Integrating IPHM into the 1-million-ha high-quality rice scheme

From “protecting crops” to “nurturing the ecosystem”

Following its administrative merger, An Giang has become the leading rice-producing province in the Mekong Delta thanks to expanded agricultural land and favorable ecological conditions. The province is pursuing a path of green, high-quality, low-emission rice production, selecting the Integrated Plant Health Management (IPHM) program as the technical backbone for implementing the “Scheme on sustainable production of 1-million-ha high-quality, low-emission rice associated with green growth across the Mekong Delta by 2030.”

This marks a shift from “protecting crops” to “nurturing the ecosystem” in rice cultivation. According to Nguyen Thi Le, Deputy Head of An Giang Sub-Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection, IPHM builds on traditional Integrated Pest Management (IPM) but goes much further. Rather than focusing solely on pests, IPHM manages the entire health of the rice ecosystem, including soil, water, nutrients, pests, diseases, and biodiversity.

The three core pillars of IPHM are the use of certified rice seed, integrated pest management practices, and reduced fertilizer and pesticide use. When applied consistently, farmers can save 15-20% on production costs, reduce environmental pollution, and improve food safety.

An Giang has the scale and goal big enough to create regional effects. This province has over 617,000 ha of rice land with a seasonal structure, including winter-spring, summer-autumn, autumn-winter, and autumn-autumn crops, each year planting more than 1.35 million hectares, yielding 8.5 - 8.7 million tons. These figures not only cement An Giang’s position as the “rice bowl of the rice bowl,” but also set the production demands in line with national and international standards, particularly on emission reduction, traceability, and food safety.

Building link chains to bring rice branding to a higher level

To ensure IPHM leaves its solid mark on rice fields, An Giang is expanding training efforts. By 2030, the province aims to have at least five nationally certified IPHM trainers, around 20 provincial-level trainers, and at least two IPHM officers in each commune with large rice-growing areas. The "learning by doing" training model, following the rice plant life cycle (about 13 weeks), will help local officers and farmers understand the ecosystem and make decisions based on field observations rather than relying on preventive spraying practices.

The province is also strengthening value chain linkages, with cooperatives adopting IPHM and partnering with companies to implement a closed-loop underwriting system for seed supply, cultivation support, harvesting, drying, processing, and purchasing. All parties joining the value chain are guaranteed stable inputs, reduced costs, secure output markets, and fairer value-sharing. In the long run, this will serve as the foundation for developing the An Giang rice brand, with quality varieties, production in accordance with Viet Nam’s green, low-emission rice standards, and consistent quality management of shipments.

IPHM is currently regarded as a crucial key to green growth. Reducing fertilizers and pesticides means cutting pollution and restoring ecological balance. Synchronized mechanization of production stages, application of digital agriculture, and alternate wetting and drying processes help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. As the environment and public health improve, the “hidden” costs of the food system decrease, and the competitiveness of green-cultivated Vietnamese rice will increase.

One thing to note is that broader adoption of IPHM practices requires stronger communication. Demonstration models consisting of control fields and IPHM-integrated fields must be organized continuously so that farmers can clearly see the effectiveness. The agricultural extension system, plant protection, and professional social organizations need to closely coordinate with farmers in the fields during each crop season.

Once IPHM becomes the standard farming practice rather than a model, the Scheme of 1-million-ha of high-quality rice will have a solid foundation in An Giang, ensuring farmer profits, environmental protection, and enhanced rice branding. This is the pathway for An Giang to maintain its role as a leader of sustainable rice production in Viet Nam in general and the Mekong Delta in particular.