Outstanding results from SRI change farmers’ mindsets

During the 2026 spring crop, traditional rice cultivation practices across many rice fields in Ha Tinh are gradually being replaced by water-saving, input-reducing, and more environmentally friendly production methods. From initial pilot models, low-emission rice production is proving to be a promising direction as the agricultural sector adapts to climate change and pursues sustainable development goals.

Higher profits from applying SRI

In Minh Tien Hamlet, Tung Loc Commune, during this year’s spring crop, the family of Mr. Phan Dinh Minh applied alternate wetting and drying irrigation techniques for the first time on more than 4 sao of MHC2 rice. Unlike the traditional method of maintaining continuous flooding, water levels in the field were managed according to each stage of crop growth.

At first, Mr. Minh was concerned that insufficient water might reduce yields. However, after one production season, the results completely changed his perspective. “The rice fields became more aerated, the root systems grew stronger and pest pressure decreased significantly. Most importantly, irrigation water use dropped considerably while yields still reached around 800 kilograms of fresh rice per 1,000 square meters, and production costs were also lower than before,” Mr. Minh shared.

In addition to adopting water-saving irrigation techniques, many localities in Ha Tinh are promoting SRI combined with synchronized mechanization to reduce production costs and enhance the value of rice products.

In Van Cuu Hamlet, Gia Hanh Commune, an SRI model combining tray seedlings and mechanical transplanting across 10 hectares has delivered positive results. Sparse planting, proper water management, and increased use of organic microbial fertilizers have helped rice plants grow stronger, suffer fewer pest and disease problems, and resist lodging more effectively.

According to evaluations from the model, applying SRI helps save 25-50% of seed use, reduce fertilizer use by 20-30%, save 30-50% of irrigation water and significantly decrease the use of plant protection chemicals. Notably, throughout the production season, the model recorded almost no rice blast disease outbreaks. The rice plants grew uniformly with stronger stems and remained standing even during late-season storms and whirlwinds.

Beyond delivering higher economic efficiency, the model also contributes to soil improvement, enhances soil fertility and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

Gradually changing farming mindsets

Through practical models, low-emission rice production is gradually changing the farming mindset of farmers in Ha Tinh, shifting from small-scale cultivation heavily dependent on chemical inputs toward a more ecological, resource-efficient and sustainable approach.

In Toan Luu Commune, a rice production linkage model based on a value chain between Phu Ha Agricultural Cooperative and Que Lam Group Joint Stock Company has been implemented across around 30 hectares. The entire area follows organic production processes and SRI, using tray seedlings, rice transplanters and organic microbial and mineral-organic fertilizers.

Mr. Ha Dang Dung said that the synchronized application of technical solutions has helped reduce seed use, save irrigation water and improve soil fertility.

Meanwhile, in My Am Hamlet, Cam Xuyen Commune, an organic rice cultivation model for HG12 using tray seedlings and mechanical transplanting has been implemented on 4 hectares. The model uses only organic fertilizers and does not apply plant protection chemicals at any point in the production process. Field monitoring has shown that the rice has grown and developed well.

Mr. Phan Van Van said that thanks to the synchronized application of technical measures, the rice fields have grown well, labor requirements have been reduced and pest outbreaks have been minimized. In particular, damage caused by golden apple snails has declined significantly, with no serious rice destruction occurring as in previous crops.

During the 2026 spring crop, Ha Tinh recorded more than 4,300 hectares of rice across 15 communes and wards applying alternate wetting and drying irrigation methods, while 150 hectares in 12 communes and wards implemented SRI using techniques such as tray seedlings and mechanical transplanting, increased organic fertilizer use, reduced chemical fertilizers, integrated pest management and post-harvest straw collection.

According to Mr. Nguyen Thanh Hai, the province will continue implementing comprehensive measures under the low-emission crop production project for the 2025-2035 period, with a vision to 2050. Under the plan, Ha Tinh will organize efficient production on more than 14,100 hectares of consolidated farmland while promoting high-quality, low-emission rice production across more than 23,800 hectares in 766 designated production zones.

Based on the positive results achieved during the spring crop, Ha Tinh will continue expanding low-emission crop production models in the upcoming summer-autumn season. In particular, the area applying alternate wetting and drying irrigation is expected to reach around 6,000 hectares, an increase of 1,700 hectares compared to the spring crop, while the area applying SRI is projected at around 205 hectares across 14 communes and wards.