Mechanization and biotechnology drive sustainable rice straw utilization in the Mekong Delta

Rice straw no longer an environmental burden

Every year, the Mekong Delta cultivates approximately 4 million hectares of rice, generating between 40 and 45 million tons of straw post-harvest. For years, the majority of this byproduct was either burned or plowed directly into the fields, causing air pollution, increasing greenhouse gas emissions, and wasting a valuable organic resource for the soil.

According to agricultural estimates, burning straw in the fields emits large quantities of CO2, CH4, and PM2.5 fine particulate matter, which damages the environment and directly impacts public health. Conversely, rice straw contains high nutrient levels and can be repurposed as a substrate for mushroom cultivation, livestock feed, organic fertilizer, or soil conditioner.

Recognizing this challenge, various localities across the Mekong Delta have recently pivoted toward applying mechanization and biotechnology to collect and process straw, focusing on a low-emission circular economy.

In Can Tho, farmers in rice cooperatives have begun changing their production habits. Instead of burning fields after harvest, straw is collected using baling and pressing machines directly on-site, which cleans the fields quickly, reduces labor costs, and generates additional income. The Tien Thuan Agricultural and Service Cooperative in Thanh Quoi Commune, Can Tho, is a pioneer in mechanized straw collection.

With support from the Center for Technology Transfer and Agricultural Advancements under the Southern Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology (IAS), the Can Tho Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, and research units, technical advances are being transferred to farmers. This initiative is part of a national agricultural extension program titled "Building a Mechanized Collection Model for Rice Straw Processing in Southern Provinces," enabling cooperatives to invest in machinery and organize collection chains.

The harvested straw is bundled and transported to collection points for mushroom cultivation, bio-bedding, animal feed, or processing into organic fertilizer to be returned to the fields. Nguyen Cao Khai, Director of the Tien Thuan Cooperative, stated that the efficiency lies not only in the rice crop but also in its byproducts. He noted that when straw is collected, farmers earn extra income while keeping the fields clean and reducing pollution, marking a long-term path for sustainable rice production.

Evidence shows that when straw is utilized correctly, its value far exceeds previous expectations. Pham Dinh Thieu, a member of the Tien Thuan Cooperative, is a prime example. He shared that during the last rice season, his family earned an additional 15 million VND (approximately 600 USD) just from selling and utilizing straw. He added that the fields are cleaner, the soil is more friable, and the environment is more pleasant, emphasizing that modern farming must account for straw as much as the rice grain itself.

The cooperative also utilizes spent straw from mushroom cultivation to produce organic compost for rice and vegetable production. This has significantly reduced chemical fertilizer costs while improving soil fertility and beneficial microorganisms.

Professional assessments indicate that traditional rice production yields an average annual income of 85 to 90 million VND per hectare. When combined with straw exploitation for mushrooms and organic fertilizer, total income can reach 130 to 135 million VND per hectare, an increase of over 40%.

Leverage from the 1-million-hectare high-quality rice project

In addition to collection, many localities in the Mekong Delta are promoting on-field straw treatment using biological products. This is considered the solution for areas where full collection is not feasible. New-generation microbial products help straw decompose rapidly in anaerobic conditions within just 3 to 5 days, preventing organic toxicity, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and replenishing soil nutrients.

Ngo Xuan Chinh, Director of the Center for Technology Transfer and Agricultural Advancements (IAS), stated that the model aims to transform waste into a resource. He explained that mechanized collection combined with biotechnology ensures straw is no longer an environmental burden but an input for various production chains.

Field results show that treating straw with microbes can reduce chemical fertilizer use by 20% to 30% in the following crop while improving soil structure and plant resilience. The project "Sustainable Development of 1 Million Hectares of Specialized High-Quality, Low-Emission Rice Linked to Green Growth in the Mekong Delta by 2030" is providing a major boost for these circular straw utilization models.

Under the project's orientation, straw is viewed as a vital component of the rice value chain rather than a discarded byproduct. New cultivation processes aim to reduce seed and fertilizer use, implement smart water management, and either remove straw from the fields or treat it biologically to lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Nguyen Thanh Thuy, Deputy Director of the Can Tho Plant Protection Department under the Can Tho Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, noted that effectively utilizing straw significantly increases value per unit of land. She emphasized that this is a key factor in raising farmer incomes amid rising input costs.

Experts from the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) believe farmers play a decisive role in the transition to circular, low-emission agriculture. For circular agriculture to succeed, policies must provide clear benefits to farmers. When the economic and environmental advantages become apparent, farmers will proactively adopt changes.

In Can Tho and across the Mekong Delta, support in machinery, techniques, and market outlets has encouraged farmers to abandon straw burning in favor of green production models. The application of mechanization and biotechnology is contributing to lower greenhouse gas emissions, a better living environment, and increased added value for the rice industry.

From the rice fields of Can Tho to Dong Thap, the "circular straw" model is spreading rapidly. This represents a shift in production mindset from focusing solely on the grain to comprehensively exploiting the value of the rice plant. As straw is correctly recognized as a resource, the Mekong Delta's agriculture is taking a firm step toward green, efficient development and climate change adaptation.

The Can Tho Ministry of Agriculture and Environment will continue to coordinate closely with domestic and international partners to help farmers and businesses access advanced technology. According to the plan, Can Tho will implement the 1-million-hectare rice project across 170,000 hectares by 2030, with 104,500 hectares scheduled for 2025.