Organic fertilizers cut pollution in rice farming

Increasing organic fertilizers, reducing chemicals

On April 2, in Oc Eo commune, the An Giang Agricultural Extension Center coordinated with Green Fertilizer Technology Joint Stock Company (under TH True Milk Group) to organize a workshop aiming to evaluate the model "Rice production using Greenma organic fertilizers in the 2025–2026 winter–spring crop." The event attracted participation from specialized agencies, local authorities, cooperatives, and a large number of farmers from both within and outside the area.

The model is being implemented at Son Hoa Agricultural Cooperative (Son Hoa hamlet, Oc Eo commune) with a synchronized technical process. From the beginning of the crop, farmers applied approximately 600 kg of Greenma organic fertilizer as a basal dressing while significantly reducing the use of inorganic fertilizers throughout the cultivation process.

According to Mr. Phan Thanh Bac, Head of Son Hoa Agricultural Cooperative, initial results show that chemical fertilizer use has been reduced by about 170 kg/ha, equivalent to a decrease of over 30% compared to traditional methods. Despite reduced use of inorganic fertilizers, rice plants still grow well, with strong root development that enhances nutrient uptake. In the fields, rice plants develop uniformly, with sturdy stems, reduced falling, and improved resistance to pests and diseases.

Beyond direct impacts on crops, the addition of organic fertilizers has also markedly improved soil quality. The soil has become looser, with improved water retention and reduced compaction due to prolonged overuse of chemical fertilizers. This is a critical factor in the context of increasingly complex climate change, particularly in areas affected by drought and saltwater intrusion.

In parallel, the model applies advanced technical measures such as sparse sowing, water management using the alternate wetting and drying (AWD) method, and balanced fertilization tailored to each growth stage. As a result, nutrient use efficiency is improved, losses are minimized, and production costs are reduced.

Field observations show that yields in the model plots reach approximately 9.3 tons/ha, an increase of 0.5 tons/ha compared to control plots. This demonstrates that shifting to organic fertilizers not only maintains yields but also enhances grain quality, laying the foundation for high-value commodity production.

Opening pathways for sustainable production

One of the model's highlights is its effective pest control. Thanks to organically enriched soils and integrated pest management (IPM), major pests such as brown planthoppers, rice blast, and leaf rollers occur at low levels and do not significantly affect crop growth.

Pesticide applications have been reduced to 4 times/crop, two fewer than in traditional farming. Reduced chemical use not only lowers costs but also limits chemical residues in the fields, helping protect the environment and producers' health.

In terms of economic efficiency, although initial investment costs are higher due to the use of organic fertilizers, the model still generates greater overall profits. Thanks to reduced spending on inorganic fertilizers and pesticides and increased yields, profits reach approximately VND 35.6 million/ha, nearly VND 1 million/ha higher than in control fields.

More importantly, the model helps stabilize production costs, providing a foundation for developing high-quality rice sustainably. As markets increasingly favor clean, safe, and traceable products, this represents a significant advantage for farmers.

In addition to economic benefits, the shift to organic farming delivers long-term value, including reduced greenhouse gas emissions and minimized soil and water pollution. These are core elements in developing green agriculture and adapting to climate change.

Through the implementation process, farmers have gradually changed their production practices, boldly applying technical advances and reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers. The linkage among specialized agencies, enterprises, and cooperatives has helped establish a relatively complete value chain, from input supply and technical guidance to product consumption.

Based on these results, the rice production model using Greenma organic fertilizer in An Giang has demonstrated high feasibility and scalability. This direction is not only a solution to improve farmers' incomes but also a necessary step toward building a sustainable agroecology in the future.

* $1 = VND 26,362 - Source: Vietcombank