farming practices, including the use of tray seedlings and rice transplanters, water-saving irrigation management, increased application of organic fertilizers, and greater mechanization throughout the production process.

In Ky Xuan Commune, farmers are cultivating the DT39 rice variety using Que Lam organic fertilizers under a production model linked to a corporate buyer. Participants receive production inputs, technical support, and guaranteed market access, helping ensure both efficient cultivation and stable returns.

In Thach Ha Commune, the model is being implemented on more than 13 hectares, incorporating a range of practices designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from rice production. Farmers are trained to adopt alternate wetting and drying (AWD) irrigation, use tray seedlings and rice transplanters, apply fertilizers and crop protection products with drones, and increase the use of organic and microbial fertilizers to partially replace chemical inputs.

According to Nguyen Dinh Duc, Deputy Head of the Economic Division of Thach Ha Commune, low-emission rice production is well aligned with the locality's agricultural restructuring strategy. The commune plans to continue monitoring and evaluating the performance of these models as a basis for broader adoption in the coming years.

Phan Van Huan, Head of the Crop Production Division under the Ha Tinh Sub-Department of Crop Production and Animal Husbandry, said that expanding SRI-based farming models is helping promote greener, low-emission rice production while improving economic efficiency, accelerating mechanization, and enhancing environmental sustainability.

$1 = VND 26,408 (Source: Vietcombank).